How Much Pocket Money Should I Give My Child?
Apr 23, 2026
One of the most common questions parents ask once they've decided to introduce pocket money is:
"How much should I actually give?"
It sounds like it should have a simple answer.
But the moment you start Googling, you find wildly different suggestions and suddenly feel more confused than when you started.
Here's something worth knowing upfront: The amount matters far less than the intention behind it.
That said, having a starting point helps. As a rough guide, many families start small (even $1–$2 per week for younger children) and increase gradually as their child grows and takes on more financial responsibility.
The goal isn't to give kids spending power. It's to give them practice.
As we explored in a recent blog: Why Pocket Money Is About More Than Spending, pocket money works best when it's connected to learning, not just transactions.
The most important questions to ask yourself aren't about the dollar amount. They're about:
- What do I want my child to learn from this?
- What decisions do I want them to be able to make?
- How will I guide them along the way?
Once you've answered those, the amount becomes a tool, not the point.
π In next week's blog, we'll explore whether pocket money should be tied to chores… the answer might surprise you.
Inside the Pocket Money That Actually Works, we walk you through exactly how to set up pocket money in a way that builds habits, not just spending habits, regardless of the amount you choose.
Because the truth is: it's not about how much. It's about how.
π Join the “Pocket Money That Actually Works” Course and start with confidence.
