Survey Finds Teens Outpace Parents in Money Habits
Talker Research polled 2,000 parents of teens ages 13 to 17 about their children's financial responsibility.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Saving
Live Poll
Do you think today's teens handle money better than you did at their age?
A Talker Research survey of 2,000 parents of teens ages 13 to 17, conducted online between Sept. 23 and Sept. 28, 2026, found that 46% of parents believe their teen has a better grasp on finances than they do. The survey was commissioned by OnePay.
Why it matters
The findings suggest many teens are developing budgeting, saving and debt-awareness habits early, with 93% earning some money and about 9 in 10 considering themselves financially responsible. For families, the results point to earning and saving as a practical way young people build money skills.
Teens report earning an average of $6,916 per year from allowance and chores, side hustles, part-time jobs, caretaking and reselling, and 93% have some way of earning money. Sixty-four percent of teens have never set foot in an actual bank on their own, and 35% of teens versus 36% of parents place $1,000 in a high-yield savings account.
The players
OnePay
OnePay is the financial services company that commissioned the survey on teen financial responsibility.
Talker Research
Talker Research is an independent research firm that conducted the online survey of parents and teens.
The details
Parents reported that their teens are more careful about purchases, more likely to save for big items, and more cautious about debt than in the past. The survey also found that 96% of parents have discussed saving with their child, while 17% have never discussed investing.
Timeline
Sept. 23 to Sept. 28, 2026: Talker Research fielded the online survey of 2,000 parents.
Market Landscape
Youth-focused banking and earning tools have grown as providers target families seeking early money-management habits for teens. This survey, sponsored by OnePay, reflects that push by measuring how parents perceive teen saving, budgeting and debt behavior.
Parents can use the survey's findings to start conversations about saving, budgeting and earning with their teens. Families may consider letting teens hold a small income stream and open a savings account to practice managing money.
The takeaway
Teens who earn and save money early tend to develop practical financial habits, so involving them in budgeting and saving decisions can be a useful step for parents.
Further reading
For more on building savings habits, explore Saving coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Local.
Live Poll
Do you think today's teens handle money better than you did at their age?
