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Part One Personal Development
Many young people today have few worries about their basic needs.
The money they have is spent most often for luxuries and recreation.
Teens are major consumers of everything from soft drinks and clothes to
computer games and cars.
The teen market is one of the most lucrative in the economy. Teens
are establishing new buying habits. Businesses direct much of their
advertising to the teen market. They want to encourage teens to establish
the habit of buying and using their products, 2-7.
Many teens view spending as an expression of adult behavior. What
they may not realize is that responsible behavior involves spending for
necessities and saving for the future as well as paying for recreation.
Choosing more responsible attitudes toward saving money in times of
affluence can be a healthy aspect of teens’ personality development.
When the economy is weak, teens are likely to feel pressure. The
job market for young people entering the workforce may be tight.
Financial funds for college or training programs may be limited. Such
situations may help teens appreciate the importance of an education
and a steady job. It may also help them develop personal qualities such
as determination and willingness to work hard to achieve an objective.
2-7
Businesses are eager to attract teen customers. They hope
the teens will develop a habit of buying their products.