Show me the MONEY

E v e r y b o d y around here wants MONEY!

It struck me the other day when TBB says out loud to no one in particular... "How can I get some money?"

Well, little one, let me tell you just how you can earn some serious cash.

1) be five years old. Because then you get a monthly allowance of $1 per year of age.

And if that isn't quite enough to ease your longing,  there is always

2) Money chores!!! 

Just a slight stroke of genius. Not my idea, but Merilee Boyack has sold LOTS of books to include this little golden nugget of raising responsible kids. Her book, that I gleaned tons of knowledge and applicable tips from, is "The Parenting Breakthrough" and I highly recommend it. Gave me great perspective as a parent. If you ask, I can loan it to you on kindle.

So, back to money chores. I made a complete list of chores that I despise need to be done every week, or a few times a month at least (because I do realize they won't all get done every week). And then decided on a fair market value for each. Now, this value isn't insanely high or incredibly low. I want them to be motivated to do the chore to earn the money but not be rolling in the dough from watering a plant. Catch my drift? I'm looking for quality work, but I'm not paying PhD salary.

Here's what I came up with:

Well, that's page one at least! When they do a chore, they have to put what day of the week they did it and their initials. After two weeks, I'll add up and pay out. They'll be learning cleaning skills, money skills, budgeting, planning, self discipline... should I go on?

And, I feel the need to add a little more info about how we are teaching fiscal responsibility. Although The Boys are getting an allowance, it is not tied to their daily responsibilities. They have daily chores (dishes, sweep, bathroom, clear & set table, etc) and responsibilities (journal, read a book, bible study,  practice math, typing & piano) that are not paid because that's real life. Money chores are a bonus, discretionary opportunity to increase their net worth if they feel so inclined. Aren't they lucky? And, to add to the motivation, they get to pay for their own cell phone, as well as save and donate a percentage of their earned income. So, after their allowance, they may be highly motivated to earn a little more spending cash.

I'm always interested in other people's perspective and and experiences. So, feel free to tell me what you think. Are we expecting too much? Just about enough? I am excited to see how they turn out in another ten years.....