My 7-year-old doesn’t get an allowance. She doesn’t need to, she gets whatever she wants when she wants it, thanks to very generous grandparents. However, that hasn’t stopped her for asking for money. Since entering the second grade, allowance has been a hot topic in our home.
My daughter’s classmates get it and she wants it.
Given that she is not exactly a prime candidate for Merry Maids and she has very selective hearing, I’ve been reluctant to set-up a chore chart that pays out at the end of the week. Still, I haven’t ruled it out completely. I recently learned about online allowances, and may give them a try.
For the record, I’m not an advocate of debit cards for kids under 12, but that’s how online allowance systems work, so I either have to tolerate the idea or adopt the old fashion cash method. One of the leaders in online allowances is PAYjr Chore and Allowance Card. Basically, parents devise a list of chores or other work that they want their kids to complete during a set amount of time. When the child finishes his tasks it is recorded by the computer and mom or dad is notified that an allowance payment is due. The parent then transfers money onto the child’s debit card via direct deposit or credit card. While there is no enrollment fee charged, if you don’t keep up with the online performance chart and balance due, you may be subject to other fees.
Another option is the MyPlash Teen MasterCard. Don’t let the name fool you. While the moniker implies the card caters to teens, the company does not list a specific minimum age requirement. This card leaves it up to parents to see that chores are done, and when they are they can reward their child by loading money onto a pre-paid card. There is no minimum or maximum reload amount, restrictions on use, or maximum card value. In addition, there are no activation or monthly fees, though you will get hit with a fee if you reload the card using a credit card.