Ok, so my older kids (8 and 10) are getting to the age where they would like to have their own money. I agree. They want to buy things like nail polish, craft things, music, movies, posters, etc. Great and fine with me. I'm all for learning the value of a dollar early in life.

I guess what I really want to know is this: how much money and for what. Get an allowance for chores or not? Stuff like that. What do you do in your house?

I was thinking for the how much was this: half their age. Say, my 10 year old can get $5/week. My dd8 $4. A .50 raise every year. Maybe an incentive for making honor roll would be a little extra for them (not that they needed one. They have always made honor roll. But DD10 starts middle school this year and things will start getting more challenging for her). Maybe extra things around the house for extra dough.

I got them a book yesterday from American Girl. The Smart Girls Guide to Making Money. It has lots of info about saving, spending wisely, and making money. Problem is, most money making ideas can't apply to us. Living out in the country miles from other humans makes it hard to mow lawns, walk dogs, and babysit/story hour things. But there were some GREAT ideas in it. Highly recommend it.

So, what do you do in your families?