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The Step Up Blog
Tips, Tools & Real Talk for Teens and Families
Welcome to The Step Up Blog, where we share bite-sized inspiration and practical tools to support teens and families on their journey.
From emotional wellness tips inspired by Retain Your Brain, to family connection ideas from Together We Can, and real-world life hacks from the Survival Program, this is your go-to space for encouragement, resources, and fresh perspectives.
Whether you're a parent looking for new ways to engage or a teen searching for real talk on life skills and mental wellness, there’s something here for you.

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How to Read and Understand a Pay Stub
Written By: Gianna Matta Published By: November 13, 2025 Getting your paycheck feels great—until you look at your pay stub and wonder where half your money went. Learning how to read and understand your pay stub helps you keep track of your earnings, taxes, and savings. It’s an important step in becoming financially confident and responsible. 1. Know the Basics: Gross Pay vs. Net Pay Your gross pay  is the total amount you earn before any deductions. Your net pay —sometimes
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1 day ago2 min read
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Learning to Prioritize Spending: Needs First, Wants Later
Written By: Gianna Matta Published: October 26, 2025 Managing money wisely isn’t just about saving it’s about knowing how to spend with purpose . In a world full of ads and endless temptations, learning to separate needs  from wants  can completely transform your financial stability. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or building independence for the first time, prioritizing your spending is one of the most powerful habits you can build. Step 1: Identify Your Ne
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Oct 262 min read
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Why Building an Emergency Fund is Crucial for Everyone
Written By: Gianna Matta Published: October 21, 2025 Why Building an Emergency Fund is Crucial for Everyone Life can be unpredictable. One day everything feels stable, and the next, an unexpected expense appears a car repair, a medical bill, or even a sudden job loss. That’s why having an emergency fund  is so important for everyone, no matter your income or age. What Is an Emergency Fund? An emergency fund is money you set aside for unexpected expenses or emergencies. It’s
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Oct 212 min read
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Understanding the Importance of Financial Discipline
Written By: Gianna Matta Published By: October 12, 2025 In a world driven by consumerism and instant gratification, financial discipline...
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Oct 122 min read
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Creating a Budget: Where to Start as a Teen
Written By: Gianna Matta Published: October 7, 2025 Creating a Budget: Where to Start as a Teen Learning how to manage money as a teen...
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Oct 72 min read
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Healthy Habits for Teens to Develop Self-Discipline
Written By: Gianna Matta Published: September 28, 2025 Self-discipline is the ability to stay focused and make choices that support your...
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Sep 282 min read
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How Teens Can Make Informed Health Decisions
Written By: Gianna Matta September 21, 2025 As teens grow more independent, making health decisions becomes part of everyday life. From...
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Sep 212 min read
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How Teens Can Practice Self-Compassion Daily
Written by: Gianna Matta September 14, 2025 Life as a teen can be exciting but also stressful. You are balancing school, friends, family,...
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Sep 141 min read
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Tracking Your Health: Simple Apps for Teens
Written By: Gianna Matta Published: September 7, 2025 Staying healthy as a teen can feel overwhelming sometimes. Between school, friends,...
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Sep 92 min read
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3 Smart Tips for Creating a Productive Homework Space
Written by: Gianna Matta Published: August 28, 2025 1. Use a Sound Strategy The noise level in your environment plays a big role in how...
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Aug 282 min read
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Move Your Way: Fun, No-Gym Fitness for Real Life
Written by: Abigail Ellis Published: 8/27/2025 Let’s clear something up right away: you do not  need a gym membership to stay active. No...
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Aug 273 min read
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Own Your Awesome
Published: 8/13/2025 Written by: Abigail Ellis Let’s talk about something that everyone  deals with at some point, but not enough people...
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Aug 133 min read
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Your Back-to-School Survival Boost
By: Abigail Ellis Published: August 9, 2025 Summer break flew by real fast,  didn’t it? One minute you’re sleeping in, living in your...
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Aug 83 min read
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Benefits in Seeking Out Mentorship
By Angela Deliz Published: February 16, 2025 You might hear people recommending mentorship to you, whether it be from us, school, work,...
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Feb 162 min read
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Mastering the Art of Interview Follow-Up Emails
By: Abigail Ellis Published: February 12, 2025 So, you just crushed your interview—awesome job! But wait, you're not completely  done...
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Feb 123 min read
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How to Handle Nerves Before and During Interviews
By: Deyavion Cox Published: February 7, 2025 Okay, let’s be real—interviews can feel like the ultimate boss battle in a video game. Your...
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Feb 72 min read
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Building a Support Network That Uplifts You
By: Deyavion Cox Published: January 29, 2025 Embarking on your college journey is like stepping into a new world—a world brimming with...
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Jan 293 min read
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How to Discover Your Strengths and Potential
By: Abigail Ellis Published: January 26, 2025 Let’s talk about something super important: you.  Whether you’re dreaming about your future...
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Jan 264 min read
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How to Prepare for Your First Job Interview
By: Maia Tasker Published: January 24, 2025 You’re standing in front of a mirror, wearing your sharpest outfit, rehearsing your answers...
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Jan 243 min read
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How to Build and Maintain a Positive Credit Score
Written by: Abigail Ellis Published: December 6, 2024 When I first went to college, I had no idea how credit worked. Like many other...
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Dec 6, 20242 min read
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