Eden L.

Teens Should Get a Larger Allowance!

by Eden L.

"What is important for kids to learn is that no matter how much money they have, earn, win, or inherit, they need to know how to spend it, how to save it, and how to give it to others in need. This is what handling money is about, and this is why we give kids an allowance” (Colors). Teens should have a larger allowance! A larger allowance would let us pay for our own stuff such as: food, accessories, and clothes. We could also learn to save/use our money, and how to work for it.

Larger allowance allows us to buy not only what we want, but what we need. Sometimes when we are at the store, we just want to buy everything there, but when we realize we can only buy what we need, it makes a difference! According to the article by marterkid.com, “giving kids a modest amount of money makes them realize they can't buy everything” (raiseasmarterkid).  This means, when our parents give us money, we will spend our money wisely and learn to manage our money.  

How Do you use your Money?  Having more allowance lets us learn how to use our money. This way we are learning how to save our money and use it wisely. When teens use their money, they have different amounts of money each week or month and save up for the things they want. Kristin Johnson and her husband instituted a "Spend, Share, Save" policy for their sons’ money. One third of any money her kids receive is theirs to spend, one third goes to the charity of their choice, and one third goes into savings. This means that their children have money that they save to do the following three things, “Spend, Share, Save" ( Family Health ).

Sometimes, when you want a larger allowance you work for it. Whether you are cleaning, babysitting or feeding your animals, some parents exchange money for chores. One article states, “The opposite view is that money is no less compelling a motivator for adolescents than it is for adults, and that an allowance is essentially a child’s first paycheck. She should know that if she doesn’t carry out her responsibilities, part or all of her allowance will be docked” (Allowance for Teens Using an Allowance to Teach the Value of Money). We will learn that if we want money we have to work for it. If you donʻt do chores and get money, you will think that you can get money when and whenever you want as you grow up.  

Although some people argue that teens should not have a larger allowance, they need enough money to make decisions and choices. If you don't have a large allowance or any allowance you miss out on learning how to save, budget and earn things . When you are getting a larger allowance, it prepares your for a real life situation. With a large allowance you are ready for your future, you are money- smart, and you know how to use your money.  So go do your chores so you can get what you want and work for a larger allowance!