Let’s be real—teaching kids about money feels a lot like teaching them to floss. You know it’s important, they sort of understand it’s important, but nobody’s super motivated to do it… and it usually ends in someone whining at Target.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I pay my kids for chores?” or “Am I screwing this up?”—you’re in the right place.
In this post, I’m breaking down a conversation I had with Samantha Acock—mom, realtor, and former CPA firm co-owner—about how she’s teaching her kids the value of money without turning her home into The Bank of Mom.
We cover:
- What counts as “money chores” (and what doesn’t)
- Why invoicing your parents might be the new allowance
- How to build your kids’ money mindset without lectures
- And why it’s never too late to start these conversations
Spoiler: You don’t need a complicated system or 17 new apps. You just need a little intention—and maybe a shared note in your phone.
Let’s do this.
Should You Pay Your Kids for Chores?
Let’s start with the question every parent wrestles with:
Should I pay my kids for cleaning their rooms, putting groceries away, or feeding the dog?
For me (Melanie), the answer is… no.
And for our guest, Samantha Acock—a mom, realtor, and former CPA firm co-owner—it’s also a no… with a twist.
The Case for Not Paying for Basic Responsibilities
As Samantha puts it:
“I don’t pay my kids for existing. They’re expected to contribute.”
That means chores like:
– Keeping their room clean
– Doing their own laundry
– Helping unload groceries
– Cleaning up shared spaces
…aren’t tied to money. They’re tied to being part of a family.
How to Make *Extra* Chores a Money-Earning Opportunity
But that doesn’t mean kids can’t earn money—it just needs to be tied to *extra* effort.
Here’s how Samantha does it:
– Picking up dog poop = 💵
– Giving the dog a bath = 💵
– Taking over a parent’s dish night = 💵
The key? Her kids invoice her for their work. They keep track of what they’ve done and when they want to get paid, they submit their ‘bill.’ And honestly? It’s teaching them real-world skills like tracking time, budgeting, and delayed gratification.
Create a Shared Chores-for-Money List
If you’re ready to try this system at home, start with a clear list of what counts as “money chores.”
A few ideas:
– Raking leaves
– Cleaning the car interior
– Organizing the garage
– Pet care extras
– Folding *other people’s* laundry
– Prepping school lunches for the week
Samantha even has a shared family note with the chore prices listed out—and her kids know to ask first before diving in. No one’s earning $5 for picking up one sock, unprompted.
Chores for Money Helps Build Money Mindset (When It’s Done Intentionally)
One of the coolest parts of this system?
Her kids have learned how to:
– Save for gifts for each other 🥹
– Make budget-conscious decisions (like skipping Starbucks)
– Understand that money = choices, not just stuff
It’s not just about “Do work, get paid.”
It’s about understanding how money flows in a family, what things actually cost, and how to think beyond impulse spending.
What If You’re Behind on Teaching Your Kids About Money?
Here’s the good news: you’re not behind. You’re right on time.
Whether your kids are toddlers or tweens, it’s never too late to start talking about money. You don’t have to run a financial literacy bootcamp—just start by letting them:
– Hear you talk about bills and spending
– See your grocery budget in action
– Guess the total at checkout
– Help decide if an item is worth the cost
You’re not screwing this up. And you don’t have to do it perfectly to do it well.
Want to Hear the Full Conversation?
This blog post is based on a podcast episode of The Mostly Under Control Podcast with Samantha Aycock.
You can listen to the full episode here (or wherever you get your podcasts) for more real-life stories, tips, and reassuring reminders that you’re not the only one winging it.
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