Avoid Pocket Money Problem

According to the 2006 Halifax Pocket Money Survey, the average amount of weekly pocket money given to 12-16 year olds in the UK is £9.76. If you are close to this age group and your jaw just dropped in amazement, whether from how much or how little this figure seems, understand that pocket money is generally a gift from your parents but that different parents attach different conditions to what it must be used for. To figure out how much pocket money you honestly need per week, read on to help you avoid pocket money problems later.

Assess Your Needs

In the past "pocket money" was a term that referred to fun money or money that was not required to pay for life's necessities. Today there seems to be a lot more necessities, so when determining how much pocket money you think you need be very clear about what your pocket money must pay for. Take into account:

• Food and snacks.
• Entertainment such as cinema tickets, DVD rentals, books and magazines.
• Mobile phones and phone credit.
• School supplies.
• Public transport and other travel expenses.
• Birthday and holiday presents.
• Clothes and accessories.
• Beauty and personal care items.
• Savings.

Understand the Terms

When you have totalled up what you believe is a suitable amount for weekly pocket money, discuss this figure with your parents. Make sure that you are all clear about the terms of your pocket money, including:

• What it must cover.
• If it is being given freely or you if need to "work" for it by doing chores, keeping up your grades, etc.
• If it can ever be withheld, such as for punishment or until you perform a certain chore.
• If you will be able to reassess this figure or ask for a "pay rise" in the future.
• If other money, such as birthday money or holiday money must be earmarked for certain expenses or put into savings.

Supplementing Your Pocket Money

If you consider your pocket money allowance too small, there may be ways to supplement this figure. Consider:

• Taking on a steady part time job.
• Taking on extra chores around the house.
• Helping your parents with their work, such as by typing or running errands for them.
• Tutoring other students.
• Babysitting for family.
• Asking your parents about joining a car boot sale, rummage sale or posting items on eBay or another online auction site.

Pocket money can be the bane of any teenager's existence. No matter how much you get, it never seems enough. Of course this is the point of pocket money, to teach you to budget and save and become responsible for your purchases. Prove to your parents that you are equal to the task and you just might be pleasantly surprised by the results!