Teenagers' Money, Discretionary Spending And Saving
M. J. Alhabeeb,1 University of Massachusetts-Amherst
This study investigated how much money was obtained and how it was spent by teenagers. It also
examined the effects of individual and family characteristics on teens' discretionary spending and
saving. Teens' income and age, separately, had negative effects on food expenditures and positive
effects on both clothing and entertainment expenditures. Family income had a positive effect on teens'
clothing and entertainment expenditures. Having an allowance negatively affected teens' food and
clothing expenditures. Compared to female teens, males saved less and spent less on clothing and
personal care items.
KEY WORDS: adolescent consumption pattern, adolescent spending, children money, teen saving,
teen spending behavior.