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Motivating Teens with Inspirational Quotes: The Path to Financial Responsibility

January 22, 2025 | Leave a Comment

how much money you keep
Image Source: Pexels

Recent studies have shown that over half of teens feel unprepared to finance their futures. Many high school students are worried about the cost of attending college. Facing such a large expense early in life can feel overwhelming or even discouraging. To help keep your child motivated, here are some inspirational quotes for teens about money. Sharing these nuggets of wisdom with your child will encourage them to keep being financially responsible even when it’s hard. Although your teen may not see the results of their hard work immediately, their efforts will pay dividends in the future. 

5 Inspirational Quotes for Teens About Money

1. “It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” —Robert Kiyosaki

Our first inspirational quote for teens about money comes from Robert Kiyosaki, author of the bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad. Once your teen starts researching careers, they’ll realize that most jobs don’t pay six figures. If they get discouraged, use this quote to remind them that their salary doesn’t have to limit their financial success. 

It’s possible for average-income earners to save and side hustle their way to financial security. Working hard, being frugal, and investing regularly are positive habits that can help anyone achieve their money and career goals. Teens who play their cards right and start saving early could even create generational wealth for their families.

2. “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” —Epictetus

If your teen is jealous of the luxurious lifestyles they see on social media, send them this quote by Greek philosopher Epictetus. This saying highlights the benefits of frugality and gratitude. Being happy with your belongings and circumstances leads to contentment and fulfillment, which is its own kind of wealth. People who chase after material possessions often feel empty and unsatisfied because what they have never seems like enough. 

you can spend extravagantly on the things you love
Image Source: Pexels

3. “A Rich Life means you can spend extravagantly on the things you love as long as you cut costs mercilessly on the things you don’t.” —Ramit Sethi 

Many teens don’t want a restrictive budget holding them back from experiencing life. Ramit Sethi’s balanced approach to finances may appeal to young adults who still want to have fun while saving for the future. He believes that everyone can live a rich, fulfilling life regardless of their salary. To that end, he recommends spending roughly 50% of income on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings and investments. Since teens usually don’t pay many bills, they can allocate extra funds to savings and get ahead financially.

Additionally, Ramit’s advice about reducing spending on things that don’t matter can motivate teens to be more frugal. Once they realize that cutting out takeout could help them afford the wishlist items they really want (like their dream car), they may happily embrace financial responsibility. 

4. “Every time you borrow money, you’re robbing your future self.” —Nathan W. Morris

Sometimes teens don’t fully consider the future consequences of their actions. To someone who’s just turned 18, credit cards can feel like free money because the payments aren’t due right away. Luckily sharing this quote with your teen and explaining how interest works can help them understand the true costs of debt. Realizing that the average APR for credit cards is around 20% will motivate them to pay cash whenever possible. 

having few wants
Image Source: Pexels

5. “The more you learn, the more you earn.” —Warren Buffett

Finally, the last inspirational quote for teens is about the value of lifelong learning. Education shouldn’t stop once young adults graduate from college. Continuing to upskill and grow their knowledge base will help them advance in their career and climb the pay ladder. Remaining curious about the world can also help young adults identify potential business opportunities. Mark Cuban suggests reading widely to grasp the challenges different industries face and spark product ideas.

What are your favorite inspirational quotes for teens about money? Let us know in the comments!

Vicky Monroe headshot
Vicky Monroe

Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance writer who enjoys learning about and discussing the psychology of money. In her free time, she loves to cook and tackle DIY projects.

Filed Under: Random Musings Tagged With: Parenting, quotes, quotes to live by, teenagers

8 Reasons Why Children Are Priceless

August 7, 2023 | 2 Comments

Reasons Why Children Are Priceless

There seems to be a lot of discussion, constantly, about how expensive children are. While yes, you do have to be financially responsible about having a child, they do not need to be anywhere near as expensive as some ‘studies’ would have you believe. This is a topic I’ve already written about, so today we’re going to chat about the reasons why children are priceless.

I’m not trying to make it seem like having children is all sunshine and roses, because it’s not. It’s far, far from it actually, but having a child will change your life in ways you couldn’t imagine until it happens.

Reasons Why Children Are Priceless

They Inspire Deep Love

You may think you knew what love was before you had a child; trust me I did. I love my husband, my family and my friends but the love you have for your child is something you will have never experienced. The love you have for this tiny little human is indescribable. It changes and shapes every other relationship in your life.

The love you have for your child grows. Though I instinctively wanted to love and protect my child as soon as he was born, the love I have for him and my other two children, is so much different, and intense, than it was on the days they were born.

This idea is best epitomized by Elizabeth Stone’s statement, “Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”

They Spread Happiness

I am truly happy when I am with my children and they are in good moods. You simply cannot be in a bad mood when your happy toddler smiles up at you or when your tweens tell you silly jokes. Their emotions are raw, and you can’t help but feel it with them.

They Teach You Patience

You may be an impatient person, but once you have a child, that has to change.  If you show impatience and anger with your children, they will likely shut down or cry.  Instead, you must gently encourage them so that they can succeed.  (This can be extremely trying when you have to wait by the door for your toddler to slowly put on his shoes by himself because he’s refused your help or when he unbuckles his car seat for the fifth time in one car trip.)

Children will, by their very nature, teach you to be patient.

They Give You a Second Chance at Childhood Joy

Reasons Why Children Are Priceless

Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash

By the time you’re in your twenties and thirties, you likely have lost much of your childhood joy.  You may no longer take joy in driving around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights or the first snowfall of the season.  Once you have a child, all of that changes.

As you watch your young children grow excited for Christmas, you do, too.  When your child gleefully opens the presents under the Christmas tree, you will likely feel a spark of excitement again.  When you bundle your child up to go out in the first snowfall, you will suddenly delight in building a snowman and making snow angels.  Children give you a second chance at childhood joy.

They Are Brutally Honest

Kids are honest. Kids force you to be honest. Honest about yourself and about your life. When your child is born you are suddenly hyper aware of every detail in your life. From your financial life to the mess on your bedside table. Children inadvertently have a way of forcing us to be honest about our lives.

It was having a child that forced us to finally get serious about getting out of debt rather than living with it in limbo.

They Are Humbling

Becoming a parent is one of, if not the most, humbling experience in the world. No amount of research, parenting book reading or doctors appointments can ever prepare you for your child and the experiences  you will go through as a parent. I think being humbled is an important trait for people and if you’ve yet to experience it, having a kid will do it for sure.

They Make You Less Self-Centered

Before you have children, you may not realize you’re self-centered, but you are.  You likely have your own routine, your own rituals, that give you joy.  Yet, when you have a child, all of that discipline and focus on yourself and what makes you feel good is upended.  You get much less sleep in the baby stage, and your life and schedule suddenly revolve around the baby’s.

Reasons Why Children Are Priceless

Photo by Adrià Crehuet Cano on Unsplash

When your kids get older, your life still centers around your children and their education and their activities.  Sure, as kids get older and become more independent, you will be able to do more things for, and spend more time on, yourself.  However, you don’t get your life back as truly your own until your kids move out.  By then, you won’t want to go back to the self-centered years before you had kids.

They Give You Perspective

Having a child puts your life in a whole new perspective. Suddenly everything else in life is so much less important. You wonder what you did with your time before, and you wonder how you possibly lived your life without this person in it.

For the rest of your life, your children will shape and change your world, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Final Thoughts

Having a child is the hardest, yet most rewarding thing you can ever possibly do in your life.  Yes, they are expensive, but don’t believe that kids are as expensive to raise as the experts would have you believe.  Besides, what they give back in their love and the way they make you grow as a person are some of the reasons why children are priceless.

Read More

7 Types of Behavioral Disorders in Children Every Parent Should Know

Dogs and Children: 6 Tips for Teaching Them to Be Gentle with Each Other

9 Important Values to Teach Children

What Is Attachment Parenting?

Editors Note: If you’re interested in checking out an up and coming new personal finance blog, consider reading kidwealth.com.  Its got several articles similar to this one.

Melissa Batai
Melissa Batai

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in Arizona where she dislikes the summer heat but loves the natural beauty of the area.

Filed Under: Random Musings Tagged With: Child Is Born, Priceless Children, Values Children

4 Best Wedding Gifts As Told By Has-Been Brides

July 26, 2019 | Leave a Comment

While a gift registry is helpful for guests, what happens if there is no registry? What if you don’t feel like buying another place setting or lamp for the couple? What if you want to give something that feels very personal? You can! There are a lot of “rules” around what gifts you should give but we can ignore those on occasion. I gathered with some friends and we talked about our favorite wedding gifts. Keep on reading to get inspired and think about your gift-giving plan.  Also, consider setting up a honeymoon registry to fund the experiences and gifts you love.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Random Musings

Decoding The Wedding Dress Code

July 24, 2019 | Leave a Comment

Summer is a popular time for weddings to happen. It’s easier to have something outdoors and many people can travel with vacation time. It’s also nice to get married at a sunny and happy time of year. If you are receiving wedding invitations, you may have noticed some dress code lingo. “Black Tie Optional” or “Semi-formal” can be very confusing for anyone. Today I am sharing with you my knowledge of the wedding dress code.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Random Musings

How Kids Make Millions On Youtube: The Kan and Aki Youtube Channel Income Report

July 3, 2017 | Leave a Comment

kan and aki youtube channel incomeEver click on a video with millions of views and wonder how much money that channel is making? Many people, like Justin Beiber, have even risen to celebrity status as a result of Youtube. Others haven’t walked the red carpet but are still raking in millions from their videos. Even kids. That’s why today we’re going to look at a great example: The Kan and Aki Youtube channel income report.

Kids & Youtube: The Kan and Aki Youtube channel income summary

Who are Kan and Aki?

Since social media has spread to every corner of the world, it means new celebrities are popping up all over the grid. Take Japan, for example. Two young sisters named Kan and Aki have starred in more than 730 videos since 2010. The Japanese children jump around, dance, sing along to lively music, and dress in fun costumes along with their other two siblings. Most notably, however, the two sit at a table and open toys to describe and review.

Recommended Reading: “The Best Way to Raise Money-Savvy Kids”

This has become one of the more popular ideas since tablets and phones enable children to watch more Youtube. For whatever reason, kids love watching people open new toys and showcase them one at a time. Like Christmas all year long – except they keep none of it. My own two kids lock their eyes on the screen when they see a video that unveils a new toy.

For Kan and Aki’s family, these popular videos have generated some serious cash. Let’s break down how that works on Youtube.

How to Make Money On Youtube

Your most precious commodity on Youtube is views. Not only is your message reaching more people, but you’re getting paid for it. According to Investopedia, once users sign up for AdSense on their account, they earn an average of $7.60 per 1,000 views as of 2013. For example, earning several hundred views for your review of LuLaRoe leggings might earn you $5 in ad revenue. Taylor Swift’s music video “Shake It Off” has over two billion views and has earned at least $17 million.

Other ways to monetize your Youtube channel are:

  • Affiliate income
  • Sponsored reviews
  • Selling your own products
  • Marketing your own services

Now, let’s take a closer look at Kan and Aki’s channel to find out how they’ve done financially. It will be impossible for me to calculate exactly what they’ve earned since I don’t know if companies have sponsored them to review their products (it’s likely). We’ll just speculate their ad revenue.

This Kan and Aki Youtube channel income report shows statistics as of July 2017:

  • Subscribers: 1,665,621
  • Uploaded Videos: 731
  • Total Views: 3,813,037,956

Out of curiosity, I calculated how much money nearly four billion views would earn. According the average, that’s $28,978,800 in seven years.

Not bad for kids.

Or anyone, for that matter.

Want to see an example from the Kan and Aki Youtube channel? This video of Kan and Aki reviewing a cooking set for kids currently has been viewed more than 121 million times:

It’s interesting to take a look at families like this who have such a unique income stream, but most kids don’t earn back their cost of living. Therefore, we put together a list of 35 ways for parents to save money. Be sure to check that out before you go!

What are your thoughts on kids making money on Youtube? Would you ever let your children create videos someday? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Are you a stay-at-home mom? Make sure you bookmark or pin some of these resources for later!

  • 10 Steps to a Successful Stay-at-Home Mom Budget
  • How to Afford Your Dream of Becoming a Stay-at-Home Mom
  • 14 Online Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms (That Are Worth Your Time)
  • 13 Ways for Stay-at-Home Moms to Save Money
  • Loans for Stay-at-Home Moms – What Are YOUR Options?
  • The SAHM Budget Test: How to Afford to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom

Filed Under: Entertainment, Money and Finances, Random Musings Tagged With: kan and aki net worth, kan and aki youtube channel income, make money on youtube, youtube ad revenue, youtube celebrities

5 Free Printable Baby Shower Games

May 8, 2017 | 4 Comments

free printable baby shower gamesYou’ve graciously offered to throw a baby shower for someone. Perhaps it’s a friend, coworker, or family member. Well done! It’s a fun time, but planning can be stressful. That’s why I’ve put together a roundup of free printable baby shower games to make the most of the mom-to-be’s special day.

5 Free Printable Baby Shower Games

Name That Baby

This is a game we used at my baby shower. Simply pass out the printable forms with a list of animals and have each guest write the names of baby animals of the same breed. for example, goose and gosling.

Find your printable sheets for “Name That Baby” here.

Name That Nursery Rhyme

This single sheet lists several first lines from famous nursery rhymes. Test your guests and see who gets the most right! The printable sheet and answer key are both at the link below:

Print off your copy of “Name That Nursery Rhyme” here.

Baby Bingo

Baby Bingo is a simple and fun game shower guests of any age can play. Print off several of these bingo cards – blue or pink. Make sure you have game pieces, candy, buttons, or coins for players to use for their cards. In each box, write what the expectant mother could potentially receive at her baby shower. For example, diapers, baby blanket, or lotion.

Call out each item and see who calls “Bingo” first!

Choose your printable “Baby Bingo” cards here.

Baby Shower Scavenger Hunt

A great ice breaker that helps people interact with one another is a scavenger hunt. Ask your guests to form into teams of two or three, then give each team a copy of the first clue. The rest of the clues have been hidden by you throughout the house.

I like this version of a scavenger hunt for a baby shower because each clue is fill-in-the-blank, making the clues more solvable and moving the game along at a nice pace. Make sure you have enough prizes for each team member to receive!

Get your “Baby Shower Scavenger Hunt” clues here.

Baby Shower Charades

Could you stand up in front of your friends and describe “Mary Had a Little Lamb” without using words? Try this fun version of charades that centers around popular nursery rhymes. Cut up each choice and have each guest draw one out of a hat to act out.

You can choose a different theme for charades, of course. You can have your guests act out baby-related things like going into labor, swaddling a baby, or having your water break. Oh, the possibilities for fun…

Print off your nursery rhyme-themed “Baby Shower Charades” here.

If you’re looking for more free printable baby shower games or need help putting together your theme, invitations, or snack ideas, then be sure to check the wealth of resources on Pinterest. These five games should help your guests break the ice and enjoy their time making memories and honoring their friend.

Next Up: “5 Quality Baby Items That Are Worth the Investment”

Which baby shower games have you played? Share a favorite with us below!

Image Credit: jdurham (MorgueFile)

Planning on staying home after your baby is born? Check out our top financial resources for stay-at-home moms:

  • 10 Steps to a Successful Stay-at-Home Mom Budget
  • How to Afford Your Dream of Becoming a Stay-at-Home Mom
  • 14 Online Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms (That Are Worth Your Time)
  • 13 Ways for Stay-at-Home Moms to Save Money
  • Loans for Stay-at-Home Moms – What Are YOUR Options?
  • The SAHM Budget Test: How to Afford to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom
  • How to plan your finances properly when a baby is on the way

Filed Under: Baby Stuff, Freebies for Parents, Random Musings, Stuff to Do Tagged With: baby shower bingo, baby shower game printouts, baby shower scavenger hunt, free printable baby shower games, Pinterest

8 Quotes By Kid President That Make the World a Better Place [FREE Quote Graphics]

December 26, 2016 | Leave a Comment

Pinnable and shareable quotes by Kid PresidentDoes life get any better than an adorable 9-year-old in a suit imparting wisdom to the world? Anytime I read or hear quotes by Kid President, I give that kid a virtual thumbs up.

This world is pretty riddled with opinions, division, prejudice, and all-out hatred. The message Kid President brings is to look inward and be the change you want to see elsewhere in the world. It’s the same message I want to teach my children – plus, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t applied his words of wisdom to my own life.

That’s why I’ve put together these shareable graphics for you to pass around or pin for later from Kid President. They’re compatible with Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. So grab your favorite and brighten up someone’s day.

“A Pep Talk from Kid President” via YouTube

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o]

8 Quotes By Kid President That Make the World a Better Place

1. “This is your time. This is my time. This is our time.”

Quotes by Kid President

2. “If you can’t think something nice to say, you’re not thinking hard enough.”

Kid President quotes (2)

3. What will you create to make the world awesome? Nothing if you keep sitting there.”


Kid President quotes (4)

4. “Before you say something about the barbecue sauce on someone else’s shirt, take a look at the barbecue sauce on your own shirt.”

Kid President Quotes II (1)

5. “It’s everybody’s duty to give the world a reason to dance.”

Kid President Quotes II (2)

6. “Life is tough, but so are you.”

Kid President Quotes II (3)

7. “You were made to be awesome.”

Kid President Quotes II

8. “Life is tough, but so are you.”

Kid President quotes

What’s your favorite of these quotes by Kid President? Share in the comments below!

Filed Under: Education, Growing Up, Random Musings Tagged With: how to make the world a better place, Kid President, pinnable graphics, quotes by Kid President

How Parents Can Use Their Social Media Influence

August 21, 2013 | 1 Comment

mom on social mediaSocial media has permeated into every aspect of life.  Every night on the news, I guarantee you that there will be some story about social media, or that uses social media (a viral video, a tweet, a story from Facebook).  The bottom line is that everyone has become a reporter, and that is important for brands to take notice.

As parents, it is important to realize that we have a lot of influence when it comes to social media.  Entire networks of parent blogs have emerged and they carry a lot of influence.  It’s time for the internet marketing company to take note of the influence that parents have, especially on social media.

 

Using Social Media for Good

There are so many examples of how parents are using social media for good.  For example, I have a friend on Facebook who started a viral campaign to raise money for a child with disabilities.  The goal was to get him to get a special treatment that their family couldn’t afford.

Prior to social media, the only way these campaigns would have been successful is if the community got enough support that the local news station covered it.  Then, if you were really lucky, the national news would have picked up the story as well.

Today, you can have stories go viral on social media and instantly reach millions of people overnight – you can even buy Instagram likes to help give your story the best chance of being seen by as many people as possible and getting the word spread around the world.  In the case of the story above, the family was able to raise over $10,000 for their child to get the treatment they needed, all from anonymous donors all over the world.  Talk about the power of social media.

 

Using Social Media for Change

Parents also have a lot of clout when it comes to dealing with brands.  Parents literally have the power to change the fate of different companies – both positively and negatively.

In the past, brands would rely on advertising to get out the word on new products.  Now, brands will hire an SEO company to contract with bloggers to review their new products.  This is a big shift in the marketing world – instead of national advertising campaigns, advertising takes the form of recommendations from other parents that people trust.  This really shows the influence of parents online.

On the flip side, if parents are dissatisfied with a brand, or how they were treated, they have an instant outlet.  And the last thing that brands want is to be called out on social media by dissatisfied parents.  Because, once again, a poor experience can go viral and end up on the nightly news.  Entire websites, like the Consumerist, exist to showcase these stories.

How else can parents use their social media influence?

Brian
Brian

Brian is the founder of Kids Ain’t Cheap and is now sharing his journey through parenthood.

 
Email • Google + • Facebook • Twitter

Filed Under: Random Musings Tagged With: Influence, Parents, Social Media, Using Social Media

Changes at Kids Ain’t Cheap

July 7, 2013 | 2 Comments

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that I would be picking up the pace here on Kids Ain’t Cheap.

Earlier this year, you know I purchased this site to continue the belief that, while kids aren’t cheap, they are totally worth it.  As part of my journey to parenthood, I was going to write a bit about what’s happening in my life.

Well, easier said than done with all that’s going on in my online and offline life.  However, I’ve finally sat down and written an editorial calendar for the site, so you should start seeing some new, personal content.

With the baby due any day now, there should be some fun stuff coming soon.

Brian
Brian

Brian is the founder of Kids Ain’t Cheap and is now sharing his journey through parenthood.

 
Email • Google + • Facebook • Twitter

Filed Under: Random Musings Tagged With: Personal Stuff

356 Days…

June 4, 2013 | 1 Comment

breastfeeding356 days is how long I was able to breastfeed. Nine days short of baby girls first birthday. Try as I might I don’t think she’ll be able to get one more ounce out of me. With returning to work full-time just two weeks ago, I’ve noticed a big dip in my supply, combined with the fact that baby girl seems to be loosing interest in the whole thing. I will try breastfeeding one more day, but I think my breastfeeding days with this baby are over.

 

My Goal

I’m disappointed I didn’t make my one year goal. I know nine days isn’t a lot, but I really wanted to make that one year mark. I know I should be proud of what we accomplished but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little bummed. One year was my first goal. I planned on going as long as she self-weaned which I hoped would be later but I think it’s here now.

Breastfeeding has been the single most difficult thing I’ve had to do as a mom. I’m so thankful I’m in Canada and allowed a 52 week maternity leave. I know there is no way we would have made it this long if I had to return to work in the early weeks. I commend women who are able to work full-time, raise a family and do everything required to maintain a milk supply for their baby. Given my job it would be incredibly hard so I’m thankful I was able to be home with her to nurse on demand.

My daughter went through growth spurts textbook style. I would spend what felt like days, nursing. The first grow spurt was frustrating, I was stuck inside during the beautiful summer doing nothing but nursing. By the second growth spurt I had grown to love our time together. She wanted and needed me, for that I loved our time together.

 

Memories

I’ll miss those sweet moments of just the two of us. The way she’d look at me and the way she’d place her hands and feet on me. I’ll miss the special cuddles only she and I shared and how calm she was. I will especially miss not having to figure out why she was upset because I had the answer to whatever it was. I enjoyed breastfeeding so much more than I could have ever imagined. The bond it helped create is beyond words.

My husband is constantly reminding me that she’s healthy, happy and growing and as parents that’s all we can ask for. As much as we’d like, we can’t keep them small forever. It’s our responsibility to help the grow and navigate life. As she continues to grow and enters her second year of life, we will figure out new ways to bond and have many new experiences together.

I knew my breastfeeding days would eventually come to and end I just didn’t know how hard it would be on me. I just need to remind myself that I am so thankful I was able to breastfeed at all since I know it’s not always possible.

Catherine
Catherine

Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn’t soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter.

plungedindebt.com

Filed Under: Random Musings Tagged With: Breastfeeding, Self-Weaning, Weaning

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