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Budgeting and couponing for teens isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Most kids probably only had a piggy bank or a bank account that their parents deposited money in for birthdays and holidays. But budgeting is a big step up from just saving, and teens have to learn this important skill.

You can find tons of digital and free tools to get your teen into budgeting, saving, and discount seeking. Plus, they have plenty of opportunities to save with their student ID or school email.

Keep reading and we’ll give you the budgeting and saving tips you need to turn your teen into a financial fanatic. It’s enough to make any couponing parent proud.

Remember to download the KCL app for lots more savings tips.

 

Turn your teen on to one of these free budgeting apps.

teen girl looks at Mint app on her phone

They might not use them as much as Tik Tok or Instagram, but your teen might get into budgeting apps. Why? These apps make it easy to keep track of spending and income. And, even better, they’re totally free. Here’s a few popular ones:

  • Mint is an impressive budgeting app, since it automatically sorts purchases (linked to a debit or credit card) into categories like entertainment, shopping, transportation, and even streaming services. Your teen can set budgets for each category and the app will notify them when they’re in danger of going over.
  • Goodbudget is great for families, since multiple users can view the budget info from different devices. It also features different “envelopes” to budget out specific categories.
  • Pocketguard keeps things super simple, as you can connect your bank accounts and check on your available spending money. You can also make a daily, weekly, or monthly budget.

 

Monitor your teen’s budget and spending with a Copper Banking debit card.

copper debit card and copper app on teenphone

Copper Banking was created with budgeting for teens in mind. Your teen gets their very own Copper debit card, you can track his spending and instantly send over money when he needs it. No waiting two days for PayPal or Venmo and no stress from lending your own card.

Copper also gives referral rewards for getting other users on board.

 

RELATED: Student Discounts That’ll Save You Big Bucks

 

Let us show your teen how to coupon.

hand holding multiple fanned out coupons with a Target in the background

As you know, couponing is just free money. If you’ve got a teen that’s interested in cutting costs already, first off, congrats. Second, definitely have them check out the Krazy Coupon Lady Guide to Couponing.

 

Teach your teen the benefits of loyalty programs.

Urban outfitters store on streoget in Copenhagen, Denmark

Brand loyalty pays off. Wherever your teen is a constant shopper, they should be taking advantage of loyalty programs. Tons of popular stores have loyalty programs your teen should know about. Here’s just a handful:

  • Urban Outfitters Rewards gives new users 10% off their next purchase, multiple rewards tiers, and exclusive offers through the app.
  • The H&M Loyalty Program gives customers 10% off their next purchases for joining, birthday offers, free online returns, and rewards points.
  • The American Eagle Real Rewards Program has multiple tiers, with the free version giving you a 15% off coupon, free shipping on orders $50+, and a visually appealing “loop” rewards points system.

 

And while you’re at it, have them sign up for a Target RedCard.

Target Circle and RedCard information stand with brochures in side Target.

Target’s popular with everyone, and teens are no exception. With a Target RedCard, you save 5% on Target purchases, including at in-store Starbucks.

Target RedCard basically acts like a debit card (there’s a credit option too, that’s way too risky for a teenager learning about budgeting).

The only thing is that you have to be at least 18 to qualify for a RedCard.

 

 

Use tools like the Honey Chrome extension for immediate savings.

Honey website on a laptop

If your teen is an avid online shopper (who isn’t?), they can use browser extensions to save more. For example, the Honey browser extension automatically inputs coupon and promo codes during online shopping, along with tools such as rewards, price history, and price drop alerts.

And Honey’s not the only popular extension, as Ibotta, TopCashback, RetailMeNot, and Rakuten offer savings and cashback right from your browser.

 

Make sure your teen is making the most of student discounts with UNiDAYS.

Student discount at H&M

If they want to save a few bucks, your teen should never leave the house without a student ID. To shop online, they can verify their student ID through UNiDAYS, an aggregator of stores with student discounts.

Here’s a few retailers and restaurants that offer student discounts and freebies:

 

PRO TIP: Have your teen also check out Id.me student discounts to save on everything from tech and skincare to hotel rooms.

 

RELATED: Free Stuff for College Students: Discounts and Freebies

 

Have your teen use student discounts for streaming services.

Cheaper clothes and food are always a plus, but students can also cut their TV binging and music streaming costs in half (and sometimes more) with some major discounts.

Here’s a few they should absolutely be taking advantage of:

 

UP NEXT: Top Restaurants That Offer Student Discounts

Wings and fountain drinks on a table in a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.

Here's How to Make Budgeting and Couponing for Teens Super Easy!