How much should a teen get for allowance?

Saturday, February 5, 2011

I am 13 years old and me and my parents are trying to figure out an allowance plan. I do several chores each day, take care of my younger brother, clean kitchen, do dishes, vacuum, odd jobs, wash parents cars, take care of dog, and help my mom out in her office. I am an A+ Student in high honors courses, a very well-behaved kid. I never get in trouble at school, but my parents don't think that is anything special. I play 3 instuments, play 2 sports, and am in 5 extracurriculars. I have always saved all Christmas/Birthday money, and have a pretty hefty savings acount for a thirteen year old (all of which I have accumulated BY MYSELF.) I would like to start spending more money and getting some nicer things-even though we are a well off family, my father is very money concsious so it is all clearence clothes and no fun stuff (movies, out to eat, books, etc.) I have never gotten an allowance and would like to have some spending/saving money. I occasionally babysit, but the surplus of teenage girls in my area makes it hard for me too find work. I also work occasional at the Little League football concessions stand, but work there is very scarce also. School is a full time job. I have several hours of homework at night, and it makes it hard to get a job (plus I'm pretty young.) I feel underappreaciated sometimes becuase I work hard at home and school and am never recognized for it. I try my best to be the best kid I can be. I would like to have an allowance so I could finally start having some spending money, ad so I won't feel left out when my friends always have nice clothes, electronics, accesrories, etc. My major expenses are school supplies, books, music, clothes(including shoes, coats, gym uniforms), music (mallets, drumsticks, piano music), and maybe some new stuff for my room (we just moved). I do not ask for a lot, and only buy frivoulous things from discount stores/racks. I don't shop at American Eagle, Hollister, Abercrombie, although I would like to occasionaly. If I were to pay for all my expenses, how much money should I get per week? I don't think I should have to pay for food, medical/dental care, makeup (within reason), family vacations, or required things (for school). I also think my parents should pay for the clothing basics (coat, shoes, one pair of jeans, socks, underwear). I would probably take over all other expenses. I am not saying that I think I should be paid for work or good grades. I always feel underappreciated and cheap, because I work hard and get nothing while some people get lots of cash each month and do nothing to earn it. So I have some questions- 1. How much $ should I get if I were to pay for the items above? (per week) This includes maybe shopping at nicer stores, and being able to put some cash in the bank. (Clothes, school stuff, music, books, movies, etc.) 2. Should I ask to get a grade bonus or money for babysitting my brother? 3. Are there any other allowance plans that have worked for you?
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Well I'm not being mean, but you should be proud of your grades and not expect to get paid because you did a good job...education is its own reward. 20 dollars a week is fine for a 13 year old, its enough to go to the movies. You don't need to be buying clothes ALL the time, I started buying my own clothes at 15 (I baby sat) and they were from nicer stores, but I still found a LOT of stuff on clearance, which is a good thing, trust me once you get older and have bills to pay you will appreciate your parents teaching you the value of money.
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