Chores and allowance system for kids doesn’t have to be complicated—this simple weekly plan helps kids practice earning, saving, and spending without constant arguments.
Trying to teach kids about money without constant battles? A simple chores-and-allowance system gives kids real practice with earning, saving, and spending—while keeping expectations clear for everyone.
This guide gives you a straightforward plan you can set up in one afternoon, plus age-based chore ideas and allowance tips.
Quick start (set this up today)
- Pick your system: “Allowance = learning tool” (recommended) or “Allowance = earned by chores.”
- Pick 5–10 chores that fit your child’s age.
- Pick a payday: weekly is easiest.
- Use 3 buckets: Save / Spend / Give (or Save / Spend only).
- Do a 5-minute check-in on payday (template post linked below).
Related: If you want fun practice activities, see games to teach kids about money.
Two common systems (choose one)
Option A: Allowance as a learning tool (recommended)
Kids get a small, consistent allowance weekly. Chores are still required because they’re part of being in the family—not a “paid job.”
- Pros: Predictable, less arguing, best for teaching budgeting.
- Cons: Requires consistency from you.
Option B: Allowance earned by chores
Kids get paid only when chores are completed.
- Pros: Motivating for some kids, clear cause/effect.
- Cons: Can turn every task into negotiation (“How much do I get?”).
My best compromise: give a small base allowance weekly + offer optional “bonus chores” for extra earnings.
House rules that prevent drama
- Payday is once per week. No daily “Can I get paid now?”
- Chores have a deadline. Example: done by Saturday 5pm.
- Don’t renegotiate mid-week. Keep rules stable for a month before changing.
- No paying for basic responsibilities. (Beds, school, basic cleaning.)
- Bonus chores are optional. Great for extra motivation and learning “extra work = extra money.”
Chore ideas by age
Ages 4–6
- Put toys away (with a timer)
- Match socks
- Feed pets (with supervision)
- Wipe spills (small cloth)
- Help set the table
Ages 7–9
- Make bed
- Empty small trash cans
- Sort laundry
- Unload dishwasher (non-breakables)
- Pack school bag checklist
Ages 10–12
- Load/unload dishwasher
- Fold laundry
- Vacuum bedroom
- Prepare simple snacks
- Help plan grocery list
Teens
- Laundry from start to finish
- Cook one simple dinner weekly
- Yard work / snow help
- Babysitting sibling (short blocks)
- Budget for a personal goal (clothes, hobbies, outings)
How much allowance?
Keep it simple and sustainable. The goal is practice, not “perfect fairness.”
- Start small: an amount that creates real choices (“save vs. spend”).
- Increase with responsibility: when they reliably manage chores and spending.
- Use goals: help them save for something meaningful (toy, game, outing).
Paying allowance: cash, jars, or digital
Use what you can stick to.
- Cash + jars: easiest for younger kids; very visual.
- Envelope system: Save / Spend / Give envelopes.
- Digital tracking: great for older kids; keep it simple.
Weekly 5-minute money routine
On payday, do this:
- Ask: “What’s one thing you want to save for?”
- Split money into buckets: Save / Spend / Give.
- Quick review: “What did you spend on this week?” (no guilt—just awareness)
- Set one goal for next week.
Use this template: Kids budgeting & savings goals template (5-minute check-in).
FAQs
Should I pay for chores?
You can, but it often creates negotiation. A base allowance + optional bonus chores is the easiest long-term approach.
What if they don’t do chores?
Keep the consequence simple: missed chores = no bonus, and privileges may pause until responsibilities are done.
How do I keep it consistent?
Pick one payday and one chore list for a month. Consistency beats complexity.
Troubleshooting: if your child loses interest
- Too many chores? Cut the list in half and focus on consistency.
- Too much arguing? Move “bonus chores” to a separate list so basics aren’t negotiated.
- Spending everything? Add one simple rule: Save bucket can’t be spent for 30 days.
Conclusion
A chores-and-allowance system works best when it’s predictable, simple, and paired with a short weekly money check-in. The goal is practice—helping kids build money habits that stick.