With savings, they can save indefinitely for a large item they want to purchase (Mahalia is saving up for a car!) or they can save back for some smaller item, as long as they don't empty out their bank account (takes $25 to start one). With spending, I try to let them use it as they wish, encouraging them not to blow it on incidental items, although the choice is theirs. With giving, we research where they'd like to give and I explain the different options (ie., local organizations: homeless shelter, animal shelter / national organizations: wolf recovery, hurricane relief / international organizations: tsunami relief, Jane Goodall foundation). This really works for us, and it teaches my children about banking, how to save, how to spend wisely, and how to contribute to causes and to those less fortunate.
FYI: I give my 10-year-old, who helps a lot, between $5-6 a week. My 5-year-old receives $3 a week. That way they can divide the money evenly between the jars.
Submitted by Springfield Moms reader Kathi Davis.
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