Junior Most Teens Are Not Banking On Social Security (NAPSA)—The days when teenagers were to be seen and not heard may be a thing of the past— particularly when it comes to money. It seems teens have plenty to say when it comes to personal finance issues—including retirement—and are actively involved in many household spending issues. Only 44 percent of students surveyed think Social Security will still be there when they turn 65. A large majority of teens think taxes are too high. Girls are slightly more likely than boys to believe taxes are too high and nearly 70 percent of teens say they influence their parents’ buying decisions. These are just someof the findings in a poll of teen opinions about personal finance. The survey was the most recent in an ongoing study of teen opinions on a range of economic issues called the JA Interprise Poll. The study is sponsored by the world’s largest and fastest-growing organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and free enterprise—Junior Achievement. A downward trend among teen ownership of stock continues this year. Accordingto poll results, just over 15 percent of students say they own stock, in contrast to the just over 20 percent whosaid so in a similar poll conducted last year, and 25 percent of teens who said so in two consecutive years of polling before that. Results of the poll also show t hp ee, In a recent survey of teens’ opinions about money, nearly 70 percent said they influence their parents’ buying decisions. that allowance continues to play a compelling part in the story of teen earning power. Slightly less than 40 percent of teens said they receive an allowance. Nearly half of all students receiving an allowance indicated that they receive less than $40 per month. Credit card ownership among teens is not significant, except among older students. Less than 13 percent of all teen respondents indicated they own a credit card. Not surprisingly, among teens 18 years of age and older, 34.6 percent say they own one. Today, JA reaches more than four million students through 150 offices nationwide and another two million students in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information about this edition of the JA Interprise Poll or JA, visit www.ja.org or write JA National Headquarters, One Education Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. You can also contact the nearest Junior Achievementoffice.
