Overspending oversight

That’s quite the budget blow-out in just one weekend, Spike! Surely you must have realised you were spending so much?

You spent $63 just on food. I know it’s convenient to grab a bite at the mall, but the foodcourt meals are expensive and not particularly nutritional. Why didn’t you eat something at your friend’s place before going to the mall?

It was nice of you to buy your friend’s parents coffees as a thank you for letting you stay the night and driving you home. But if you’re saving for your car, you could have kept your wallet in your pocket and helped make breakfast, or at least done the dishes.

I don’t want to sound like a nagging hen, but what’s with the new jeans? You bought a pair only a couple of weeks ago! At this rate you’ll never have enough money to buy your car!

You should do what I do - window shop. It’s easy to spend the weekend at the mall without actually spending any money. Occasionally I’ll find something I want to get, but I always wait before making the decision to get it, usually at least until the next weekend. And then I still won’t buy it until I have the cash to do so.

I always carry some water and a snack with me, so I’m not tempted by the foodcourt smells. And haven’t you heard of the video store? Why spend $20 on a movie when you can rent it for much less?

How bad do you really want that car?

Ashley Stasher

One of the Money Mindset Mob - helping teens get their head around money

Tags: budgeting, spending, teens and money