Many young people are surprised to learn that they play a big part in consumerism, the buying of goods and services. But the truth is that teens are among the most important consumers in the world today. Whether you have a part-time job or you get an allowance from your parents, all sorts of companies want you to spend your hard-earned cash on their products. How do you know which purchases are the smartest choices? What if you make a bad consumer decision? This book explains the ins and outs of goods and services, so you can feel good about the purchases you makeÑand save your money when a purchase isn't necessary.

Teens are targeted as consumers more and more. This gives them tremendous influence, but it also sets them up to be taken advantage of. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Money for Teens" teaches them how to get money, save and invest it, budget it, spend it wisely, and keep track of it. Whether they're saving for their first car, trying to make sense of a checking account statement, or trying to establish a good credit history, this guide has solid information and teen-tested tips.

A clear and unpatronising guide to money for teenagers

Teen investors have powerful advantages over the rest of us. Many are whizzes at financial research on the Internet. They’re quick to master online stock trading. According to an August 2000 Wall Street Journal article, today more young Americans own investments than ever before, with 35 percent of eighth through twelfth graders owning stock or bonds, usually in a parent’s name, while about one-fifth own mutual funds. Often these teenage investors have amassed substantial nest eggs—even before they’ve finished high school. Although teen investors need adult cosigners for their brokerage and mutual fund custodial accounts, it’s not unusual for them to be the driving force behind their parents’ and relatives’ investment decisions. Now teens have another leg up—a book that explains the successes and investment strategies of real-life teen investors, along with the wisdom of Wall Street pros, and tips on how to make the most of the Web. The popularity of stock-picking contests and high school investment clubs—along with successful marketing vehicles, such as Stein Roe’s Young Investors Fund—have created a growing demand for investment information focused on teens, written for teens. Street Wise provides exactly what they want.

A Booklist Top Ten Financial Series for Youth. Despite spectacular stock market highs and lows, most Americans today hold stock, especially the educated and the very rich. Anybody with a little spare change, even young people, can invest in the stock market. Kids and teens may not have Warren Buffet's billions, but thanks to young age-and the power of compounding-investing even a little money early on can bring a huge payday later. Learn how to buy and sell stocks online, how to pick winning stocks, and how to decode stock charts like a pro, from EPS to P/E to funny ticker symbols like YUM! With a little research, strategy, and patience, even kids can become savvy investors.

Publisher Description

Discusses the basics behind using money to purchase goods and services, and outlines how to save money, cost-effective shopping techniques, and the fundamentals of investing.

Earning money from an allowance or part-time job is a great way to start becoming more independent. But what you do with the money you earn can make a huge difference in your future independence. Saving and investing are the best ways to make sure you can do all of the things that you are dreaming about for your future. Whether you want to go to a top-rated university, buy a car, or retire while you are still young, putting money away is the way to make your wish a reality. This book explains the most common forms of savings and investmentsÑand the risks associated with each of them.

In this new book, you will learn how to get and manage credit, make and stick to a budget, save for college, determine your needs versus your wants, pay for a car, finance college, manage risk, open a bank account, write a check, balance a checkbook, avoid the pressures of consumerism, and how to avoid financial mistakes. You will also learn about investment options, taxes, checks, debit cards, credit cards, and basic budget tips. This book is filled with suggestions from financial and family counselors, and you will discover creative ways to get a jumpstart on your financial future and use money responsibly. Even if you have had a few missteps along the way, you will be able to learn from your mistakes and get on the path to financial well-being.

The challenging teen years can be even more difficult for adopted teenagers, many of whom have unanswered questions that may result in fear, anger, and low self-esteem. These feelings may be compounded by the isolation they feel because most friends and family members cannot fully relate to their situation. Adopted: The Ultimate Teen Guide enables young adults to explore their feelings as they read about the personal experiences of other adopted teens. Through these stories, adopted teens can learn how others have resolved some of their adoption issues and gain powerful insights from those who have experienced some of the same frustrations, struggles, and concerns. This book addresses various issues such as: finding out you’ve been adopted fitting in searching for birth parents meeting birth parents international adoption transracial adoption what defines a family This revised edition also features discussion questions at the end of each chapter that help teens and loved ones acknowledge and verbalize their concerns. With up-to-date statistics, as well as insights from experienced adoption professionals who offer practical advice, this edition of Adopted: The Ultimate Teen Guide is a valuable resource for adopted teens as well as their families and friends.