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

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.

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.

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.

Hilarious etiquette and manners guide teaches teens how to use manners to gain respect, feel good about themselves, and enjoy life to the fullest. Discussing etiquette and manners from common courtesies to cell-phone smarts to classroom decorum, Alex J. Packer blends outrageous humor with sound advice as he explains why etiquette and manners are important—because people who know how to handle themselves in social situations come out on top, get what they want, feel good about themselves, and enjoy life to the fullest. Full of practical tips for every occasion, How Rude! is a serious etiquette and manners encyclopedia—and a hilarious read. This revised and updated edition describes the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations at home, in school, online, and in the world. ​For more must-have advice from Alex J. Packer, Ph.D., check out Slaying Digital Dragons: Tips and tools for protecting your body, brain, psyche, and thumbs from the digital dark side.

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.