Teenagers and Money: Debit Cards, Online Shopping, Second-Hand Products and Bargain Hunting

Teenagers and Money: The End of Pocket Money?

Teenagers Using Debit and Credit Cards

It is said that nowadays more and more parents are giving their children debit and credit cards instead of cash. That is happening because our society is changing very quickly. Many European teenagers have got credit cards, and that trend is coming quickly to this country.

Credit and debit cards have many advantages. Firstly, they are very easy to use. Secondly, they are easy to carry because they are not heavy. Finally, you can use them everywhere in the world.

However, it can be dangerous for teenagers too. When you don't feel the money, it seems that it can lose its value and the effort you make to get it.

In conclusion, I personally get pocket money, but perhaps, when I am 18, my parents will give me a credit card and I can use it responsibly.

To Buy or Not to Buy

It is true that nowadays it is very difficult to escape the trend of shopping because we live in a world that pushes us towards consumerism.

Everything in our present society seems to revolve around shopping and more shopping. I don't consider myself a shopaholic because I only buy the things that I need. I live in a village, and here life is not as posh as in the city, and we live humbly. So I think we are lucky and clever.

However, I love buying products on the Internet. I have bought computers, clothes, perfumes... I like this way of shopping because you can relax on the sofa and decide without being in a hurry. It is sometimes cheaper, but sometimes these products are not cheaper because you have to pay the delivery fees.

Today many people are interested in this topic and this issue. This topic is increasingly attracting our attention because...

Buying Second-Hand Products

It is true that nowadays more and more people buy second-hand products from shops because we live in a very difficult economic situation. This is pushing many people to visit this kind of shop. These shops are normally charity shops, where people donate their furniture, clothes, shoes and accessories, and the shops sell them.

Advantages

• The products are cheaper.
• You can find real bargains.
• You are helping the needy, the homeless and the poor.

Disadvantages

• You cannot take them back to the shop.
• They do not come with any guarantee.

In my country there are not many shops of this type, but I know that they are very popular in Europe. I wouldn't mind shopping there because it is a way to help others.

Bargain Hunting

Nowadays it is very difficult to find a bargain, but you can try, and it is worth it. Some people wait for the sales, which take place twice a year, in January and February and in July and August. It is a good idea to do this because you can find cheaper products, products that you cannot afford when they are not on sale.

I don't think I am a bargain hunter, although I like going to the sales and I feel very happy when I find something good and inexpensive. Some people go to big department stores. Other people go to shopping centres. Others go to street markets, where they can talk to the man or woman in charge of the stall and, after a long conversation, perhaps they get a bargain.

I cannot be defined as a bargain hunter because I have no free time to do that and I am not into consumerism. I just buy what I need and what I like, and that doesn't happen very often. I haven't got a lot of money, but I don't like going to the city to try to find a bargain. I like going shopping; that is different.