As my son turned five, we thought it was time that that we started to think about an allowance. He was old enough to begin to conceptualize the idea of saving and spending his own money and we wanted to give him an opportunity to learn about budgeting.
Kid’s First Allowance: Tips and Tricks
We thought long and hard about how we would set it all up and decided on one dollar for each year of his age. At 5, that would mean $5 a week. Though his allowance isn’t specifically tied to a certain number of chores, we have set it up as an expectation that he contribute to family responsibilities. He sets the table each night for supper and helps to sweeps the floor afterward. He also keeps his room clean throughout the week and his toys neat and organized.
We also wished to teach him the value of a budgeting, saving, and giving. We happen to have three piggy banks around the house we had collected over the years so it was the perfect opportunity to divvy up his $5 into the three.
Ten percent of his allowance ($0.50) goes to savings. Another ten percent ($0.50) goes into giving. The left over amount ($4.00) goes into his own spending money. I have to say that the greatest benefit of this system so far is that it has really cut down on the back and forth tug-o-war regarding the latest thing that has caught his attention that he just has to have. Now I can remind him that if it’s something he wants enough to spend his allowance on then he can buy it on his own. It’s helped him to separate in his mind what he really wants and what is simply a fleeting impulse. Typically he’ll save his money over several weeks for a new LEGO set 🙂
I would love to hear how you have set up allowance in your household. These are a few more ideas to get you started:
Create Your Own Spend, Save, Give Jars
The first step in setting up an allowance for kids is getting organized! I love these Spend, Save, Give Jars from Views from a Stepstool. They are so easy to make and I think they turned out gorgeous!
Make an Interactive Chore Chart
This Interactive LEGO Chore Chart is a particular favorite of mine. My son loves anything to do with LEGO and will be motivated by the visual representation of his progress. It’s so customizable you can set it up however you like. I love that each row equals $1. It’s a great STEM activity at the same time.
Have you started an allowance with your kids yet? I would love to hear your thoughts below. Please leave us a comment and let us know what works in your household!
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XO Good Enuf Mommy
This is a great idea. I am soon to be first time mom. Learning a lot!
All the best to you!!
I absolutely LOVE this because I have 3 kids wanting allowances and these are great ways to teach them budgeting and generosity as well as household responsibility! I love the lego chart too …so cool!
I did too! Good luck!!
It is important to teach our children how to handle their money at a young age. I think all the systems here are awesome. It’s a great start to financial awareness.
Absolutely! I agree
These are all wonderful ideas. I especially love the interactive chore chart. I have to share this one with my friends.
I like this idea. My daughter turns five in February and we’re starting to talk about money and how it’s used more and more. We have a give, save, spend bank and a set of books about finances for kids from Dave Ramsey but I love the idea of the interactive legos chore chart..
I have two teens and my husband and I gave them an allowance for a couple of years. We stopped about 6 months ago, but my teens have asked if they could get one again. I think I’m going to start it back up. I like that you’re teaching your child to save money. That is a great lesson to teach your son!
My dad did this for me when I was little. I’d have chores to do, but I think he’d give me $5 a week regardless and I’d have to put 10% in save, 10% in give, and the rest spend. Then when I got all As on my report card I’d get like a bonus of $20 and I’d have to do the same thing! Definitely very important to start early!
That’s great Allison! Budgeting early is so important for kids
Love this idea! I believe it’s important for kids to learn how to save and give as well as spend wisely. Great to start teaching them early!
I agree. Teaching how to manage money at an early age is important
This is such a great idea! I need to start doing this w my preschooler.
Good luck! Let me know which allowance family rules you decide on!