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Am I spoiling my kids??

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Hi,

Discussing finances recently with my friends and a few have said I am spending too much (or rather "spoiling") on my kids. I didn't think I was but now I'm not so sure! They're 10 and 5

Between them they get:

Horse riding: £140 per month
Savings: £83.00 per month
Swimming: £22per month
Brownies: £16 per month

Looks a lot right? It works out at £30per week each. They don't get pocket money but we always have sweets etc in (and Santa Claus got them both magazine subscriptions)

How much (if you don't mind sharing!) do you spend on your kids? Am I spending too much?!


EDIT: I can afford these activities. My friends said I should cut their money and keep it for myself / put into savings (I already do save btw)
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Comments

  • tea_lover
    tea_lover Posts: 8,261 Forumite
    I've got no idea about your other costs but that is a lot for brownies! Our unit is £16 a term! Although we are one of the lowest priced and will be increasing that to £20 shortly. Most of the units in our district charge around £2 a week.
  • Swimming is a great skill plus excellent exercise, Brownies is for making friends outside school and learning different things, saving is a fantastic habit to get into. It's only horse riding that's expensive, but is also good exercise in the fresh air and teaches discipline, patience and respect. If they're really into it they can help out at the stables in exchange for free rides when they're older. Shovelling !!!!!! makes you realise the value of your time and labour!

    I would only suggest stop buying sweets yourself and give them a small amount of pocket money so they can learn how to calculate good value themselves. I remember agonising over how to spend my 20p; on midget gems that you got more of because they were lighter, or sherbet lemons which were heavier but lasted longer?
    They are an EYESORES!!!!
  • Oakdene
    Oakdene Posts: 2,560 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I remember agonising over how to spend my 20p; on midget gems that you got more of because they were lighter, or sherbet lemons which were heavier but lasted longer?

    2 bags of 10p mix all the way!!
    Dwy galon, un dyhead,
    Dwy dafod ond un iaith,
    Dwy raff yn cydio’n ddolen,
    Dau enaid ond un taith.
  • catoutthebag
    catoutthebag Posts: 2,216 Forumite
    I think those are fair if they don't get pocket monies.

    But do you plan on buying them ponies:eek:
  • catoutthebag
    catoutthebag Posts: 2,216 Forumite
    Oakdene wrote: »
    2 bags of 10p mix all the way!!

    Or a curly wurly:o
  • spadoosh
    spadoosh Posts: 8,732 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    tea_lover wrote: »
    I've got no idea about your other costs but that is a lot for brownies! Our unit is £16 a term! Although we are one of the lowest priced and will be increasing that to £20 shortly. Most of the units in our district charge around £2 a week.

    £16 a month / 2 kids = £8 / ~4 weeks = £2 a week.


    @ OP, doesnt seem that bad. Ok horse riding is a bit of a luxury thing but its hardly something theyd ever be able to save and pay for themselves really.

    Is the savings for adult life? If so wouldnt say that was to unreasonable. If they can use it now might be different.

    Swimming doesnt seem that unreasonable either. Maybe for the older child give them an equivalent pocket money and let them choose to spend on that or for something else, promotes a bit of fincial responsibility.

    I spend about £20 a week but thats mainly milk powder and nappies.
  • tea_lover wrote: »
    I've got no idea about your other costs but that is a lot for brownies! Our unit is £16 a term! Although we are one of the lowest priced and will be increasing that to £20 shortly. Most of the units in our district charge around £2 a week.


    It includes costs for pack holidays and trips out :)


    I put the money into one of my higher interest accounts and when its time to pay up I use that money. Subs are also £2 here
  • KateBob
    KateBob Posts: 1,789 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    It doesn't sound excessive to me (if it's affordable for you).


    You've made me think about what we spend on our 2 in the month:


    Gymnastics: £75 (eldest child only, 3 sessions a week)
    Kayaking: £20 (eldest child only)
    Climbing: £50 (youngest child only)
    Kickboxing: £26 (youngest child only)
    Swimming: £17 (youngest child only)
    Scouts: £25 (both children)


    Plus they each get £5pw pocket money paid directly into their own bank accounts, for which they have debit cards.
    Their pocket money is for them to spend or save depending on what they want.


    They also both have savings accounts for adulthood.
    Kate short for Bob.

    Alphabet thread High Priestess of all things unsavoury

    Tesla was a genius.
  • catoutthebag
    catoutthebag Posts: 2,216 Forumite
    Kate/Bob wrote: »
    It doesn't sound excessive to me (if it's affordable for you).


    You've made me think about what we spend on our 2 in the month:


    Gymnastics: £75 (eldest child only, 3 sessions a week)
    Kayaking: £20 (eldest child only)
    Climbing: £50 (youngest child only)
    Kickboxing: £26 (youngest child only)
    Swimming: £17 (youngest child only)
    Scouts: £25 (both children)


    Plus they each get £5pw pocket money paid directly into their own bank accounts, for which they have debit cards.
    Their pocket money is for them to spend or save depending on what they want.


    They also both have savings accounts for adulthood.
    I hope they are saving that towards a property deposit:o
  • tea_lover
    tea_lover Posts: 8,261 Forumite
    spadoosh wrote: »
    £16 a month / 2 kids = £8 / ~4 weeks = £2 a week.

    Brownies is 7-10, so the 5 yr old won't be going. Unless she goes to Rainbows maybe.
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