Money Expo - October 22

Come learn about valuable ways to manage your money and grow your savings. Lucky winners may receive a free iPod Touch or an eBook reader!

The Virginia Beach Public Library invites all teens, age 12 to 18, to participate in the Money Expo on Saturday, October 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the M.E.O. Central Library.

Teens can talk with experts and learn about real-life topics like managing checking and saving accounts, budgeting, investing and more. They can even play to win at "Money Jeopardy".

There's even more ---snacks, giveaways and prizes! Registration for this FREE event begins on October 1, 2011. To register, call the library at (757) 385-1050.

UR $ 4 Life, October 8, Central Library

Everybody needs a little help understanding money. It's hard to figure it all out. Your library offers programs and resources just for teens to help you get more bang for your buck. Snacks and prizes too!

Sign up for UR $ 4 Life on October 8, 1 to 2 p.m. at the Central Library to have some fun and learn something new. It's your money for your life – we’ll help you be smart about it. Call (757) 385-0150 to register.

Savings Account Strategies

It’s finally payday! But what are you going to do with your hard-earned money? Go shopping, put some away for college, see a movie, take a trip? No matter what you decide, consider making your savings account your first stop.

A savings account can ...

keep your money safe
help you earn more money
cash your check
provide access to your money

A savings account can do all of these things for you! There are different types of savings accounts Read MoneyTalks for Teens on Saving Account Strategies to learn more. On page 2,take the survey to figure out which type of savings account is best for you.

Why Budget?

Why should you budget when your parents take care of all your expenses or you don't have a regular income?

Budgeting allows you to --

start saving for the future
control mindless spending
afford things that you really want

Yes, it's true! Track your expenses for just one day. You'll be very surprised to find out how much money you spend without thinking about it. You eat fast food after school, right? How much did you spend?

Budgeting allows you to know how much you are spending and make decisions about what you want to spend your money on. It's all about taking control of your life and setting priorities. It's not hard!

Before long, you'll have the money that you need to purchase the things that you really want. Find out more about your money beliefs and how they shape your budget in MoneyTalks Teen Guide My Money Personality.

Welcome to the Club

It’s often easier for your parents to give you cash than a lesson in how to manage it. If fact, a recent study of American families shows that many kids are in debt before the age of 21. Don’t let this happen to you!

Here's a few tips to get you started:

Allowance. Ask for a allowance for doing small chores at home. It helps you understand the value of money and also shows your parents that you get it too.

Pay Yourself First. The next time that your parents visit their bank or credit union, go with them and ask to open up an account of your own. Be smart with the money that you earned doing chores by depositing it in your account. It's called paying yourself first.

Make Smart Choices. Before your next purchase, stop and think about how much that items costs. It took you a while to earn and save enough money for that purchase. Is it worth it? Spending money relates directly to your personal choices.

Learn More. Invest in yourself --- keep reading this blog to learn more! We'll post information about managing and investing your money.

It's your money --- we’ll help you be smart about it.