American teens stressed about their parents' finances and their own

American teens stressed about their parents' finances and their own
Most want to know more about money to avoid the pitfalls.
APR 23, 2024

America’s teenagers are well aware of the financial challenges of their parents and caregivers in today’s economic environment and are keen to learn life lessons about managing money.

While some kids may only be focused on their allowance or if they have enough saved for Taylor Swift tickets, 78% of the 13-18-year-olds who participated in the Junior Achievement and Citizens Financial Wellness Survey say they are stressed out about money.

The cost-of-living challenges faced by American households has led half of respondents to be stressed over the past year about whether their parents or caregivers can pay bills. Almost four in ten have seen the adults in the house working longer hours and 21% have witnessed them upset about making ends meet.

But while experiencing money challenges may be painful, teens are keen to ensure that they gain the knowledge needed to navigate a lifelong financial journey, especially given that respondents said they were concerned (32%), scared (24%), sad (18%), or mad (13%) about how money impacts their lives.

The survey highlights an opportunity for advisors who engage with families to provide financial knowledge to teenagers – 80% believe that understanding more about managing money would positively impact how money impacts their lives and 73% would take a money management course if available. Just 4 in 10 have done so in school.

Financial literacy is not only needed by young Americans with a recent report revealing persistent inadequacy in financial understanding among Americans adults.

“Stress can have a negative impact on physical and emotional health, and money worries can be a big cause of stress,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, President & CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “This research shows that many of the concerns adults have about managing money are being felt by the young people in their homes. Having a better understanding of how money works is one way to address the worries today’s young people have about their financial futures, which is why promoting financial literacy education is so important.”

Citizens Financial Group has recently announced a $415,000 grant to Junior Achievement USA to support financial empowerment programs.

Latest News

Goldman gets shareholder backing on $80M executive bonus packages
Goldman gets shareholder backing on $80M executive bonus packages

The approval of the pay proposal, which handsomely compensates its CEO and president, bolsters claims that big payouts are a must in the war to retain leadership.

Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams
Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams

Integrated Partners is adding a husband-wife tandem to its network in Missouri as Kestra onboards a father-son advisor duo from UBS.

Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases
Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases

Futures indicate stocks will build on Tuesday's rally.

From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier
From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier

Cost of living still tops concerns about negative impacts on personal finances

Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study
Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study

Financial advisors remain vital allies even as DIY investing grows

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.