Allowance

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In this day and age of instant gratification and easy access to credit, it may seem old-fashioned to give kids an allowance. However, educators, counselors, and economists agree that an allowance can be a valuable tool for teaching children about money and financial responsibility. Not only does it provide them with firsthand experience in managing money, but it also helps build a sense of trust and responsibility within the family. If you’re considering giving your kids an allowance, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Have a Plan: Setting Clear Expectations

Before you start giving your children an allowance, it’s important to have a plan in place. This means thinking through your stipend strategy and setting clear expectations. Ask yourself why you’re giving them an allowance, how much you’ll give, and how often. Consider whether the allowance is simply a benefit of being a member of the family or if it’s tied to specific responsibilities or achievements. Determine what expenses your kids are expected to cover with their allowance. By having all the details figured out beforehand, you’ll be better prepared to answer any questions your children might have.

“The clearer the deal at the outset, the greater the lesson — and the fewer hassles you’ll have downstream.” – [Reference Article 2]

Money Talks: Communicating the Plan

Once you’ve established your allowance plan, it’s crucial to communicate it effectively to your kids. Take the time to explain the rules, the reasons behind them, and any potential scenarios that might arise. You may even want to write down the plan, sign it together with your children, and display it prominently as a visual reminder. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the amount, frequency, and purpose of the allowance. Clear communication from the start will lead to smoother implementation and fewer misunderstandings down the line.

“The more often you talk about money with kids, the more knowledge you can equip them with when the time comes for them to manage their finances on their own.” – Investopedia

Teaching Common Cents: Using Allowance as a Learning Tool

One of the main benefits of giving kids an allowance is the opportunity to teach them about the value of money and financial responsibility. Allowing children to manage their own money from an early age can help them develop important skills such as budgeting, saving, and planning for the future. By giving them the freedom to make their own financial decisions, they will learn to be more independent and accountable for their choices. It’s important to let them make mistakes and learn from them, as these experiences will shape their understanding of money management.

“Kids need to handle it themselves, making their own mistakes.” – Great Schools

The Three S’s: Spending, Saving, and Sharing

When implementing an allowance system, it’s beneficial to introduce the concept of the three S’s: spending, saving, and sharing. Teaching kids to allocate their money wisely by spending a portion, saving a portion, and donating a portion fosters a well-rounded understanding of financial management. Encourage your children to think about their financial goals, whether it’s saving for a specific item or contributing to a cause they care about. By instilling these values early on, you are equipping them with lifelong skills that will serve them well in adulthood.

“This is an excellent way to expose them to the three most important things they can do with their money, and it’s a lesson that can last a lifetime.” – Great Schools

Chores and Allowance: To Tie or Not to Tie?

A common debate among parents is whether or not to tie allowance to chores. Some believe that connecting allowance to chores teaches children the value of hard work and responsibility. However, others argue that chores should be seen as a communal effort within the family and that allowance should be a separate entity. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what works best for your family dynamics. If you choose to tie allowance to chores, be prepared for potential challenges when children don’t complete their assigned tasks. It’s important to strike a balance between teaching responsibility and avoiding a transactional mindset.

“Problems always crop up when — inevitably — kids don’t do the required work around the house.” – Great Schools

Don’t Deny Their Dues: Using Allowance as a Teaching Tool, Not a Punishment

While it may be tempting to withhold allowance as a form of punishment for bad behavior or poor grades, it’s important to resist this urge. The purpose of an allowance is to build trust, improve communication, and foster cooperation within the family. Using allowance as an unexpected disciplinary tool can lead to resentment and a breakdown in trust. Instead, find alternative ways to address behavioral issues while upholding the original agreement. By separating allowance from punishment, you can maintain a positive and constructive approach to teaching financial responsibility.

“No matter how tempting, don’t withhold allowance as punishment for bad behavior or poor grades.” – Great Schools

Show Them the Money: Consistency and Reliability

Consistency is key when giving kids an allowance. Regular and predictable payments help children develop a sense of responsibility and planning for the future. Establish a specific payment schedule and stick to it. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, make sure your children can rely on receiving their allowance on time. This consistency builds trust and reduces the temptation to negotiate or haggle. By prioritizing the payment of allowance, you demonstrate the importance of financial commitments and instill a sense of reliability in your children.

“One of the most powerful learning aspects comes from consistency: the regular, expected arrival of funds, on time and every week.” – Great Schools

Starting Early: The Age for Giving an Allowance

The question of when to start giving kids an allowance often arises. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, many experts agree that children as young as three or four can benefit from a simple and understandable weekly allowance. By the age of five, many children already show an interest in money and understanding how it works. However, the decision ultimately depends on the individual child’s maturity and readiness to handle money responsibly. Pay attention to your child’s curiosity and desire to learn about money, and use your judgment to determine the appropriate age to introduce an allowance.

“By the time they’re 5, many already have started to save.” – Great Schools

Say No to Credit: The Importance of Controlling Spending

In a world of easy access to credit and online transactions, it can be tempting to give kids access to credit or debit cards. However, financial advisors strongly advise against it. It’s important to maintain control over your children’s spending and teach them the value of physical money. By requiring them to come to you for every expense, no matter how small, you instill the idea that spending should be a deliberate and conscious decision. If your children need to make an online purchase, have them reimburse you in cash immediately from their allowance. This way, they learn the importance of responsible spending and avoid developing a reliance on credit.

“You don’t want your young ones getting used to the idea that it’s easy to spend plastic money on the Intertubes.” – Greenlight[Reference Article 3]

The Path to Financial Literacy: A Stepping Stone for Future Success

Once children reach high school or even middle school, an allowance can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced financial concepts. As they grow older, consider opening a bank account with them as the custodian. This introduces them to the world of financial institutions, investing, earning interest, and balancing a checkbook. By having hands-on experience with money management from a young age, children will be better prepared to handle their finances as adults. The lessons learned through an allowance can provide a solid foundation for future financial success.

“Your kids will be far more likely to learn and understand those ideas easily if they’ve been living with the lessons of an allowance all along.” – Greenlight[Reference Article 3]

For more tips about how to handle allowances with your kids, see How To Give Your Child an Allowance and our general Allowance advice.

In conclusion, giving kids an allowance can be a valuable tool for teaching financial responsibility from an early age. By having a plan, communicating effectively, and using the allowance as a learning tool, parents can empower their children to make informed financial decisions. Whether tied to chores or given as a benefit of being part of the family, an allowance provides children with real-life experience in managing money. By emphasizing the three S’s (spending, saving, and sharing) and maintaining consistency and reliability, parents can set their children on a path towards financial literacy and success.

Brian MacFarland

Brian MacFarland has reached more than 10 million people on his personal finance journey to financial independence.  He’s been featured in the Washington Post, U.S. News and World Report, and Lifehacker.

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