I could not wait until Friday when I was in high school because I would get my allowance. As long as I had completed all my chores and had no issues at school that week I would get it. Then I was free to spend it as I chose, which usually involved my friends and heading to the mall. Although my high school days are long gone and before I know it one of my girls will be in high school, I still look forward to my Friday allowances.
I know you are probably saying yourself “Isn’t she too old for an allowance?” Well, my answer is “No”. This is a very important part of good stewardship. God wants you to be responsible with the money He blesses you with and He also wants you to enjoy it. Just like we budget for all necessities, we should also budget for some of our wants.
So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NLT)
Budgeting money for yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary. I believe this is even more important for SAHMs. My husband, Eric, and I have never looked at our money as his money or my money. It has always been our money.
When we both were working that was easy because we both were contributing to our household financially. However, when one of you is not working this can be a little difficult. This was especially true for me once I became a SAHM.
I manage our finances so I see the money Eric makes come in. Since I pay the bills and shop for the family, I also see all the money go out. At one point I felt like I was spending all our money, even though it was for the household and budgeted for. I started to feel guilty about spending money, so I would not buy anything for myself.
Not too long after this, we were introduced to the envelope system of managing our money. With this system, we were able to free me of my money spending guilt by incorporating an allowance in our budget for both Eric and I.
So on payday, I go to the bank to get cash for our allowance. Then we are both free to do what we want with our money and our budget remains in tack. So if I want to go get a mani/pedi or see a pair of shoes at DSW that I just cannot pass up, as long as I have the money I can.
Having an allowance also allows you to save up for things. There are weeks when I don’t spend any money, so I save it for something bigger later. Like that leather moto jacket, I’ve had my eye on or the trip to the spa I so desperately need.
Whether big or small we all need to ability to do some of the things we like to do and treat ourselves from time to time while maintaining good stewardship. There has been no better way I have found to do this than with an allowance. So no matter how old you are, you are never too old for an allowance.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about allowances,
Do you get one? And if not, why not? in the comments!
My hubs and I were just talking about our finances and getting things more organized. I’m definitely gonna share this post with him.
I totally agree. Would be doubly useful if someone else would give me an allowance!
You never know, Aleksandra, anything can happen. ?
I really need to give myself an allowance. This is a great idea because I do have a habit of just spending especially when I see something I want. I think this will help me be discipline.
Do it, Don. It really does help with your disciple because once the money is gone it’s gone. Having an allowance keeps you in in budget and gives you the freedom to do the things you want to.
I think this its a good idea to pay yourself, I feel like we work hard why not reward yourself. I love the quote “There is more to life than working and paying bills”
Love this! Never thought to give myself an “allowance”.. it would probably help me stay within my budget better. Great post!
Great post and one I totally needed to hear today. I have to start budgeting and giving myself an allowance. Man, this was right on time.
I believe taking an allowance also hinders overspending. This is good advice.
I have myself set on an allowance. Amen! One ting I am good about is my money, honey lol I have, on a bi-weekly basis, money transfer into a savings account.
I love to giving myself an allowance . it’s a easy way to help budget your money
Great idea! My mom always tucked away “mad money” in her wallet or dresser for herself or things that might come up so she would have less stress. Her wallet mad money often went to her clearance/sale and thrift store shopping. It was her way to have fun and get things she needed, as well as treat other people to things they might need or want. Your allowance idea kind of reminded me of that. I think money that is free to use as we want to, whether in the moment or to save up for something, is a necessity. It helps us not feel so selfish and crunched for money.
i give myself an allowance. or better said i have a small amount put in my savings account each paycheck so when i want something i can buy it without feeling guilty.
It’s a very good idea. Matter of fact I need an allowance, bc my self control is not the best when it comes to spending.
When we were both working, we put all of our check in our joint account and then we each got an allowance from our pay to use toward whatever we wanted to use it on. I agree with you. In our marriage counseling we were advised to not have separate accounts for multiple reasons and while we agreed we did still allow each other a small but of change to have in our pockets.
This is such a great idea! I’m always looking for ways to help budget money. My parents are doing the envelope system now and it’s working great for them!
Hey, when I was in high school my parents gave me $3 a week and I would use it to buy gum. You can’t have bad breath in high school. 😉
I love the allowance. It takes away the guilt for sure and allows for a little spontaneity!
This is so great. So many of us (including myself) struggle with budgeting for those “extras” that we don’t actually NEED but that keep our soul happy. This is a great reminder. Thank you!!
xo Kathryn
This is great. I’m the same, with just not buying anything for myself. Getting a cash allowance sounds like a great way to curb the guilty feeling!
Yes! We keep an allowance and our budget just has everything planned out but sometimes things come up and then we adjust! We don’t do cash as much but we keep a mental note and never go over it so it works for us! Great post!
I love this! I totally have the money guilt as a SAHM so this really spoke to me! Saving this for a revamped budget in the new year!!
I love this idea! I rarely spend any money on myself because it makes me feel guilty when the kids need everything. However, I love the idea of building it into the budget. Everyone needs some treats and pocket money to pamper themselves with!
Love this post! While I don’t give myself and allowance in cash each week, I do put money into a separate account each week. That way I have a bit of a “rainy day” fund when I want something rather than need something!