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Become a smart shopper
Grow your money with good interest rates
Learn about debit and credit cards
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We're here to answer all your questions about checking and savings accounts and many other resources you can use to learn and grow financially.
More independence means more responsibility as a teen
You're making decisions about when, where and why to use your money. These are real-world lessons that will help you as you get older, too.
Become a More Thoughtful Shopper
1. Resist the urge
Impulse buying happens all the time, whether you're a teenager or an adult. But don't buy something just because it looks cool when you're hanging out with friends at the mall. Take a minute to think before you buy:
- Do I really need this item?
- How much will I use it or wear it?
- Can I find this item cheaper or on sale somewhere else?
- If I make this purchase, can I still pay any debts I owe?
1. Resist the urge
Impulse buying happens all the time, whether you're a teenager or an adult. But don't buy something just because it looks cool when you're hanging out with friends at the mall. Take a minute to think before you buy:
- Do I really need this item?
- How much will I use it or wear it?
- Can I find this item cheaper or on sale somewhere else?
- If I make this purchase, can I still pay any debts I owe?
2. Work the sales
When you need certain items, look for sales and discount codes. This keeps you focused so you get more for your money.
2. Work the sales
When you need certain items, look for sales and discount codes. This keeps you focused so you get more for your money.
3. Go beyond the mall
The mall is one of the most expensive places to buy things because it's expensive for companies to rent the space. They pass those costs on to you. Try these stores instead and save some cash:
- Consignment or second-hand stores
- Outlet stores
- Discount stores
3. Go beyond the mall
The mall is one of the most expensive places to buy things because it's expensive for companies to rent the space. They pass those costs on to you. Try these stores instead and save some cash:
- Consignment or second-hand stores
- Outlet stores
- Discount stores
4. Plan for the theater
If you love the movies, you know how expensive they can be. Here are some ways to cut costs:
- Look for special discounts on social media.
- Go see a movie that starts before 4 p.m. These matinee tickets are usually cheaper.
- Skip the snack line and the overpriced refreshments.
4. Plan for the theater
If you love the movies, you know how expensive they can be. Here are some ways to cut costs:
- Look for special discounts on social media.
- Go see a movie that starts before 4 p.m. These matinee tickets are usually cheaper.
- Skip the snack line and the overpriced refreshments.
5. Shop for quality
Spending money on cheap products can make you think you're saving money. But if they're cheap and low-quality, you're wasting your money. Put time into researching products, reading product reviews and comparing items to find the best value.
5. Shop for quality
Spending money on cheap products can make you think you're saving money. But if they're cheap and low-quality, you're wasting your money. Put time into researching products, reading product reviews and comparing items to find the best value.
Take an Interest in Earning Interest
When you put your money in a Securityplus Federal Credit Union savings account, your money grows without you doing anything. We pay you for putting your money in the account. It's called earning interest. And here's how it works:
- If you save a dollar a day in a jar in your room, after 10 years you’ll end up with $3,650. That’s a good amount of money.
- But, if you put a dollar a day into a Securityplus savings account that earns interest, you’ll end up with even more!
How much more? It all depends on the type of savings account you want to open and its annual percentage yield, meaning the amount of interest it pays. But whichever you choose, your money grows because of interest.
Understanding Credit Cards and Debit Cards
They look the same but act very differently. Here's what to know:
Credit Cards
A credit card lets you make a purchase today and pay for it later. If you don't pay all of your monthly bill, a finance charge will be added for the following month. That amount will be on top of any new purchases you make. You can quickly fall behind if you're not careful.
Debit Cards
When you make a purchase with a debit card or withdraw cash at an ATM, that money is instantly deducted from your checking account. That's why it's important to know exactly how much money is in your account before using this card.