Don’t know what to spend your money on as a teen? Here are 20 smart things to save up for as a teenager in 2024!
At this age, money comes and rarely goes unless you choose to spend it.
For those frugal teenagers out there that understand the importance of saving, you might be wondering what saving is actually good for.
That’s what we’re going to cover today!
There are tons of things you can buy that simply aren’t worth your time and money. However, some things are extremely worth saving for and purchasing as a teenager.
Let’s dive into it!
An Instrument
Whether or not it’s your passion, an instrument is a great investment to make as a teenager to learn a new skill.
Instruments can have priceless values if they become hobbies or enhance your cognitive abilities to understand music.
There are also a ton of benefits to playing an instrument:
- Increases creativity
- Makes you smarter
- Help you better understand math
- Improves your memory
- Makes for a great conversation starter
Your money will be happily spent on an item that provides so much for you!
A car
A car is probably the largest expense you’ll ever have in your teens. However, it is an important stage in life that unlocks a ton of freedom.
Consider buying a used car instead of a new one. They will not only be cheaper, but they are much better for teens who are just starting to drive.
Even used cars can be expensive, depending on how much money you make and save. That’s why it’s one of the smartest things to save up for as a teenager.
It gives you something important to look forward to if you’re under 16 years old and don’t have your license yet.
A Course
If you’ve ever had any interest in learning a new skill, definitely consider spending your money on a course as a teenager.
It’s a brilliant way to upgrade your skill set. In fact, new skills can be included on resumes for future jobs.
The more you know, the better off you’ll likely be.
People value other people’s knowledge and abilities. It’s one of the things that help us stand out from one another.
Courses usually cost between $20-$300, but they can provide you a lifetime of expertise!
A Better Mattress
A common thing you should spend your money on is… your health. And anything that has to do with it!
A wise man once said, “Spend good money on shoes and mattresses. You’re in one or the other.”
This could not be more true, which is why a mattress upgrade could tremendously aid in your overall health.
Plus, when was the last time you took charge of your comfort when sleeping?
A Better Pillow
Speaking of sleep, don’t you think your neck deserves a bit more attention than you give it?
As a teenager in 2024, you probably already have neck pain from staring down at homework and screens all day.
A quality pillow doesn’t cost nearly as much as a mattress, and can still provide a ton of added comfort while not destroying your wallet!
Quality Skin Care Products
Your skin is one of the most important things to care for as you’re moving into adulthood. Plus, it’s no surprise that acne is most popular in teens anyways!
If you have $50-$100 to spend on caring for yourself, consider getting some quality skin care products.
It will prevent your face from aging and getting wrinkles in the future. It’ll also boost your confidence dramatically as your skin clears up.
Invest It
Are you a teenager that’s into finance? Then you might find your money best fit for investing!
Now, this doesn’t mean you should be buying and selling everyday. Instead, invest for the long term.
By the time you’re 21 or older, you’ll have a large pool of earnings that you can continue to grow as you age.
Although you probably don’t want to think about retirement right now, you will reap the benefits of investing earlier than later.
Plus, you don’t need a ton of money to start investing as a teenager in the stock market. A little bit can go a long way!
A Computer
A gaming computer or laptop for school is an expensive, yet worthy investment for you to make as a teenager.
They last a long time and are completely necessary for pretty much anything in life!
Some custom built computers and low end laptops can be bought for $1,000 or less.
If you’ve been saving up for something like this, it’s worth the investment… trust me.
Remember, buying the colorful fancy stuff doesn’t mean that your computer will run any smoother. Save your money where you can when it comes to buying parts.
A Gym Membership
A gym membership is one of the best things to save up for as a teenager in 2024. Taking care of your health will always be worth spending your money on.
Getting started in fitness is an important aspect of life at this age. You will learn the value of exercise, eating healthy foods, and discipline.
Plus, it makes for a great recurring investment into your lifestyle. Go get that healthy dream body!
Gym memberships can cost anywhere between $10-$50 per month for adolescents (usually on the lower end).
Of course, it depends on the gym you go to and what package you purchase.
Blue Light Glasses
Do your eyes ever hurt from staring at screens? Ever get twitches or headaches after a while?
If yes, then definitely get yourself a pair of blue light glasses!
Blue light is the harmful light which comes mostly from screens that can damage your eyes and cause tons of strain.
The glasses prevent most (or all) of the blue light from actually reaching your retina. Plus, they can be pretty affordable.
Wear them when you watch videos, play video games, or go on your phone for long periods of time. They are even proven to help you sleep better at night.
Quality Clothing
Clothes don’t last forever, but quality clothing lasts a really long time compared to cheaper clothes.
Spending all your money on clothes isn’t the greatest idea. However, spend on quality when you go shopping for clothes.
You’ll actually find that you’re saving money in the long run, as long as you’re not shopping often.
A Watch
A watch is one of the best ways to elevate your style, especially as a teenager (since not many teens wear them).
Get yourself a nice, timeless piece that will match almost any outfit you put on.
If you’re a teenage guy, you’ll especially appreciate the confidence that a manly watch can do for your fashion.
Most quality watches are in the $100-$200 range. Spending any more than that is really just a flex that you spend more money.
A Massage
Practice a bit of self care by spending your money on a monthly massage.
A teenager’s body is filled with tight muscles, a stressed brain, and tense feelings. Let it all out with a good massage.
They can cost as low as $20 for an hour. It might not be the greatest quality, but sometimes we just need a good rubbing of the muscles.
You can, of course, adjust your budget depending on what you like and how much you want to spend.
Car Accessories
If you want to know what to spend your money on as a 16 years old, consider pimping out the car a bit.
Now that you probably have your license and a car, getting a few car accessories might be a cheap and fun way to make you happy.
Here are a few fun car accessories for teens:
There are a bunch of gadgets that you can add to the car to make it your own. If it makes you happy, it’s worth the money!
A Business Idea
One of the most valuable things you can save up for as a teenager in 2024 is a business idea.
If you have a passion and want to make money from it, invest in your business expenses to get the idea going.
It will not only be a great experience to start a business, but this expense will likely pay you back in the future.
Editing software, a lawn mower, clothing fabric, you name it!
Who knows? It might turn out to be a full-time business when you’re older!
Experiences With Friends
My list of high school regrets is long, but not spending money on quality experiences with friends is at the top!
It’s important to have fun and spend money wisely as a teenager. Yes, it’s possible to do both.
If you currently make money, be sure to set aside a small portion to be used solely for going out with friends.
Go bowling, take a road trip, eat out once in a while, and make the most of your time with the people you care about.
It costs $0.00 to have a laugh, but spend your money on things that enable those laughs!
Travel
If you’re an older teenager (18 or 19 years old), you’ll probably have a bit more money and freedom to do what you want.
Save money for traveling where you can. Even if you are budget traveling or backpacking across Europe, every second is worth it.
Go with friends, family, or a partner and spend on these valuable experiences.
There are so many beautiful places in the world that you only get one life to see. Do your best to see as much as possible!
Healthy Food
Notice the word “healthy” that comes before food!
A teenager’s largest expense, statistically speaking, is food. More specifically, fast food dominates a teenager’s budget.
If you cut out the fast food a bit and start buying your own healthy food to cook at home, you’ll be much better off.
It will help you diet properly if you’re going to the gym and will provide your body with a much better feeling by eating healthy.
An added bonus of all this is that you’ll develop new cooking skills (which you’ll absolutely need as you get older).
Save Up For a House
Do you plan on owning real estate? Has it always been a dream of yours to buy a house?
One of the smartest things to save up for as a teenager in 2024 is a house! Yes, it’s a bit ambitious, but some teens value an important life investment over smaller things.
You’ll be so grateful that you saved up for a down payment. You’ll be able to buy your house sooner in life and learn tremendous saving skills.
Big expenses like these are always worth it as a teenager. Most college students and 20-something year olds are broke.
If you start saving early, you’ll always be ahead of the game!
Whatever Makes You Happy
A lot of things on this list are very specific, but there is one main theme across this whole thing…
Save up for whatever makes you happy.
If you enjoy art, save up for art supplies (posters, canvases, paint, special pens, etc.).
If you enjoy video games, buy… video games. Same thing goes for any other interests you have in life!
Happiness is something we all strive for, especially as teens. If something helps you escape for a few hours and enjoy life, spend your money on it.
It’ll all be worth it in the end!
Hopefully this list has given you some ideas to spend your money wisely on as a teenager in 2024!
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions leave them down below. Thanks for reading!