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.
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.
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 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.