UK Pocket Money Guide 2025
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UK Pocket Money Statistics 2025
Based on research and surveys of UK parents
Key Findings
Recommended Amounts by Age
| Age | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | £2.00 | £8.66 | £104.00 |
| 6 years | £2.50 | £10.82 | £130.00 |
| 7 years | £3.00 | £12.99 | £156.00 |
| 8 years | £4.00 | £17.32 | £208.00 |
| 9 years | £5.00 | £21.65 | £260.00 |
| 10 years | £6.00 | £25.98 | £312.00 |
| 11 years | £7.00 | £30.31 | £364.00 |
| 12 years | £8.00 | £34.64 | £416.00 |
| 13 years | £10.00 | £43.30 | £520.00 |
| 14 years | £12.00 | £51.96 | £624.00 |
| 15 years | £15.00 | £64.95 | £780.00 |
| 16 years | £18.00 | £77.94 | £936.00 |
Should Pocket Money Be Tied to Chores?
✅Arguments For
- •Teaches work ethic and the value of earning money
- •Helps children understand the connection between effort and reward
- •Provides motivation to complete household tasks
- •Mirrors the real world where work leads to payment
⚠️Arguments Against
- •Family members should contribute without payment expected
- •Risk of children refusing tasks unless paid
- •Pocket money can be used as leverage/punishment
- •Not all families can afford performance-based increases
💡The Balanced Approach
Many parenting experts recommend a hybrid model:
- Base amount unconditionally - A small weekly amount given regardless, teaching that family members support each other
- Expected chores unpaid - Age-appropriate tasks like making bed, tidying room are family responsibilities
- Bonus opportunities - Extra pocket money available for additional tasks beyond basic expectations
This approach teaches both family responsibility and work ethic without making everything transactional.
How to Teach Kids to Manage Pocket Money
Pocket money is a powerful teaching tool for financial literacy
The Save-Spend-Give Framework
Help children split their pocket money three ways:
- 50% Spend - For immediate wants
- 30% Save - For future goals
- 20% Give - For charity or gifts
Set Savings Goals
Make saving tangible and rewarding:
- • Pick a specific item to save for
- • Use a visual tracker or jar
- • Celebrate milestones (25%, 50%, 75%)
- • Try our Savings Goal Calculator
Let Them Make Mistakes
Experience is the best teacher:
- • Allow impulse purchases (within reason)
- • Don't rescue them if money runs out
- • Discuss what they'd do differently
- • Natural consequences teach powerfully
Frequently Asked Questions
Should pocket money be tied to chores?▼
There's no single right answer. Some experts recommend a base amount unconditionally (teaching that family members contribute regardless) plus opportunities to earn extra through additional tasks. Others link it entirely to chores to teach work ethic. Consider your family values and your child's age.
When should I start giving pocket money?▼
Most experts suggest starting between ages 5-7, when children begin to understand the concept of money exchange. Start small and focus on teaching basic concepts rather than the amount.
How often should I give pocket money?▼
Weekly works well for younger children (under 10) as they think in shorter timeframes. Older children can transition to fortnightly or monthly to learn longer-term budgeting.
What if my child spends it all immediately?▼
This is a learning opportunity! Natural consequences (running out of money) teach valuable lessons. Guide them toward the "save, spend, give" framework but let them make some mistakes.
Should I increase pocket money every year?▼
Most families increase annually, often on birthdays. As children age, they may take on more personal expenses (phone credit, transport) so amounts naturally need to increase.
Is my amount too high or too low?▼
Use our calculator to see UK averages, but remember: the right amount depends on what expenses your child is expected to cover, your family circumstances, and your parenting goals. The learning experience matters more than the specific amount.
Beyond Pocket Money: Teaching Real Business Skills
Learning to manage pocket money is just the start. Smoothie Wars teaches kids real business skills like budgeting, competition, strategic thinking, and resource management - all through play.
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