Pay off mortgage and start having fun!

greent

My eldest 2 have phone contracts of £18 and £15 pm, which I pay for. Occasionally the total is a little more but rarely (highest ever was £22 when abroad) DD (17) has a blackberry and DS1 (15) a little Samsung picked up for £30.


I see vast numbers of their peers at the moment through invigilating exams - I can honestly say that around 70% of the phones handed in are iphones, followed by Samsung smart phones of varying descriptions, inc a Galaxy 6 (if that's the brand new one). I have not had one single 'standard' phone handed in. Most of them have better phones than myself and other staff. There is a huge amount of peer pressure around - I think I'm doing well with my 2. Newgirly is doing very well with her 3
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Arkers

RE the phone debate, may I just add that it's easy to say "No" to a toddler, but it is a different ball game when they are young adults. Surely at 17 if they wish to spend their own money on something that is legal, then it is all part of lifes rich tapestry. I personally also don't get the hype either, and I pay a cut off of £17 towards my teenagers' phones.


With respect Alex, but some people don't understand those that collect; whether that is pens, instruments or clocks, so as has already been said each to their own. When your DS gets to that age if that's all you have to worry about then you'll be lucky! Perhaps on this occasion it may be worth reserving judgement?

CathT

Well done on going for a run Newgirly. I have been very lazy this week and feel like I have to get out there for another run. Won't get chance until Friday so I will make it a good one

edinburgher

DD will be allowed to spend whatever she wants of her pocket money on a mobile phone once she reaches a sensible age. I hate the way in which mobile phones allow for 24/7 remote bullying, at least in my day you had to be at school to get hassled! :eek:

newgirly

Gosh lots of replies on this one! Its interesting to get get others perspectives on the situation. By my standards (£6pm including free phone) they are dear but compared to their friends are they are not.

Its sometimes a little difficult to get the balance right, but the reality is I am the mse- er and the kids and dh want as normal a life as possible which I try to do as frugally as I can.

AlexLK

newgirly: Your daughter sounds very responsible for her age and if you wish to treat her to the 'phone contract, that's perfectly reasonable.

Arkers: It is not "legal" for a 17 year old to have a 'phone contract (unless the law has changed recently) as you need to be 18 to take out a credit agreement, which is essentially what a 'phone contract is.

As for collecting, I cannot see why that is relevant to this topic? I didn't say anything about the child in question ought to be spending their money / parents money on collecting something. I simply stated that I do not like the idea of children paying for games that require no amount of skill, are potentially addictive and heavily advertised on social media (which is attractive to teenagers).

Arkers

Alex - I didn't say anything about a 17 year old having a contract, just about the realism of them using a phone of their choice. I mentioned collecting as some people would consider this a waste of money, as you obviously think the latest phones are - the point I was trying to make is EACH TO THEIR OWN.


As I have already said, but to reiterate, you are naïve to think you'll be able to dictate about these types of issues. With respect why would you want to? Lets just agree to disagree on this one.

AlexLK

Arkers: I do see your point. However, as this is a money saving forum, from a money saving point of view owning the latest 'phone is a waste of money due to the fact it is a depreciating asset.

I suppose should my son, when he's older, decide he wants one of these 'phones and would be willing to buy it outright on a pay as you go basis with money he had saved, there wouldn't be an issue.

Arkers

Alex - I couldn't agree more!:j

newgirly

I have to agree with arkers on this one, it is of very minor consequence in the scheme of things I worry about with the kids. You do have to loosen the grip as they get older even if its on things you would not have for seen yourself changing views on.

When they were little they ate everything they were given, fresh home cooked healthy food and plenty of veg, now they are teenagers they prefer crisps and pot noodles as often as they can get away with It's a phase they will grow out of , but they have to make their own mistakes, you can only guide them so far and by the time they are teenagers hopefully you have done a good enough job that they are fairly sensible most of the time

Sorry for going a bit off topic, but I am in the midst of three teenagers and their exams and work experience at the moment and so far no major problems , but its a hell of a lot more stressful than when I could put them to bed at 7pm :rotfl: