Avoid the Mall! The Teen Set Can Save Money and Still Have Their Toys
Teens and preteens are among the most targeted demographics in the US. Producers want teens to spend their money on the latest and greatest gadgets and apparel. They know teens are the trend-setters and that the spending ability of teenagers is nearly unmatched. But adolescents don’t need to fall prey to these company plots. It is possible for a teenager to save their money, build up a bank account, and still have the latest and greatest “stuff.”
A teen’s first stop to meet these “needs”, without taking out loans, or raiding mom’s purse, is the local CD swap shop. Most major cities have these music resale shops, and they are especially likely to be found in your local college town. Those heading out to find the latest “gotta have” music should also bring along those oldies but goodies that they no longer listen to. Often these stores will offer a better rate in store credit than in cash, making the teen money saver a winner all over again.
Another recent addition in many college towns is the clothing resale shop. But, we’re not talking about the local Salvation Army or Goodwill here. Although these might be good choices for some teens, many resale shops have specifically sought after the teen market by positioning themselves as hip sources for gently used, name brand items. Basing these in the path of the university community may also be a marketing ploy aimed at high school penny pinchers, but it is one that works.
Of course, there are those teens who troll the local Barnes and Noble, and plop a handful of great beach reading and the latest chick lit on the counter only to find a huge number popping up on the register. An alternative for this teen saver is internet book swaps, which work much like a virtual library. Of course, there is always the actual library available, too! For the teen who wants a little bonus along with their summer reading, many libraries sponsor reading programs that award children and adults for the amount of books read. Likely tokens include movie tickets, free books and fast food gift certificates. Getting more for less can begin in the unlikeliest of places.
In the summer, tight fisted teenagers should consider garage sales. Although portrayed as the domain of suburban mommies and grey haired grannies, there are many treasures to be found for the seeking teenager. Perhaps your neighbor just upgraded his iPod and wants to get rid of the old one quickly and easily….
Of course, this brings us to the wonderful world of eBay, the perpetual garage sale, where anything you want for cheap is just a few keystrokes away. Although the payment and internet based aspects of eBay may necessitate a parent’s presence, this might still be a good deal for the teen looking for that new phone with all the bells and whistles… and ring tones.
For teenagers, saving money is a learned skill, and one that will indeed pay off in the future. Learning to look for deals and shop in a smart way will make for a future consumer who knows the ins and outs of shopping and budgeting, and therefore gets more for their money.
