It happens quietly, and often early.

Your teen notices that a classmate always has the latest phone. Another friend’s family takes elaborate spring break vacations. Meanwhile, they might have a part-time job just to pay for gas or save for college.

Even if you’ve never said it aloud, your teen is already absorbing messages about money — not just from home, but from peers, media, and online. One of the hardest things to learn is that not everyone starts from the same place financially. And that’s where you come in.

If your teen voices frustration, envy, or even guilt about money, resist the urge to lecture. Instead, ask questions:

“What made you feel that way?”

“Have you felt that before?”

“What do you think that person’s life is really like?”

Sometimes, just naming the emotion is a powerful first step. The goal isn’t to dismiss their feelings, it’s to help them explore what’s behind them.

You don’t have to reveal every detail of your financial situation to have meaningful conversations about equity and privilege. Try saying:

“Every family makes different choices with money, and not all families have the same options.”

“You might not see it on the surface, but everyone is dealing with different money pressures.”

Teens are often more ready than we think to talk about economic differences. Help them see that comparison isn’t always apples to apples.

Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat offer curated highlight reels. A friend’s shopping spree or expensive dinner doesn’t show the whole story. According to Bankrate’s Social Media Survey, more than half of U.S. adults who use social media say it’s made them feel negatively about their finances, with Gen Z and Millennials being the most affected. Encourage your teen to ask:

“Do I know if that person paid for this or if their parents did?”

“Am I comparing their best moment to my everyday reality?”

Media literacy is a huge part of financial education. Equip your teen to view posts with curiosity, not comparison.

The pressure to “keep up” can be intense, especially in high school. Help your teen define success on their own terms. What goals matter to them? What kind of financial future do they want to build?

Remind them: We can’t always control where we start, but we can learn how to make thoughtful choices.

If your teen is already working, saving, or budgeting, recognize those efforts. It’s easy for them to feel behind when peers appear to “have more,” even if they’re building critical life skills others aren’t learning yet.

Money comparison is a part of growing up, but with your guidance, your teen can learn to navigate it with confidence, curiosity, and compassion.

While some teens may feel the sting of having less than their peers, some may find themselves on the other side, having more. Perhaps your teen has a generous allowance, family help with big expenses, or doesn’t have to work while friends do. These situations can bring up different emotions: guilt, awkwardness, or even entitlement. Start by encouraging gratitude and awareness. Talk openly about the advantages your teen has. You might say:

“We’re fortunate to be able to afford certain things. How can we use what we have thoughtfully?”

“Possessing more doesn’t define worth, it just means we have different opportunities and responsibilities.”

Help your teen recognize that money is a tool, and they can choose to use it with intention. Encourage them to think about giving, whether that’s through donations or helping a friend. Remind them that experiences, kindness, and shared time matter more than the latest purchase. Help them learn to listen when friends share different money struggles and avoid showing off or assuming that everyone has the same resources.

When your teen is in a position of abundance, it’s a powerful opportunity to build empathy, generosity, and a sense of responsibility, skills that will serve them well throughout their life.

Life throws curveballs — car repairs, job changes, surprise bills. That’s where your emergency fund comes in. It’s money set aside specifically for unexpected expenses. Having this safety net can prevent you from relying on credit cards or loans in tough situations. The amount needed for an emergency fund depends on the individual. Aim to save 3–6 months of living expenses over time, starting small with automatic transfers or extra income. If possible, use extra income from side gigs, tax refunds, or work bonuses to boost your fund faster. The key to saving isn’t about making huge sacrifices — small, steady steps make a big difference.

One way SecureFutures is empowering teens with financial education is through Money Sense, our financial fundamentals program, introducing teens to financial basics like banking, creating a savings plan, managing a budget, and maintaining healthy credit. Typically taught in three 90-minute lessons, the program’s content can be presented by trained volunteers or directly by the educator. If you’re interested in learning how you can get Money Sense into your high school or community-based organization, contact our Director of Volunteer Programs, Pa Vang, at pa@securefutures.org and bring money management essentials to your teen!