Do you really need Roshes and Starbucks?
Christopher Pina
The times that we live in today are not how they used to be before. Teenagers
have a greater advantage now, more money, better jobs, more items for them to be
purchased. The world of business targets young adults, creating the greatest trends
year after year, kindling the markets and prices to a whole new level. Teenagers here in
America need to understand the true value of money, and learn to appreciate the things
they have, as well as learn to spend wisely, getting ahead and creating the foundation
of their future early.
Although it may seem that teenagers nowadays have little money compared to
adults (who receive more income), they surprisingly spend a substantial amount of
currency on the following items; entertainment, clothes, and the highest amount of all,
food. To be more specific, teens spend fourteen times more than adults on food, eight
times more on clothes, and twice as much on entertainment (Thompson).1 From a
young, vivid teen’s point of view, it must be understandable as to why their hardearned
cash, or generous, monetary gifts from family members go to the trendiest products.
The chart above introduces the up and trending brands throughout the last year.
It represents the businesses that are competing to gain the most profit from the people,
a majority of them being teenagers who have so many choices to choose from.
It is estimated that teenagers receive an income from $2,000 to $4,000 each year
(Peterson).2 We all know most teenagers do not spend every penny on accessories, but
the majority of the money is spent on items that are not a necessity for everyone.
1
Thompson, Derek. "How Teenagers Spend Money."
The Atlantic
. Atlantic Media Company, 12 Apr. 2013. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.
2
"Teen Consumer Spending Habits."
LoveToKnow
. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2015.
Peterson, Hayley. "Here's How Teens Really Spend Money, What They Like, And Where They Shop."
Business Insider
.
Business Insider, Inc, 07 Oct. 2014. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.