Your age and life situation should play a big role in the investment choices that you make. For e.g, if you are thinking about getting married, you may be considering buying a home. However, if you’re in your 40s, you may be saving for retirement or your children’s education. Below are some sample asset mixes to show you how investments change at different stages of life. Remember, that you must examine your present situation and financial goals in order to decide the amount of risk and the mix of assets that will be best for you.

Teenaged years (13 to 19 years)

teenage-years2As you enter your teenaged years (i.e. 13 to 19 years old) you will begin to make some grown-up decisions about how to save and spend your money. That’s why learning the best ways to manage money, no matter how small, is one of the most important lessons that you can learn in life. The first thing that you have to do is set goals for yourself. Then you must make the right choices with your money to help you achieve those goals. At this stage, you may wish to consider a savings account in a bank or a share account in a credit union. Many commercial banks and credit unions provide accounts and savings options for teenagers. Check them out and request your parents’ or a relative’s advice before you proceed.  

Here are some additional tips:

  • Save some money before you’re tempted to spend it.
  • Keep track of your spending.
  • Consider a part-time job.
  • Think before you buy.
  • Be careful with cards.
  • Start focusing on your life after secondary school.