When they were little, you worried about diapers and daycare. Now? It’s phones, sports fees, and snacks that disappear faster than your paycheck. Teenagers are wonderful, infuriating, and—surprise!—expensive.

Here’s what to expect (and how to brace your budget).

1. Food. So much food.

You’re not imagining it. Teenagers eat like they’re training for a competitive sport that involves raiding your fridge every 20 minutes. Grocery bills tend to go way up during the teen years—and so do trips to Chipotle. Budget for bulk snacks and maybe invest in a lock for your leftovers.

2. Phones and tech

Once your teen gets a phone, the tech needs multiply. There’s the phone itself, the monthly plan, replacement chargers (they vanish), and occasional repairs after ‘I dropped it but it wasn’t my fault.’ And if they need a laptop or tablet for school? Add that to the running total.

3. School and extracurriculars

Public school is free-ish… until you factor in yearbooks, field trips, sports, band, prom, and club fees. Not to mention uniforms, gear, and endless ‘spirit day’ costumes. None of it is outrageous on its own, but it adds up fast. Like, ‘how did school supplies turn into a $300 Target run’ fast.

4. Transportation

Whether it’s rides to practice, gas for their car (gulp), or the actual car itself, transportation costs kick in hard during the teen years. Even if they’re not driving yet, you might be driving more than ever. And yes, ‘Uber to a friend’s house’ might sneak onto your card if you’re not careful.

5. Clothes, shoes, and the ever-changing idea of what’s cool

Teens grow out of things quickly—physically and fashionably. Be prepared for sudden, intense preferences for certain brands (and equally intense hatred of last month’s favorites). Thrift stores and hand-me-downs can help, but you’ll still be funding the occasional style reinvention.

6. College prep and future planning

Standardized tests, tutoring, college visits, application fees—it all kicks in before you even get to tuition. If college is on the horizon, start setting aside money early. Even better? Talk openly with your teen about costs and what your family can realistically cover.

TL;DR

Raising a teenager isn’t cheap, but it’s not impossible either. Knowing what expenses are coming gives you time to plan, save, and maybe even set some limits (no, you don’t need $200 sneakers and sushi delivery). You’ve got this—and hey, they’ll be adults before you know it. Expensive, independent adults.

Brigit does not provide personalized financial, investment, or legal advice. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial advice.