Money Matters for Teens

by Larry Burkett, Todd Temple

Teens always want more money. However, they often do not know how to handle the money they do have. Parents need to educate teens on solid, biblical money management if they're to exercise these habits as adults. In Money Matters for Teens , Burkett address issues of specific concern for teens and teaches them the basics to help them prepare for financial independence.

Genres: School, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Larry Burkett was an American radio personality whose work focused on financial counseling from a Christian point of view.

Reviews

[Wayne Walker]

Larry Burkett (1939-2003) was a well-known authority on business and personal finance who wrote more than seventy books, including non-fiction bestsellers like Family Financial Workbook, Debt-Free Living, and The World's Easiest Guide to Finances. He also had a worldwide radio program, founded Christian Financial Concepts, and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Crown Financial Ministries. Several homeschoolers have recommended his books, so when I saw Money Matters for Teens with two workbooks also by Burkett with Todd Temple, one for ages 11-14 and the other for ages 15-18, at a homeschool conference a few years ago, I picked them up for use with our boys. Many states are now requiring a class in personal finance to graduate from public school. But aside from that, it’s just a good idea for teens to be introduced to these matters. Our older son Mark took a personal finance course in the same homeschool coop with which he did biology and chemistry, so I never used the books with him, but Jeremy used them this year.

The main book is divided into 48 lessons which are grouped into seven chapters covering stewardship, money, attitude, planning, banking, spending, and career. Unfortunately, the workbooks don’t really follow the text. I did not see a teacher’s guide to help in choosing which activities in the workbooks should go with what lessons, so we just had to use our own best judgment. There is also a book by Burkett for younger students, Money Matters for Kids.

Teens are on the brink of adulthood and always want more money, but they often do not know how to handle the money they do have, so parents need to help them be ready for financial independence. Burkett shares Bible-based wisdom on getting and keeping a job, how banks and creditors works, managing a savings/checking account, paying for college, knowing when to borrow, stewardship, and other issues of specific concern for teens which will educate them on the basics to help them prepare for solid, biblical money management. Some people may not like the "preachy" sound of the book and may disagree with some of the concepts presented, such as the suggestion that one way of making more money is giving more to the church. However, Jeremy said that he found a lot of useful information.

[Rochelle]

While a bit dry at times, it does cover all the many facets of being financially responsible in a way that is easy to grasp for youth ages 10 to 16...
Highly recommend the workbooks that go along with it as well.

[AllieM]

Not useful for anyone over about 13

[Sophie]

February 4, 2026:
I read this for school this year and found it helpful with thinking about my finances. It talked through budgeting and gave options with how I should spend, save, and give using the money that God has given me to steward. I also learned and understand more of the bank's terminology for things. Clear ideas and an easy read!