Child turning 16 shortly - any time-sensitive to-dos before?

JohnTravoltage

My child is turning 16 shortly.

Is there anything that we need to think about and get done before they turn 16? e.g. anything that's only available to under-16s, or is cheaper for under-16s?

Or other things that would be smart (money-wise or otherwise) to get done before their birthday?

more generally - what changes money-wise do I need to anticipate once they turn 16? e.g. saw some threads about my insurance premiums going up due to an over-16 living with us

Myci85

No advice aside from start aggressively saving for the pain of driving lessons and new driver insurance, if that's on their to do list! Encourage them to try and find a part time job so they can start saving themselves.

Savvy_Sue

If driving lessons are NOT on their ToDo list, I'd strongly encourage that to be added. DH had the pain of taking his test multiple times post University, and didn't get at least one job because he didn't drive - and that wasn't even 'essential', they just thought the journey would be too difficult (it wasn't, he had a lift lined up…)

Not only that: with the increasing number of scooter hire schemes, some at least require hirers to have a driving licence. Of course no such requirement for illegal scooters on our roads, but get prosecuted for riding one and you'll start your learning to drive journey with points on your licence and insurance issues.

There were two other things I put into effect when mine started 6th form.

1. YOU are responsible for your own money. I will put money in your account for bus fares, lunches and other 'stuff', but you have to withdraw the cash you need. (Back then, buses didn't take card payments)
2. YOU do your own laundry. If you haven't got a full load, ask me and I'll make it up. But you must learn not only how to use the washing machine, but when - ideally before you put your last pair of clean pants on.

Slightly last minute was 'how to shop'. I'd send them off for simple things, but it was only as they went off to uni that I pointed out £/kg labelling, BOGOF and 3for2.

They were already competent cooks and washer-uppers.

MACKEM99

Get them into employment?

ch3shirecat4

saving for driving lessons is a great one.

getting a part time job also.

and remind them that they will never have lower expenses than they have now. when i was in my late teens/early 20s i still lived at home and managed to save up 10 grand. now that is pretty much impossible in the current climate. just make them know this is a great time to maximize money and to not waste it. use it for travelling/investing, just something that will be worthwhile, either now or the future.

RAS

Check the validity of their child passport. The rules about renewal change on their 16th birthday.

They can use a child passport until expiry but if it expires before they are 18, they have to apply for a new adult passport which takes longer than a renewal.