The first paycheck, all the money you have worked so long and hard for is finally in the palm of your hands, but what will you spend it on? The newest boutique in town just opened up and has the cutest dresses that have your name written all over them. Hibbet Sports just came out with the new cleats you have wanted forever, however the first paycheck isn’t enough. Saving money and spending it wisely is always a difficult task for working teens, but these few steps may help out your spending needs. Opening a savings account, using coupon apps, and limiting yourself with just two simple questions that will put your spending problems to the test.

One way to save money is to open up a checking or savings account. All you need to do this step is to go to your local bank and your legal guardian. Don’t be nervous to go straight to the bank when you get your check and deposit some money into the account. This will regulate you on how much you spend and how much you plan to save. According to Larue County High School Senior, Jessica Skaggs, when asked what she does with her weekly paychecks, she stated that she goes directly to the bank and puts half of it in her savings account and half in her checking account. According to Jessica, ‘’This helps me watch how much I spend when I am limited on how much money I have on me at the time.’’

Another way to save your money is to use online coupon applications. All you need is your Iphone. You’re already on your phone majority of the day so why not use it to assist you to save some money. Some applications that you can download to your phone are: Groupon, RetailmeNot, or ShopKick. According to Larue County High School Senior, Kirsten Cohen, “The app RetailmeNot is my go-to app when I know I need to save money.” These applications let you search the store of your choice and check out all the deals that the store is offering that day or week. If you find a coupon that has forty percent off an item you can screenshot that to your phone, and show the retailer at the counter and get your discount right there. These simple but neat applications also let you see what the online retailers are advertising so you can save there too.

Lastly, the most simple way to save your money and make sure you spend it wisely is to ask yourself two simple questions, ‘Do you really need it and can it wait?’ Most teenagers are tempted before they even walk in the mall or in any store. Seeing the same shirt the girl had on at school was just too cute!! Trust me it can wait. Think of all the other clothes you may have in your closet that you haven’t worn for a month. Maybe the new Adidas came out and you’re dying to get a pair but you know that it can wait till next week so you just let them be. Trust me when it comes to saving your money you will want to ask yourself these questions before buying anything unnecessary.

Saving money isn’t all that hard if you follow these simple and helpful rules. When taking these tips and pinning them in the back of your brain you can use them every time you get a paycheck or have money with you. Sometimes it’s hard not to spend the money that’s burning a hole in your pocket, but in the long run you’ll be helping yourself.