Financial Decoder

What's the Best Way to Talk Money With Teens?

Mar 30, 2026
Patrick Means, Vice President and branch manager at Charles Schwab with 20+ years in financial planning, focuses on teaching teens practical money skills. He discusses modeling money through real-world practice, using mock trading and fractional shares to lower barriers, and practical budgeting with automated savings. The conversation also covers custodial vs joint accounts and starting Roth IRAs for teens with earned income.
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ADVICE

Share Wins And Mistakes To Teach Money

  • Be open about financial wins and mistakes to make lessons relatable and build trust.
  • Share specific regrets you would change if you were their age to create buy-in and memorable lessons.
ADVICE

Use A 24-Hour Rule For Social Media Money Advice

  • Teach teens to pause on social-media-driven money ideas using a 24-hour rule before acting.
  • Encourage asking a trusted person whether online tips apply to their situation to avoid rash financial moves.
ADVICE

Pick Accounts Based On Who Controls Money

  • Choose account type based on desired control: custodial accounts transfer ownership at majority while Schwab Teen Investor joint accounts give teens control starting at 13.
  • Joint accounts let teens move money and trade earlier for guided practice.
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