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Little Lord Moneybags

Adele Hamilton, Editor Parent24
Adele Hamilton, Editor Parent24
“Do you need to borrow some money, Mommy?”

This is said in a condescending tone by my 9-year-old at the till where I am scratching for the R5 I am sure is in the lining of my bag.

I admit, money flows out of my pockets. All I have to show for it is an empty box of juice in the fridge; 5 packets of instant noodles; and a roll of over-amorous sticky plastic I’m trying to introduce to a reluctant textbook.

I find that first month of school murder on the bank balance. You would think I would know by now to start saving for the January horror in August. Maybe this year?

My husband and teen share my lack of fiscal savvy, but somehow son number 2 always has some to spare. Long may it last, because the way things are going I may need that loan soon. I’m clearly not the only one with money on my mind: Tracey Hawthorne has worked out that her teens cost around R100 000 a year. Each. 

And then to add insult to injury, they need pocket money. Our home page poll showed that most people believe that pocket money should be paid from school age. But there were some mavericks who don’t believe in pocket money at all. See the results.

If things are so bad you're struggling with school fees, try our new School Fees Exemption Calculator to see if you qualify for help.

How’s your family chewing on the financial crunch? Do your kids have a clue when it comes to saving? Let’s talk the truth about money.
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