We’ve had a box that comes in three segments. Each has a label: Save, Give, and Spend. Easy to find online.
The weekly cash allowance, as well as family and holiday gifts all go in there, split into portions. The spend section typically gets used when hanging out with friends or after sports practice. Usually candy or junk food. If going on a planned field trip or a group gathering with friends, we throw in some extra funds ($5-$20) so they can get food, snacks, or treat a friend. Nothing is digital or credit based.
When the Save or Give sections get full, kid gets to pick a charity (‘Give’) or we walk down to the bank to deposit the ‘Save’ cash into a kid’s saving account with no monthly fee.
Pro-tip: If a kid is getting promoted up to a different school (K, Middle, or HS), the previous summer, take them over to the new school and kick or toss the ball, bike around, or have a picnic. It’s unlikely the buildings will be open, but in most public schools, the outside areas often are.
The first week in the new school will be a breeze vs kids who look like they’re ready to throw up.
This also works if moving to a different home, city, state, or country. Spend as much time around and near the school before the first day, just playing.
We’ve had a box that comes in three segments. Each has a label: Save, Give, and Spend. Easy to find online.
The weekly cash allowance, as well as family and holiday gifts all go in there, split into portions. The spend section typically gets used when hanging out with friends or after sports practice. Usually candy or junk food. If going on a planned field trip or a group gathering with friends, we throw in some extra funds ($5-$20) so they can get food, snacks, or treat a friend. Nothing is digital or credit based.
When the Save or Give sections get full, kid gets to pick a charity (‘Give’) or we walk down to the bank to deposit the ‘Save’ cash into a kid’s saving account with no monthly fee.
It’s worked pretty well so far.