Your future self will thank you for reading this now!
Borrowing and Credit: Smart Money Moves for Teens is a real-talk guide that turns confusing money stuff—credit scores, interest, “Buy Now, Pay Later,” and credit cards—into simple, teen-friendly steps you can actually use. It’s built around realistic situations (phones, gaming gear, clothes, school needs), plus charts, quick explanations, and end-of-chapter quizzes to lock it in.
Inside you’ll learn how to:
Spot good debt vs. bad debt before you commit
Understand how borrowing works, including interest, fees, and repayment plans
Decode credit scores and how they affect apartments, cars, and even phone plans
Use (or avoid) "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) so “easy payments” don’t become a money trap
Recognize loan sharks, scams, and sketchy lenders before they reel you in
Handle credit cards safely (and avoid the minimum-payment trap)
Manage debt, get out of it without panic, and build credit the smart way
Perfect for teens who want independence, and for parents who want a practical way to talk about money without lectures—plus a dedicated Tips for Parents section at the end.
Educational purposes only. Not financial, legal, or tax advice.
Hi! I’m Chris Ortler. I write fun, practical finance books for kids and teens. As the founder of Future Funds Academy—and a dad of six—I turn real-world money topics into simple steps families can use right away. My Acorn to Oak and Teen Money Mastery series help parents and educators raise confident, money-smart kids.