Teen Trouble with Money: What to Do

What an awkward stage. Teenagers are stuck in that weird little world sandwiched between the freedom of childhood and the responsibility of adulthood. And growing into that responsibility doesn’t come without some growing pains and a few mishaps. While there are plenty of areas in which a teen’s immaturity might be evident, it’s their handling of money that sometimes puts a big spotlight on just how unprepared they are to face the real world.

And really, can we blame them for their financial mistakes? One day, they’re spending their birthday money on bubble tea and video games, and the next, they’re trying to budget for gas, phone bills, or even saving for college or a car. It’s a lot to handle in a short amount of time.

Let’s be honest, most adults are still figuring it out, too. When a teen fumbles, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise. Still, it can be frustrating to watch, especially if you know firsthand how much stress money problems can cause later in life. That’s why this is the perfect time to give those impressionable teens emotional and spiritual support and practical tools.

Emotional support for money? Sometimes what looks like “money problems” on the surface is actually a deeper issue. Maybe your teen is coping with anxiety or low self-worth, and spending becomes their way to self-soothe. Maybe they’re feeling pressure to fit in, and they believe that buying trendy clothes or expensive tech will somehow earn them acceptance from their peers.

If your teen is struggling with money, don’t panic and don’t lecture; just listen. Maybe their overspending is a symptom of a larger issue. Consider scheduling a session with a professional mental health expert to dig beneath the symptom of overspending. You may be surprised that the brand-new pair of designer shoes is not a sign of irresponsibility as much as it is a cry for help to fit in.

Spiritual support? Yes. Helping teens view money through a spiritual lens can be a game-changer. When they start to understand that everything they have is truly a gift from God, it shifts their mindsets. Suddenly, money becomes less about control and more about stewardship.

Teaching them to pray about financial decisions, to give generously even in small ways, and to trust God for provisions builds a foundation they can carry into adulthood. It takes the focus off what they want and puts it on what they can give.

Of course, even with guidance, they won’t be financially perfect. They’re going to mess up. They’re going to overspend. They’ll forget to budget and impulsively purchase that video game that just came out. But every mistake is a learning opportunity. And it’s an opportunity that is much better to face now, with the safety net of their family, than alone later when the stakes are higher.

Remind them that they’re not alone in this and that God, you, and their therapist are right there in the middle of it all with them. This awkward period between dolls or toy trucks and electric bills is the perfect time to develop good money habits. And with this support, they can develop into a fiscally responsible and generous adult who handles money with purpose.

If your teen needs to dig deeper into any underlying reasons that make it difficult to manage their money, contact our office today at Mission Viejo Christian Counseling and schedule an appointment with one of the Christian counselors in Mission Viejo, California.