Overall, teenagers are taking a greater interest in their long-term financial health — although far fewer understand basic retirement planning. "This research shows retirement is more top-of-mind for teens than one might think," said Jack Kosakowski, Junior Achievement's president and CEO. Slott recommends opening a Roth individual retirement account to get a head start. Contributions to a Roth IRA are taxed upfront, and earnings grow tax-free. Once contributed, the money inside a Roth IRA account can be invested appropriately to suit any type of long-term goal.

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Persons: Jack Kosakowski, Junior, Ed Slott, Slott, Roth, Christopher Jackson's, Jackson Organizations: Junior, Da Vinci Communications High School, CNBC Locations: Southern California