Internet-savvy teens are turning their computers into personal shopping centers. Since most Internet purchases are made with a credit card, planning is of the utmost importance. If your teen is to join the more than 36 million U.S. households shopping online, here are some "virtual" tips for getting the most for their "real" money.

Dare to Compare. Be sure your teen takes full advantage of their ability to quickly and easily comparison shop products and prices. If they plan to participate in online auctions, have them start early so they aren't tempted to over-bid at the last minute. Have them watch for sales and other perks, such as free shipping.

Shop With A List. Always. Instruct your teen to make a comprehensive list of all their needs. Use the list when they shop online and buy only those items on their list.

Plan Ahead For Pay-Off. Before they make any purchase on a credit card, they should know how they'll pay for it. Keep in mind that a $1,000 charge can take more than 12 years to pay-off if the interest rate is 17 percent, and they make only the 2 percent minimum monthly payment.

Read The Fine Print. Be sure your teen investigates return policies, shipping charges and taxes. You will also want to check delivery dates and review warranties.

Practice Safe Cybershopping. So why should you worry about identity theft on your children? Although every child is born with perfect credit, a growing number of victims of Identity Theft are under the age of 18 -- some 5% of the total and more than half are under the age of 6. While your child is just starting school a criminal may have just started using their identity. Pretty sobering and scary statistics. So, where you can turn for help? Identity Theft solutions can help you protect your children's identity so that they can start an adult life with the nice clean slate they were born with. Identity Theft solutions assist you in pulling credit reports, scanning databases for your child's personal information and providing Recovery Advocates in situations where identity theft has been identified. For more information on preventing identify theft visit the Identity Theft Resource Center at www.idtheftcenter.com.Take a proactive approach and contact a local Credit Union for more information to help secure your child's future. (click here to find a credit union near you).

Payment Choices. According to the Federal Trade Commission, if you pay by credit or charge card online, the transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, consumers have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge card, you are generally held liable only for the first $50 in charges. A prepaid reloadable card is another option. If you provide your teen an allowance on this type of card they can use it to make purchases online. Gift cards and debit cards are also online payment options (click here for more information on the prepaid reloadable card).

Oh, The Temptation. Finally, inform your teen to avoid impulse purchases, and to carefully consider before responding to pop-up ads and email advertisements. Surfing the web may be a form of entertainment to your teen, but shopping should never be considered a recreational sport.

Courtesy of Money Management International (www.moneymanagement.org)

When you have more time, here are some other great resources:

www.idtheftcenter.com
Financial Literacy for Teens
Teen Guide to Personal Financial Management