Young women are making waves with their spending habits, and Mattie Kahn emphasizes that society has underestimated their influence for too long.

If you’re under 30, you may have cringed at the return of low rise jeans, platform flip flops, and bucket hats. The '90s revival has taken hold, and teens were the first to embrace it. They not only spot trends but also significantly impact the economy, often pushing for social change. Many teenagers prefer to spend their hard-earned money on brands that reflect their values. According to a 2020 study, 62% of Gen Z shoppers favor sustainable companies, and 73% are willing to pay extra for eco-friendly products.

Historically, teens have always influenced the American economy from behind the scenes, advocating for greater accountability from large corporations. No one captures this trend better than Mattie Kahn.

In her latest book, “Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America’s Revolutions,” she shines a light on influential young women throughout history. Kahn traces the empowerment of young women back to the 1830s when many worked in textile mills and struck for better conditions. It was a pivotal moment that gave them a taste of independence. “Long before the popular 'Money Diaries' format emerged online, these girls were documenting their weekly purchases, which liberated them,” she reflects.

Fast forward to present times, and Kahn notes that figures like Greta Thunberg are notably prominent in the climate movement. “Women tend to be future-focused,” she points out. “They understand that while earning money now is beneficial, it won’t solve future problems if living conditions become untenable in a decade.”

In the Mailbag segment, we hear from a listener who feels her Roth IRA has become outdated and another who discovered How To Money at the library and is eager for more personal finance recommendations. This week's money tip discusses what to consider if a stock, like Mattel, gains sudden popularity.