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Writer's pictureAakesh Y

Digital Finance for Teens

Digital finance in today's tech society has emerged to revolutionize the way we manage money, conveniently and efficiently. As teenagers, embracing digital finance can be a pivotal step towards developing management habits with ease and prepare you to be financially secure.


1. Digital Banking Account

Opening a teen online banking account can be the first step toward financial responsibility and independence. Minors can typically open a bank account often with a parent, who may need to be the joint co-owner of the teen account. With their teen bank account, they can effortlessly utilize a debit card with parental controls, set limits and spending restrictions, set up direct deposit for fund transfers, and secure transfers in checking and savings accounts. Most banks offer user-friendly online and mobile banking access to monitor account status and set up notification alerts for any updates. It's essential to review the associated bank account features and fees. Many checking accounts may have a monthly maintenance fee if the balance falls below a minimum threshold. Overdraft fees may incur if you attempt to withdraw more money than is available in the account.


2. Payment Transfer Apps

Payment transfer mobile applications allow users to send and receive money using connected bank accounts to process payments and send secure, fast transfers between individuals. Cash App allows minors (13-18) to send and receive money from other Cash App users with a parent account as a legal owner and approval to join their account. Apple Cash Family, a product of Apple, allows parents to set up a child account with oversight and add a prepaid card or Apple Cash. Google Pay allows parents to add them as a payment method to the teen account as well. Other major services such as PayPal and Zelle are not offered to minors under 18 (Venmo is an exception).


3. Investing Apps

Investing can be a valuable financial endeavor for young adults in building wealth, as the advantage of time lies in allowing investments to grow exponentially. There is a common misconception that those who are not legal adults yet cannot invest, but this is untrue (need to be 18 to open your own brokerage account). In a custodial account, an adult can maintain control over investments on behalf of a minor until they reach 18 or 21 depending on the state. Early retirement planning through Roth-IRA can also be created with an earned job income. Additionally, joint brokerage accounts are available with shared adult ownership to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. There may be certain risks associated with investing and it is important to learn the tradeoff. Always educate yourself in investing and set investment goals.


Embrace these digital tools responsibly and you'll be better equipped on your path to financial success and security in your future ventures. Prioritize security when using these services, create goals and track your expenses, research and educate yourself on all options and potential tradeoffs, and constantly monitor your financial accounts.


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