Ages 15–17: real-world money skills
Preparing teens for genuine financial independence starts before graduation. Whether you are a high schooler starting your first part-time job or a parent guiding your older teen through critical decisions, discover essential tools to read paystubs, master opening bank accounts, and prepare for upcoming college and life expenses.
Core financial skills for teens
High school marks the bridge between earning pocket money and handling real life finances. Explore our core learning topics designed to equip young adults and parents with clear, practical knowledge for building strong financial habits early.
Understand gross pay versus net take-home pay, decipher taxes and withholdings like FICA, and calculate your genuine earnings with our first paycheck calculator tool.
Learn what teen accounts are available, key benefits, and what documents both teen and parent need to open a new account for their teen.
Identify everyday costs such as transportation, phone bills, and social outings while planning forward with our practical guide to common teen and college expenses.
Estimate weekly and monthly net pay after taxes and withholdings before starting a new job. Our online first paycheck calculator provides clear projections to help teenagers budget confidently for both fun and long-term savings goals.
Budgeting for common and college expenses
Get instant access to our downloadable worksheets: the common expenses checklist for high school routines and the college budget planner to anticipate textbooks, meal plans, and campus living costs.
