Financial Wellness for Girls: 10 Fun & Real-Life Tips I Wish I Learned Earlier

Financial Wellness for Girls: 10 Fun & Real-Life Tips I Wish I Learned Earlier

Hey!

I’m 16, and I want to talk about something we don’t always cover in school but is super important for our future—money.

I know, I know—money talk can feel boring or stressful, but hear me out. Learning about money now isn’t about turning into some Wall Street stock trader overnight. It’s about giving yourself the tools to make smart choices so you can live the life you want, without constantly stressing about bills or debt when you’re older.

I’ve been figuring this out myself, so here are 10 things I’ve learned that can help you start your own financial wellness journey. No pressure—just ideas you can try at your own pace. 💖

1. Ask Yourself: “What Do I Know About Money?”

Before you start learning, just think about what you already know (or don’t know). Ask yourself:

• Where does money even come from?

• Why do we need it?

• What do I hear people around me say about it?

You might be surprised at how much you’ve picked up from family, friends, or TikTok—good or bad.

2. Learn What Financial Wellness Actually Means

Financial wellness is just a fancy way of saying: “I can handle my money, take care of my needs, and save for my future without freaking out.” It’s about feeling confident and secure with your money—now and later.

3. Try Simple Budgeting

Budgeting sounds intense, but it’s basically just making a plan for your money. If you get allowance, birthday cash, or babysitting money, split it into:

• Savings (for future goals)

• Expenses (things you need)

• Fun money (things you want)

This way, you’re not blowing it all on iced coffee the first week. (Guilty. 🙋‍♀️)

4. Start Saving (Even If It’s Small)

Even saving 10% of what you get makes a difference. You can open a savings account (with your parents’ help) or use a cute jar in your room. Over time, you’ll see it grow—and that feels amazing.

5. If You Work, Take Advantage of Resources

If you have a part-time job, see if your workplace has workshops or online tools about managing money. It sounds boring now, but trust me—future you will be so glad you learned about investing or saving for big goals.

6. Learn Alongside Your Parents

Your parents might have money tips from their own jobs or experiences. Ask them to share what they know, and talk about what you’re learning. Money conversations can feel awkward, but making them normal now helps later.

7. Understand Credit (Before You Get a Card)

Credit can be your BFF or your worst enemy. Learn what a credit score is, how it’s calculated, and why paying things back on time is important. Messing it up can follow you for years, so start good habits early.

8. Help Make Money Decisions at Home

Ask to be part of small decisions, like comparing prices at the store or helping plan a budget for a family trip. It’s real-life practice in spending wisely.

9. Give Back

Money isn’t just for you—it can help others, too. Pick a cause you care about and give a little, whether it’s money, time, or skills. It’s an awesome feeling to know you’re making a difference.

10. Watch How You Spend (and Save)

The best teacher? Your own example. If you practice saving, being thoughtful about purchases, and avoiding debt traps, you’ll be way ahead of the game.

Final thought:You don’t have to learn all this overnight. Even small steps—like tracking what you spend for a week—can make you more confident with money. And confidence? That’s the real goal.

Future you is going to be so proud. 💕