Volume 3, Issue 2- Fall 2026

Hey Junior Investors!

A new school year means new classes, new schedules, and a fresh chance to reset your financial habits. Between school activities, food with friends, sports, transportation, and everything else that comes with a busy fall, staying organized with your money can make a big difference. Let’s dive in!

The beginning of the school year can bring a lot of extra expenses.

• Separate Wants From Needs: School supplies may be necessary, but a new outfit or upgraded phone might be something you can wait on.
• Make a School-Year Budget: Include regular expenses like food, gas, activities, and entertainment.
• Avoid Impulse Buys: Give yourself a day before making bigger purchases to decide if you really want them.

Saving is much easier when your money has a purpose.

• Pick One Goal: A car, college, a trip, or even your first investment can give you something concrete to work toward.
• Give Yourself a Deadline: Instead of saying “I want to save more,” decide how much you want saved and by when.
• Track Your Progress: Watching your savings grow can help keep you motivated.

Every investment comes with some level of risk.

• Higher Returns Usually Mean Higher Risk: Investments with more growth potential can also experience larger losses.
• Diversification Matters: Spreading money across different investments can help reduce the impact of one investment performing poorly.
• Know What You Own: Never invest in something simply because it is trending online or because your friends are buying it.

Technology makes spending easier than ever—but convenience often comes with a price.

• Delivery Apps: Service fees, delivery charges, and tips can make a meal much more expensive.
• Rideshares: Prices can increase during busy times, making short trips surprisingly costly.
• Digital Payments: Apple Pay and saved credit cards make buying easy, which can also make it easier to lose track of how much you’re spending.

Q: How do I know if I’m spending too much money going out with friends?

A: Look at how much you’re spending over an entire month, not just one night. If going out is preventing you from saving or causing you to run out of money, set a monthly social budget. You don’t have to stop having fun—you just need to decide ahead of time how much you can afford to spend.