Your Money,
Your Choices.
Start here. This page picks up where your pocket guide left off: quick tools, deeper explainers and what to do if something feels off.
QUICK TOOLS
Pick one. Takes a minute.
Savings Goal Calculator
Naming a goal makes it easier to stick to. Work out how much to set aside.
Fill in the three boxes to see your plan.
Tip: Saving is easier when it's automatic. Set money aside as soon as you get it.
70 / 20 / 10 Split
Every euro has a job. Type in your pocket money and see the three jars fill up.
Tip: There's no single right way to split it. The point is deciding on purpose, not by accident.
Spot-the-Scam Quiz
Dig Deeper
🏦 Bank accounts & cards
A bank account is simply a safe place to keep your money instead of carrying it all in cash. It lets you see clearly how much you have.
Savings account
Designed mainly for keeping money and may pay interest. Access can be easy or limited.
Current account
For receiving money, making payments and transfers, usually with a debit card.
Fixed-term deposit
Money is kept for an agreed period at a stated interest rate. Taking it out early may be restricted or cost money.
Vaults or pockets
Sections within an account or app that separate money for different goals. Not always separate bank accounts.
Debit card
Spends money from your account. If the money isn’t there, the payment is usually declined.
Credit card
Borrows money from the card provider and must be repaid. Interest and fees may apply. Generally an adult product.
Contactless / phone wallet
A digital way of paying. It doesn’t change whether the money comes from debit, prepaid or credit.
Tip: Treat a card like cash: only spend what’s actually there. Keep your PIN and login to yourself, even from friends.
💳 Borrowing, debt & Buy Now Pay Later
Borrowing means using money now and repaying it later. Debt is the amount still owed.
The real cost
Can include interest, fees and penalties, not just the original price.
Buy Now, Pay Later
Is still borrowing, even when it’s advertised as interest-free.
What would you do?
You want a €20 game and have €12 saved. A) Wait 2 weeks and save the rest: it feels earned. B) Borrow €8 from family: you get it now, but you owe someone.
Tip: At 12–14 you won’t normally be able to enter most credit agreements yourself. You still need to understand them, because you already see the marketing.
📈 What is investing?
Investing means putting money into an asset with the aim of growing it over time or receiving income.
It can go three ways
The value can rise, stay flat or fall. You can also lose money.
“Guaranteed profit”
Doesn’t exist. Anyone promising fast, easy or guaranteed returns is a red flag.
Who’s talking?
A large following, a confident voice or an expensive lifestyle is not proof that someone is qualified to talk about money. Check their qualifications and experience.
Tip: Investing is more than a social-media trend. Pause, compare, ask questions and check the facts first.
💬 Talking about money with family
Money can feel awkward to talk about, but it doesn’t have to be. Talking openly with your family can help you feel more confident.
Try asking
“What does looking after your money mean to you?”
Or
“What’s a money habit that’s worked well for you?”
Or
“How did you learn about money when you were my age?”
Or
“What would you do if you found money you weren’t expecting?”
Tip: If a message online or in a game asks you to send money or share details, check with a parent or guardian before doing anything.
Scams: Stop, Check, Tell.
Scammers don’t only target older people. They use gaming, social media, shopping, messaging apps, fake jobs and investment content to reach you.
Stop
Do not click, reply, transfer money or approve a login.
Check
With an adult you trust, or with your bank on a number you found yourself.
TELL
Report it at scamalert.mt.
🚩 Red flags
- “Act now” or “your account will be closed”
- “Do not tell your parents, bank or teacher”
- Guaranteed profit, or a giveaway you did not enter
- A request for a PIN, password, verification code or remote access
- Payment by gift card, crypto or an unusual bank transfer
- A link or username that is almost, but not exactly, official
- A fee to pay before you can receive money or unlock winnings
DOWNLOADS
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My Money Week tracker
Fill in what came in and went out each day. Circle Spend, Save or Share.