workin' hard for the money

I had some life skills goals for our three teenagers for the summer and they started with exploring the world of work and ended with enjoying the payoff!

The first week of summer, we all went to the credit union and opened checking accounts.  I feel like we should replace the word "checking" with the word "debit", because my kids haven't actually written a check yet.  We didn't even order checks.  They each got eight free checks printed, and I don't know if they will EVER use them!  But they've learned how to use a debit card, do online banking, and access their accounts through the app!  

(One of the kids is on their second debit card and a different one of the kids has locked themselves out of their account three times.  When we go into the local branch of the credit union now, we are greeted with a smile and a "hello again"!  And then I joke about how my kids are learning "adulting"...)

The income part needs to be more than the outgo part, so lets get to work!  Lydia got a regular babysitting job over the summer and made some real money!  She decided to buy rollerblades with her first paycheck.  She also bought real air pods, a Packer's ticket, lots of fun and junk food, and saved half of her income!

 

Reggie started his summer in a little financial trouble, learning why we use durable phone cases the hard way.  We had a big landscaping project that definitely deserved payment.  We removed a bed filled with landscping rock from our front yard.  In addition, he helped a friend with her small resale business and walked her dogs.  The payoff was a new(er) better phone and some spending money!

Brett got a job scanning pictures as an employee for my friend's small business!  He was so proud when he finished his first big project and she handed him a crisp $100 bill!  He spent his money on the newest NBA video game (the day it came out!) and lots of junk food. 

I have a feeling next summer we will be learning about the world of income tax...