Potential Magazine winter 2012 | Page 12

life 101 teaching teens to budget starting now pays off 12 Jumpstart your teen’s financial future by teaching them the basics of managing finances from the beginning. “BUDGET” ISN’T A DIRTY WORD The word budget may send your teenagers into a frenzy as they try to figure out why they are being punished, mainly because budgeting is often seen as something that forces people to deprive themselves of anything but necessities. But in truth, budgeting can empower us financially, and the best way for your teens to learn it is to do it. Jessica Pigg, business development manager at Guardian Credit Union, recommends involving teens in daily household budgeting and financial activities. “This will lay a foundation that will prepare them to stand firmly on their own and make sound financial decisions in the future,” she said. www.potentialmagazine.com