28 Skills Every Teen Should Master 
In this episode, Charla is joined by a special guest—her daughter, Kate! As Kate prepares to head off to college, they discuss the essential life skills every teen should master before leaving home. From money management to car maintenance, Kate shares her experiences, successes, and challenges in becoming independent.

Key Topics Covered: 

- Learning to Spend Wisely  Kate has always been a natural saver, but Charla explains why learning to spend money wisely is just as important. To help her practice, Charla implemented an allowance system where Kate is responsible for buying her own Starbucks and gifts for friends. This approach has helped Kate become more intentional with her spending while still holding onto her saver mindset. 

- Working in High School vs. College  Unlike her brother, Jack, who worked throughout high school, Kate focused on her rigorous coursework and extracurriculars. Charla emphasizes that every child is different, and parents should tailor their expectations to their teen’s individual needs. While Kate didn’t work in high school, she understands that working in college will be necessary to support her lifestyle. 

- Basic Cooking Skills  Kate openly admits that cooking is not a priority for her. With a diet consisting of grilled cheese, buttered noodles, and Rice Krispie treats, she has mastered just enough to get by. Charla highlights the importance of knowing your child’s personality and teaching them the skills they’re willing to learn, rather than forcing unnecessary lessons. 

- Jump-Starting a Car!  One of Kate’s biggest confidence boosters has been learning how to jump-start a car. After experiencing a few dead batteries, she took control and even demonstrated the process for her classmates. This skill has given her a sense of independence, proving that small wins can significantly boost a teen’s confidence. 

- Researching & Negotiating Purchases  Whether buying gifts or shopping for herself, Kate is a meticulous researcher. She shares how she overcame her hesitation with secondhand shopping, learning to compare options and make informed decisions. Charla offers insights into helping teens understand different online marketplaces and how to spot good deals.

Call to Action: 

* Get the list: Check out Charla’s blog for a full checklist of essential life skills teens should master before leaving home.
* Reflect: Are there skills your teen still needs to learn? Consider using Charla’s checklist as a guide to help them gain independence.
* Join the Discussion: What life skills do you think are most important for teens? Connect with us on social media or leave a comment here! We want to hear from you!!!

Connect With Us:

- Read more about this topic and other discussions on Charla’s blog: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

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- Learn more about our unique products designed to enhance your children’s understanding of real-world money management: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)