Sonja Gantt NewsChannel 36 Anchor

Editor's note: Sonja Gantt bloggs each week for The Charlotte Observer's mommy site, MomsCharlotte.com.

If there is a bright side to the recent economic concerns I think it has to be that it gives us a chance to help our children understand the value of a dollar. Everywhere I go people are talking about money - whether it's a discussion about the price of gas, questions about the amount of debt they owe or concerns about their jobs. My sister says she now has "car envy" every time someone drives by her SUV in a small economy car. Frugality is making a come back!

My husband and I have debated how the kids' allowance should be awarded. I believe allowance should not be connected to chores. It's money we are giving with the hope of teaching them how to begin handling it. My parents always said chores are just your contribution for living in the house...you don't get paid for doing those tasks. I felt vindicated by a friend who said when she did link chores to allowance her daughter decided one week she didn't need any money so she didn't do the work .

I'd love to hear how some of you are teaching your children the value of money. How do you determine the amount? Do you give them cash? One very organized mother that I know transfers money from her account into her children's and then they have to use their debit card to get cash before they buy something. She says it's one way of curtailing instant gratification and helping them really THINK about where they spend those precious dollars.

If you're like me you probably spend a lot of money at the grocery store and would love to save a few dollars there. My colleague Stuart Watson is doing a price comparison of the top five grocery items and wants your help so we can all save. The next time you are at the grocery store, discount club, drug store or convenience store take note of the cost of any of the five items listed below and send us the information at pricetracker@wcnc.com or click here. Here's the list:

12 pack of 12 ounce cans of Diet Pepsi
Gallon of 2% milk
Loaf of Nature's Own Whole Wheat bread
Case of Bud Light (24 pack of cans)
12 and a half ounce bag of Doritos

Thanks for any help you can give Stuart and for any ideas you can share about kids and money. We've got to help them understand not only does it not grow on trees...there isn't an unlimited amount in the ATM!

1 Comments

Larry Shannon said:

Pastor John P Kee is giving a relief concert at the Cricket Arena 10/25/08 at 6:00. He will be giving away gift cards to those in need. He has invited several Gospet Intertainers from around the nation. This is something the Pastor has a passion for in today's economy is helping those in need. You may want to contact him at the church. New Life Fellowship 704 377 4004.

October 25, 2008 8:19 AM

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