Money
Learning How to Manage Your Money
Cash. Moola. Bucks. No matter what you call it, earning your own money feels great! You can feel proud, more independent, and ready to make choices about how to spend, save, and share what you’ve earned.
Knowing how to manage your money is an important life skill. It can help you reach your goals, avoid stress, and make smart choices for your future.
Money Safety Tips
- Protect your personal information. Never share your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords unless you know it’s safe.
- Use secure payment methods. Debit and credit cards often have fraud protection—cash does not.
- Watch for scams. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Keep your money in a safe place. A bank or credit union account is safer than keeping cash at home.
- Check your bank statements. Look for any charges you don’t recognize and report them right away.
Key Resources:
- Hands on Banking: Free financial education tools.
- MyMoney.gov: Learn about earning, saving, and protecting your money.
- FDIC Money Smart for Young People: Free money lessons and activities.
More Helpful Topics to Explore
Things You Can Do Now in High School
Decide on your goals.
Think about what you want to use your money for—both now and in the future.
Separate short-term and long-term goals.
- Short-term: Things you can save for in the next few weeks or months (like a new phone, event tickets, or clothes).
- Long-term: Things that take more time to save for (like a car, college, or moving out on your own).
Prioritize your needs and wants.
Focus on what you need first, then look at what you want.
Get tools and tips.
Check out Hands on Banking for free lessons on saving, spending, and planning for your goals.
What I’ve Done and What’s Next
From this list, which are done and what do you want to work on next?
Ask a family member, friend or teacher to help you!
- I’ve set at least one short-term and one long-term money goal.
- I know the difference between needs and wants.
- I’ve tried a tool like Hands on Banking to learn more about managing money.
- I know ways to keep my money and personal information safe.
- I’ve made (or started) a budget.