Pocket money by age: an Australian parent's guide

There is no perfect dollar figure for pocket money in Australia, but there is a workable structure. The goal is to give kids enough money to make real choices — and small enough mistakes — without turning chores into a transactional contract.

Ages 5–7 — coins and choices

Around $2–$5 per week works for most families. Keep it physical if you can: coins in three labelled jars (Spend, Save, Give) make the abstract concept of money visible.

Tie a small portion to age-appropriate chores like setting the table. Most of pocket money at this age should be a learning allowance, not a wage.

Ages 8–12 — first goals

$5–$12 per week, with a clear savings goal the child chose themselves. This is the age where Save jars start to mean something — a Lego set, a book, a game.

Introduce the idea that some jobs around the house are paid bonus jobs, and some are simply part of being in a family. PocketGrow models both.

Ages 13–18 — budgets and first jobs

$15–$40 per week, or a fortnightly allowance that covers a defined category like lunches, transport, or phone credit. This is the budgeting age.

If your teen has a casual job, walk through their payslip together once. Gross, tax withheld, super, net — these four numbers shape their next 50 years of financial decisions.