What do I say when impulse spending drains their money by mid-month? 

Parenting Perspective 

It is the middle of the month, and your teenager is broke again. The pocket money or part-time wages that felt so generous just two weeks ago have vanished on a new hoodie, snacks with friends, or an online purchase they felt they ‘just had to have.’ You may feel torn between frustration and sympathy. However, this moment is not just about money; it is about self-control, foresight, and emotional awareness. The goal is not to shame them, but to teach them the calm, reflective mindset that separates a temporary thrill from a lasting satisfaction. 

Start with Curiosity, Not Criticism 

It is best to avoid starting the conversation with, ‘Where did all of your money go?’, or ‘You need to be more responsible.’ Instead, you could try a more collaborative approach: ‘I noticed your money has run out earlier than expected this month. Let us look together at what happened.’ This shifts the tone from one of accusation to one of partnership. Your teenager is more likely to feel guided, not judged, which helps to keep the conversation open and honest. It is important to listen without jumping in. Perhaps they felt a sense of social pressure, or maybe spending the money helped them to feel better after a bad day. Understanding why they overspend is the key to helping them manage it better next time. 

Connect Their Spending to Their Feelings 

Impulse spending is often an emotional act. You can gently ask, ‘What were you feeling when you bought that?’ Sometimes the trigger can be boredom, excitement, or even anxiety. Helping them to see the emotional trigger behind their decision is the first step. You can then suggest healthier alternatives for managing those same feelings, such as calling a friend, going for a walk, or waiting twenty-four hours before making a purchase. When they can learn to name their feelings before reacting to them, they can begin to manage their impulses from the inside out. 

Teach the ‘Split Rule’ for Mindful Spending 

You can give them a simple structure that encourages a greater sense of mindfulness. 

• 50% for needs and planned expenses. 

• 30% for pure enjoyment and spending money. 

• 20% for saving or for giving in charity. 

When their money is divided from the start, their impulse purchases become more visible. They will be able to see that buying a new hoodie now may mean fewer outings with their friends later in the month. For younger teenagers, it can be helpful to make this system visual, using three labelled envelopes or digital folders for each category. 

Use Natural Consequences as Lessons, Not Punishments 

If your teenager runs out of money early, it is important to resist the urge to rescue them immediately. You can say calmly, ‘It sounds like this month’s budget did not quite stretch far enough. Let us think about what we could adjust for next time.’ Natural consequences are often the best teachers. Feeling the pinch of an empty wallet, in a safe and supportive context, can build their awareness much faster than any lecture could. Your calm neutrality helps to model what self-correction looks like. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches a sense of balance between enjoyment and restraint, and between possession and generosity. Money, like time, is considered an amanah (a trust) from Allah Almighty. Managing it wisely is both a practical responsibility and a spiritual discipline. Helping your teenager to learn this balance can turn the act of budgeting into a form of ihsan, of doing what is good and right, even when no one is watching. 

The Importance of Moderation and Accountability 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verses 26–27: 

‘And give those who are your relatives their due rights, and the needy and the traveller; and do not squander your wealth, extravagantly. Indeed, those who are extravagant (i.e. wasteful of their wealth) these are the brothers of the Satan, as the Satan has always been ungrateful to his Sustainer.‘ 

This verse reminds us that every coin we possess carries a moral weight. Spending without thought can disconnect us from a state of gratitude. When your teenager learns to balance their enjoyment with a sense of care, they are practising the quality of moderation, a quality that is beloved by Allah Almighty. 

Wealth as a Trust, Not a Toy 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 407, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A person’s feet will not move on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked about his wealth  how he earned it and how he spent it.’ 

This hadith teaches us the importance of responsibility and reflection. By helping your teenager to track their spending, you are preparing them for this sense of spiritual accountability, to see their money not just as a source of freedom, but as a sacred trust. When your teenager runs out of money mid-month, it is not a failure; it is a form of feedback. Each mistake is a rehearsal for them to make wiser choices next time.