Survival

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.

Why It’s Important to Track Your Income and Expenses

Written By: Gianna Matta Published By: November 28,2025 Managing your money doesn’t have to be complicated—one of the simplest ways to stay in control is by tracking what comes in and what goes out. Whether you’re a student learning financial basics or an adult juggling bills, understanding where your money goes is the foundation of smart financial habits. Here’s why it matters. 1. It Gives You a Clear Financial Picture When you track your income and expenses, you see exactly

Nov 281 min read

How to Avoid Tax Scams and Protect Your Finances

Written By: Gianna Matta Published By: November 27, 2025 Tax season can already be stressful—but adding scammers into the mix makes it even more important to stay alert. Every year, criminals use emails, texts, phone calls, and fake websites to trick people into giving away personal or financial information. The good news: with a little awareness, you can confidently protect yourself and your money. 1. Know the Signs of a Tax Scam Scammers often pretend to be government agenc

Nov 272 min read

How to Bounce Back After a Bad Day

Written By: Gianna Matta Published By: November 26, 2025 We all have those days when nothing seems to go right—plans fall apart, stress piles up, and even the smallest things feel overwhelming. But a bad day doesn’t mean a bad life, and it definitely doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Learning how to reset, regroup, and rise above tough moments is a skill that can strengthen your resilience and your confidence. 1. Pause and breathe Give yourself a moment to disconnect. A few slow bre

Nov 261 min read

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

Nov 132 min read

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

Oct 262 min read

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

Oct 212 min read

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...

Oct 122 min read

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...

Oct 72 min read

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...

Sep 282 min read

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...

Sep 212 min read

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,...

Sep 141 min read

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,...

Sep 92 min read

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...

Aug 282 min read

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...

Aug 273 min read

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...

Aug 133 min read

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...

Aug 83 min read

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,...

Feb 162 min read

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...

Feb 123 min read

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...

Feb 72 min read

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...

Jan 293 min read