Personal Finance Concepts All High School Students Should Know

For good reason, many high school students are focused on an academically rigorous course load. Unfortunately, personal finance – a topic they need to understand to survive in life – is rarely taught in school in a comprehensive way.

As a parent, the duty often falls on you. Not sure where to start? Here are some topics that will help start your discussions about financial fitness.

Buying that first car
If your high school student is ready for their first car, point them to makes and models known to be reliable, safe, and cost-effective. If a car loan can’t be avoided, then turn it into a discussion on borrowing and debt. Even if you’re covering the costs, explain the concept of monthly payments, default, etc.

Responsible credit management
As students turn 18 and head to college or the working world, they’ll likely start getting credit card offers. Few young people, however, have the discipline to pay off credit card bills on time, every time. Before they arrive on campus or at their first post-high school job, make sure you introduce them to credit card best practices, like keeping balances low and having a plan in place to pay the balance in full each month.

Saving for college expenses
Many of today’s high school students have part-time jobs. If money is tight for college in your family and you have a child expecting to further their schooling, explain that they may have to put some of their income away for higher education. Even if tuition is covered, there are still additional costs such as textbooks, meal plans, parking, and more.

Basic investing
It’s never too early to learn about the stock market and other investments. Explain the nuts and bolts of investing and have them start tracking companies of personal interest to them. Raise the stakes by making hypothetical or even real (if you’re comfortable with it) investments. They might not become financial advisors when they get older, but understanding money on a more advanced level can strengthen their fundamental skills now.

By sharing financial basics with your kids and framing them in terms that are relevant to them, you can set them up for a positive financial future.