Regan at Work

My computer has found a new owner over the weekend. Regan is so very excited that she has been asked by a focus group to take on a four day job. She is doing several assignments for a company and is going to be well compensated for her time. She is so happy feeling like her opinion matters to a big company. She is taking each assignment seriously and has spent a great deal of time making sure her answers are just right.

And of course most importantly she is spending the money before she has even finished the work. As much as I am happy that Regan is getting a taste of work and responsibility the fact is she is terrible with any amount of money. She hates the thought of saving a dime of it. In this case she has planned on several items that her money could be well spent on.

For instance she thinks it will buy her a laptop. I have assured her that not only will she not be making enough to purchase a new laptop computer....she certainly would not be able to afford Internet on top of that. What good would it be to have the bare basics and not much else.

Next she would like to buy herself a cell phone. Well now she will be making enough for a cell phone, but in no way could she afford a plan to go with it. I reminded her that a cell phone that only works for a month is not really worth it, and having the phone alone will do nothing.

She also thought that she would like her own itouch. Which again is not really in the price range of what she will be receiving....but then someone suggested we could look at the refurbished ones for sale at the apple store, and maybe get a good deal.

To this I have to say:

"Quit helping People"!!!!!!!!

How about teaching Regan to save up for something she really wants. Let's teach her to spend just a bit, and how much better it is to save and invest in your future. If she isn't taught moderation and basic financial skills, how is she going to learn to function later in life. My darling Regan is developing for herself a very technology rich future....but she wont be able to afford to keep them going. Luckily we have a month before payday is expected and I am hoping by then sense and reason will reign supreme.

But she is 13 and who do I think I am kidding?