We tossed up the $$ amount for a while. I feel like I'm doling out oodles of money compared to what we got as kids. But you can't get anything for 50c these days. You could get a bag of lollies AND an iceblock back in our day! Even the cheapo toys that the kids like (trash packs for example) are about $6, and I'm not about to make him save up for 3 months for that. BTW... I'm not saying 50c is wrong... just explaining our reasoning and how we came up with what we do, cos I started off thinking of maybe a $1 a week or something Actually, the $1 per year old was an idea I stole from another family I knew a few years back... and it covers yearly payrises too Even a 10yr old getting $10 a week would still need to save for 2 months to be able to buy an xbox game or something (for example LOL)

DS is receiving a 'bonus' for his full chart last week, and that bonus is a trip to the toy store this afternoon to spend some of his money (see how I just got out of spending money? hah) That's just from his money box which is the $2 a week not banked. Our longer term plan I guess for their money is to help them save up, they'll be using their money to buy gifts for people, as well as spending it on themselves. We might be going to a local fete and fireworks tomorrow night, and figure they can use some of their money there. Even glow sticks cost a few dollars there. Maybe they'll appreciate why we keep saying no to stuff when we're at these things LOL. DS actually wants to save up for a remote control truck, so we might price one and he can work out how long it'll take to save for it.

Your right Lolpigs about them having no concept of money til they learn it. DD doesn't really have a clue at 4yrs old, but it's working for us to have them both working together on these charts for pocket money.

DH is determined to teach the kids about money. He wasn't taught a thing and had everything done and paid for him. Getting married and having a family has been quite a wakeup call for him regarding appreciating money. So this is our starting point I guess. I remember having a 'discussion' with MIL about making them save up for their first car. She couldn't comprehend not giving them a car. I'm of the mind they can save up and buy it themselves (might match some savings if needed) and that it does NOT have to be a new or expensive car to be a reliable one! If it ends up not reliable, it's lesson learned! Trouble is you can't get the old reliable bombs we used to drive and take to backyard mechanics for cheap maintenance :/ Anyway.. that's probably a whole other thread about first cars LOL