Ninth grade feels early enough that most families assume there is nothing useful to do yet. That is half right. A few things compound heavily over four years and a few things are pure wasted spending at that age, so knowing the difference saves you both money and stress. Ninth grade feels early enough that most families assume there is nothing useful to do yet. That is half right. A few things compound heavily over four years and a few things are pure wasted spending at that age, so knowing the difference saves you both money and stress.