Characteristics of teenage spending are fairly easy to recognize, especially

for parents. Teenagers often love to spend free time at the shopping mall
and typically never come home without a significant purchase. Another
characteristic of teenage spending is that children often believe they need
to compete with friends and peers when it comes to owning the latest
fashions or luxuries
Tracking teenage spending is generally not difficult. Certain signs should
alert a parent to a potential problem. A newly acquired credit card is often a
big event in a young person's life, especially for a teenager. While it may be
natural for the teen to make a minimal purchase or two right away, parents
should set limits and insist she know her budget.

One of the major characteristics of teenage spending is a lack of monetary

boundaries, or credit card purchases made on a whim. Using a credit card for spur-
of-the-moment purchases can be common.

Most parents hope to teach teenagers to manage money responsibly. Many parents
try to teach children to appreciate the value of money. Some parents require
teenagers to earn their own spending money, mostly by working part time or doing
chores if the child is not old enough for employment.

If, however, the teenager has made several significant purchases over a
short period of time, this could be a potential problem.

The teenager who is overly generous with friends may be trying to make a good
impression. This, however, may be characteristic of irresponsible teenage spending.
For instance, if she's buying presents for her pals or treating friends to food and
entertainment frequently, she may be spending carelessly.