Us teens are not quite old enough to be in charge, yet whether it be groceries, gas or clothes, we have no problem charging it- on our parents' expense.

With the nation sinking into a never-ending debt of over $9 trillion, and our economy taking blow after blow, it is time for my generation to start accounting for-and slowing the depletion of- our bank accounts.

A tank of gas here, a trip to the grocery store there, doesn't seem to phase us. We are so used to our parents taking care of our financial matters that the dire situation of the U.S. economy couldn't be less important to us.

Unfortunately, with the rapid rising of prices on consumer goods, and the national average for a gallon of gas reaching a staggering $3.65, it is time for teens to become aware of their spending habits and work toward making them more stable so perhaps when it comes our time to govern, our country and our personal money matters are checked and balanced.

I am only 17, not even old enough to vote, yet old enough to contribute to our economy via the help of my parents' credit card. I was given a credit card for the two 'G's - gas and groceries. Since I associate gas and groceries as part of my daily necessities, I don't consider spending on either one a 'splurge' or a 'bad investment.'

I usually only calculate how much something will cost if I am buying clothes at a store. However, recently, I have become increasingly aware that the boxes of fresh fruit have skyrocketed. As a sucker for fresh produce, piles of ripe-to-perfection fruit find their way into my grocery cart and a trip to the grocery store could set me, well, my parents, back another $100.

Same problem with gas. I commute from place to place often and I am always giving my friends rides. I have to fill up my tank almost every week now. But no worries, I just swipe my magic plastic card and it is good to go- until my parents get the bill.

Most teens don't give a second thought to their spending because budgeting money isn't a skill that is taught or acquired till a little later on in life. Sure, we have to take economics in high school, and some teens know how to budget their finances because they have jobs.

But most of us, including myself, don't have a thorough grasp of how our reckless spending is affecting not only our families, but also our nation. With our economy suffering from the serious ailment of rising prices, it is time for parents to show their kids how to be responsible and accountable for the money they spend.

In with the debit, out with the credit. Debit cards are a good first step for teens to start becoming more aware of how much money they are spending. Put a set amount on the debit card each month, assuming your teen holds up their end of the bargain with grades and chores, and make it clear that what they have on their debit card for that month is all that will remain on their debit card until the next installment the next month.

This way, teens will have to conscientiously keep tabs on how much they spend on gas, groceries, and everything in between. If they know that their source of income is limited, they will be more likely to ration out their money and spend frugally on only the things that are important and necessary to them.

As most teens, I have a much harder time spending my own money on things than I have spending my parents' money. If I know that I won't be reimbursed for something, I carefully weigh the pros and cons of a purchase before I make any final transactions.

Also, if I know I have to pay for my own gas, I will be more aware of how many miles I am driving each week, so I don't waste gas.

Debit and gas cards ensure a fixed amount on your teens' spending. Perhaps if they learn to budget their spending and the importance and rewards of saving, teens could start having more appreciation for the dollar value and understand the importance of investing wisely.

When we want something, we want it NOW! We don't think about how our financial situation will pan out in the long run, nor do we consider what it is costing someone else. We should learn from the reckless and excessive spending habits of our government so we can begin working toward a debt-free future.

So teens, start using your two cents now, so the next time you 'check out' you will know how to 'cash in.'

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