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25 weekly things for teens to spend money on

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Managing money as a teen is a skill that sets the foundation for future financial independence. Whether you’re a teen figuring out how to make the most of your allowance or a parent helping your child learn the ropes of budgeting, it’s important to strike a balance between spending wisely and enjoying life. This guide offers practical, weekly spending ideas designed to inspire teens while encouraging responsible money habits. By the end of this list, you’ll have plenty of ways to make spending meaningful, fun, and educational.

Fun and entertainment

1. Streaming subscriptions: Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, or Disney+ are great for entertainment and relaxation. Setting aside money for subscriptions can teach teens about recurring expenses and how to prioritize what they value most in their leisure time.

2. Movie outings: Seeing a new movie with friends is a fun way to connect and take a break from routine. Planning ahead for a movie night helps teens experience the value of budgeting for social events.

3. Gaming: Whether it’s upgrading equipment or purchasing in-game content, gaming offers opportunities to have fun and develop strategic thinking. Setting limits on gaming expenses helps teens strike a healthy balance between hobbies and other financial goals.

4. Hobbies: Creative pursuits like painting, woodworking, or photography are not just fun but can also become lifelong skills. Investing in supplies allows teens to explore their interests and develop talents in meaningful ways. 

5. Music lessons or sheet music: Learning an instrument fosters discipline and creativity, while purchasing sheet music or lessons provides structure for improvement. Teens can see firsthand how consistent practice pays off.

Social and shared experiences

6. Meals or drinks with friends: Sharing a meal or grabbing a drink while hanging out is a social treat that strengthens relationships. Teens can learn to set a small weekly budget for these outings, enjoying quality time without overspending.

7. Group activities: Mini-golf, escape rooms, or bowling are great ways to bond with friends. Spending money on shared experiences highlights the joy of creating memories over material items.

8. Concert tickets: Music lovers can plan ahead for local gigs or big-name concerts. Saving up for experiences like these helps teens appreciate the anticipation and reward of achieving a goal.

9. Charitable giving: Supporting a cause they care about, like an animal shelter or environmental fund, can teach teens empathy and the value of giving back. Small contributions are a meaningful way to share experiences and connect with the community.

10. Birthday contributions: Giving a meaningful gift to a friend or family member strengthens relationships. Planning ahead for these occasions teaches thoughtfulness and financial responsibility.

Personal growth

11. Books, eBooks, or audiobooks: A great story, audiobook, or informative read can broaden horizons and spark new ideas. Whether it’s self-help, novels, or non-fiction, investing in reading materials shows teens the value of personal growth through knowledge and storytelling. Audiobooks, in particular, are great for multitasking and making the most of downtime.

12. Online courses: Platforms like Skillshare or Coursera offer courses on everything from art to coding. These can be stepping stones to future career paths or new hobbies, making them a wise use of money. 

13. Apps for learning: Tools like Duolingo for languages or Yousician for music are affordable ways to pursue passions. Teens can explore their interests in bite-sized sessions that fit into their schedules.

14. Fitness memberships: Joining a gym or trying a local yoga class promotes both physical health and mental well-being. Investing in fitness encourages teens to prioritize a healthy lifestyle.

15. Sports gear: Quality equipment can make a big difference in performance and enjoyment. Whether it’s new cleats or a tennis racket, upgrading gear reinforces the importance of investing in tools that support personal goals.

Essentials and self-care

16. Clothing or accessories: Updating a wardrobe with stylish yet practical pieces helps teens feel confident. They can learn to balance splurges with savings by shopping smartly.

17. Skincare products: Taking care of their skin is an investment in health and confidence. Teens can experiment with products that suit their needs while sticking to a reasonable budget.

18. Haircuts or grooming: A fresh haircut or regular grooming can boost self-esteem and show the importance of maintaining appearances. Learning to budget for these routine costs is a valuable habit.

19. Healthier snacks for school or sports: Stocking up on nutritious options like trail mix or smoothies helps teens stay energized during busy weeks. Prioritizing quality over convenience can support better health and focus.

Tech and gadgets

20. Phone accessories: Upgrading items like a durable case, portable charger, or better earbuds allows teens to enhance their current devices without splurging on a new phone.

21. Productivity or creative software: Subscribing to tools that boost productivity or creativity, like graphic design software or note-taking apps, helps teens get more out of their tech investments.

Future investments

22. Savings for a specific goal: Building a savings habit teaches discipline and helps teens prepare for larger goals like a new gadget, car, or other significant milestone. Saving with intention makes the process more motivating and achievable — and with Greenlight’s Savings Goals, it’s easy for kids and teens to track and grow their savings faster. Kids and teens can earn up to 5% on savings¹ and earn Parent-Paid Interest to help their savings soar.  

23. Starting a small business: Teens can explore entrepreneurial ventures, such as selling handmade crafts, offering tutoring, or providing pet-sitting services. Starting a small business teaches valuable skills like budgeting, marketing, and customer service while allowing them to earn money and gain confidence in their abilities. 

24. College or career tools: Planners, study guides, or even resume templates are investments in future success. Spending in this area encourages teens to think ahead and prepare for milestones.

25. Investments: Teens can start learning about investing using tools like Greenlight Max or Infinity’s Investing for Kids platform, where teens can research their favorite stocks or EFTs and buy shares with as little or as much as they’re comfortable with — once parents approve their transaction, of course. This hands-on approach to investing introduces them to the concept of growing wealth over time. 

Tips for smart spending

  • Set clear goals: Whether it’s saving for a new gadget, an upcoming event, or a personal milestone, having specific goals helps direct your spending choices.

  • Create a budget: Break down your weekly allowance or earnings into categories like savings, essentials, and fun. Use apps or spreadsheets to track spending and stay organized. 

  • Learn to prioritize: Decide what’s most important to you. Is it experiences, essentials, or something else? Knowing your priorities can make spending decisions easier.

  • Avoid impulse purchases: Take a moment to think before buying. Ask yourself if the item aligns with your goals or if it’s something you’ll truly value over time.

  • Take advantage of deals: Look for discounts, sales, or cashback opportunities to stretch your money further. Being a savvy shopper can make a big difference.

  • Review and reflect: At the end of each week, review where your money went. Did you stick to your budget? Reflection helps improve spending habits over time.

Teach smart budgeting early. Set spending controls and savings goals, and teach kids how to manage money with Greenlight. Try Greenlight now, one month, risk-free.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

¹Greenlight Core families can earn 2% per annum, Greenlight Max families can earn 3% per annum, and Greenlight Infinity families can earn 5% per annum on an average daily savings balance of up to $5,000 per family. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.

Valid for new customers only. Subject to identity verification and minimum load requirements. Your first monthly fee will be billed to your parent wallet seven days after successful registration. To receive a refund of your first monthly fee, you must request to close your account on or before the day immediately preceding your first Monthly Billing Date. See the ‘Account’ tab of Settings by tapping the gear icon on the Greenlight app home page to confirm when your risk-free trial ends. See Terms for details.


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