INAM 25-24 Summary
Teaching Teens the Value of Hard Work
In this episode, Matt and Charla bust the myth that teens will “just get” a work ethic.Spoiler alert: They won’t.Work ethic is taught, modeled, and experienced—it takes intentional parenting, not crossed fingers and good vibes.

What We Dig Into:
1. Hard work isn’t natural—it’s learned.Teens aren’t lazy, they’re just inexperienced. If they’ve never had to work for something, they won’t magically know how to when it counts.
2. They value what they earn.When teens hustle for something, they care more about it. That shiny new thing feels different when it’s the result of sweat equity.
3. Chores ≠ Jobs.Chores are unpaid, non-negotiable, and part of being in a family. You live here, you contribute—no negotiations required.
4. Allowance is a tool, not a wage.Don’t pay for chores. Instead, treat allowance like a soccer ball—it’s practice gear for building money skills. Need a refresher? Revisit episodes 25-07 and 25-08.
5. “Wants” are work opportunities.If your teen wants more than the basics—great! That’s a work-for-want moment. Don’t fund the wish. Fund the hustle. Charla’s got a full list of job ideas on the blog (link below).
6. Real-life job ideas we love:



Organizing junk drawers


Shoveling snow


Hauling mulch


“Wee Haul” – a weekly bin-rolling biz


Raking leaves after a storm


Opportunities are everywhere—if they’re willing to look.
7. Not willing to work for it?Then it may not be worth your money either. That’s part of the growing-up lesson: prepare before the opportunity, not after it arrives.

Quick Recap for Parents:
Require chores – cost of family membership Provide allowance – practice tool for financial literacy Offer paid projects – real-world training for work ethic

Connect With Us:


Charla’s Blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog


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Explore Our Curriculum: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com