but what about 5 yr olds?  How do you introduce the concept of the value for money, and the importance of savings/sticking to a budget, without falling into the pocket money trap?  I know this is also a parenting question, but I have never seen an answer that doesn't involve pocket money. Well, I have to admit that I use pocket money. Otherwise, it's difficult for a child to understand the savings/budgeting implications. For example, by 7 year-old recently broke a treasure belonging to her 8 year-old sister, and it cost her two weeks of pocket money (and a couple of tantrums) to replace it. Very effective lesson! It would have been difficult to teach that, though, in the absence of pocket money. Sans pocket money, you can teach young kids some valuable budgeting lessons by simply involving them in your decision making. So for example the decision might be to buy a coluring book or buy an ice cream. Let them make the decision. Or to save up for a family trip to the beach by not having dessert for two weeks .... Any combination of things that works for you really, but something where your kids are seeing and experienceing a sacrifice made to achieve a particular goal. Involve them in that decision and in that sacrifice and they'll get it! Justine Davies Fri 07 Sep 12 (12:17pm) I'd love to know about a few things: - Freelancing on the side of your day job - setting up