schools
Teen wants a cell phone? Financial experts say make them part of paying for it
By Rachel DePompa at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
(InvestigateTV) — When a teen starts asking for a cell phone, experts say parents should have a financial plan in place before stepping foot in a store.Cherry Dale, vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union, said the key is not just which phone to buy — it is making sure the ...
Key takeaway Cherry Dale, vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union, said the key is not just which phone to buy — it is making sure the child understands how much owning a phone actually costs.
Why this matters in Laredo News
In Laredo , where many families are working to make ends meet, having a teen contribute to the cost of a cell phone can be a valuable lesson in financial responsibility. By involving their children in the process of paying for a phone, parents can help them understand the value of money and the importance of budgeting. This is especially relevant in a community where many students may be eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and where families may be struggling to balance their household budgets. As local schools consider their own policies on cell phone use, parents can take a proactive approach by establishing clear ground rules and expectations for their children's phone use, both at home and in the classroom. By doing so, they can help their teens develop healthy financial habits and a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that come with owning a cell phone.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more Laredo News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering schools and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (InvestigateTV) — When a teen starts asking for a cell phone, experts say parents should have a financial plan in place before stepping foot in a store.Cherry Dale, vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union, said the key is not just which phone to buy — it is making sure the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rachel DePompa at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More schools →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter