In a year marked by economic uncertainty, with job losses and persistent inflation weighing heavily on families, one group has emerged as a surprising beacon of financial optimism: kids. Yes, you read that right—children and teens are not just saving their allowance; they’re investing it, and in 2025, they poured a staggering $70 million into the market. But what exactly are they buying, and how are they managing to do this in such challenging times? Let’s dive in.
According to data from Greenlight’s family money app, kids and teens up to age 17 didn’t just dip their toes into investing—they dove in headfirst. Their total investments surged by 65% compared to the previous year, and they doubled their recurring automated investments. Even more impressive? Their average trade size jumped from $39.70 in 2024 to $49.56 in 2025. And here’s where it gets even more fascinating: the average age of these young investors is just 12 years old. That’s right—preteens are navigating the stock market like mini Warren Buffetts.
Speaking of Buffett, Tim Sheehan, co-founder and CEO of Greenlight, credits his own early start in investing at age 15 for shaping his financial future. ‘Learning to be a smart investor is how you build true wealth,’ he says. ‘We want to empower everyone, no matter their age, to do the same.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: Are we setting kids up for success by encouraging them to invest at such a young age, or are we exposing them to unnecessary risks in an unpredictable market?
So, what are these young investors putting their money into? As you might expect, they’re betting on what they know and love: technology. Top holdings include industry giants like Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, and Tesla. They’re also flocking to the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, which has a significant tech focus. But here’s the part most people miss: Bitcoin is gaining traction among teens, with a Bitcoin ETF climbing from #21 to #12 on their list of top holdings this year. Are cryptocurrencies a smart bet for young investors, or a volatile gamble?
When it comes to saving, kids aren’t just stashing money under their mattresses. Their top 10 savings goals in 2025 reveal a mix of practicality and fun: cars, college, computers, and even emergency funds. But they’re not all business—they’re also saving for holidays, gaming consoles, and the latest phones. And this is the part that might surprise you: despite their focus on saving and investing, teens are still spending—but they’re doing it smarter. Thrifting, bargain-hunting, and shopping on platforms like Depop are all the rage, with spending on Depop doubling to $7.2 million. One exception? Concerts. Kids are still willing to shell out big bucks—over $3.6 million last year—to see their favorite artists live.
Looking ahead, Greenlight predicts these trends will only accelerate. Half of the kids surveyed say they want to buy a home or start a business by age 25, and 67% believe they’ll be as financially successful as their parents—if not more so. ‘Kids love seeing their money grow,’ says Jennifer Seitz, director of education at Greenlight. ‘And parents love that this ambition is turning into healthy, long-term financial habits.’
But here’s the big question: Can these young investors stay on track in an ever-changing economic landscape? And more importantly, should we be encouraging this level of financial independence at such a young age? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this growing trend.
