Georgia mom praised for having 5-year-old daughter 'pay rent'

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crashtech

Lifer
Jan 4, 2013
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2,294
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There are many ways to teach kids about money. I am not going to grade this performance other than to say at least it gets a passing grade for effort, which is more than can be said for most parents.
 
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balloonshark

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2008
7,304
3,729
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As children my sis and I had the opportunity to make $10 a week in allowance if we did all our chores. We took care of the entire upstairs which had 3 bedrooms, a large hallway with a litterbox and a full bath. The largest paying chore was the one I hated and that was weeding are large flower garden for $5. The only penalty/fee I remember was paying $0.10 every time we left a light on in a room. Strangely enough I learned more about money by playing the board game Bargain Hunter.
 

clamum

Lifer
Feb 13, 2003
26,256
406
126
yeah I know I've paid and still pay way more, but that is "the standard" when it comes to rent/mortgage.
I've heard that number before but man that would make me nervous paying 30% of my take-home pay on rent. Right now I'm paying 19%. I could see myself doing 25% but wouldn't like it much. I should clarify I'm a single guy living by myself. I guess it would change if I was married with a family but I still think 30% is high.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,672
15,068
146
I don't have a problem with the concept...as long as the kid has to do chores to "earn" the allowance..BUT, I also think $5 is too steep for a $7 allowance. IMO, $3 would be more appropriate. BUT, just wait till the kid becomes a teenager and starts wanting $25/week or more...PLUS a new phone every year or two...Then, will rent STILL be $5/week? Or will it go up to $20/week?

My 18 year old grandson who just graduated HS this summer got his first job ever a couple of months ago. They've always lived in places that were nearly impossible for him to get an after-school job...so, I understand not having one during school. HOWEVER...once he got a job, his dad demanded $400/month rent...and he still has to babysit the younger kids...and do most of the chores in the house.
He's moving to live up here this weekend. He finally said "Enough is enough...no, Enough is TOO MUCH."
 

pcgeek11

Lifer
Jun 12, 2005
22,415
5,013
136
She gets the allowance for free, how is that teaching her the value of money, this is teaching her to be an entitled little shit.

You don't get an allowance, you get paid for your chores, dishes, sweeping, etc. Then she gets charged for rent.

All this kid is going to learn is I got $2 a week for doing jack shit.

My son had to work for his allowance. How do you know she gets hers for free?

Teaching the kid and saving for her at the same time. I think it is a good idea.
 
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momeNt

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2011
9,290
352
126
My son had to work for his allowance. How do you know she gets hers for free?

Teaching the kid and saving for her at the same time. I think it is a good idea.

I don't, but she had the opportunity to specify and didn't.
 

crashtech

Lifer
Jan 4, 2013
10,695
2,294
146
Probably not as crazy as it sounds, housing costs vary wildly. Someone's high-ish wages could be in line with exorbitant housing costs, be close to 50%, and still leave some disposable income.
 

skull

Platinum Member
Jun 5, 2000
2,209
327
126
Probably not as crazy as it sounds, housing costs vary wildly. Someone's high-ish wages could be in line with exorbitant housing costs, be close to 50%, and still leave some disposable income.

When I was a kid I asked my dad why don't the people in california buy somewhere cheaper and just fly helicopters home from work?
 

crashtech

Lifer
Jan 4, 2013
10,695
2,294
146
When I was a kid I asked my dad why don't the people in california buy somewhere cheaper and just fly helicopters home from work?
That was my dream scenario as a kid. I had my Bond villian lair all figured out, geothermal power and helipad included.
 

RLGL

Platinum Member
Jan 8, 2013
2,115
322
126
Interesting...... when my daughter was about 12 or so, she came to me and asked if she should get a part-time job to help with the expenses. My reply: your job is to go to school and get good grades. Since finishing college her salary is more than my wife's and mine put together
 

highland145

Lifer
Oct 12, 2009
43,973
6,340
136
I don't have a problem with the concept...as long as the kid has to do chores to "earn" the allowance..BUT, I also think $5 is too steep for a $7 allowance. IMO, $3 would be more appropriate. BUT, just wait till the kid becomes a teenager and starts wanting $25/week or more...PLUS a new phone every year or two...Then, will rent STILL be $5/week? Or will it go up to $20/week?

My 18 year old grandson who just graduated HS this summer got his first job ever a couple of months ago. They've always lived in places that were nearly impossible for him to get an after-school job...so, I understand not having one during school. HOWEVER...once he got a job, his dad demanded $400/month rent...and he still has to babysit the younger kids...and do most of the chores in the house.
He's moving to live up here this weekend. He finally said "Enough is enough...no, Enough is TOO MUCH."
Yeah, eff that. Damned sons in laws.