Family finances

Family finances

Teenagers spent an estimated $175 billion last year. Now credit-card companies are rushing to capture that audience with prepaid cards featuring celebrities such as Usher and Hilary Duff. But though touted as a great way for kids to learn how to manage money, steer clear, says Janet Bodnar, executive editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “It’s not their money; it’s still mom and dad’s money.”