At what age did you have your kids open a checking account or use a debit card?
Posted September 3, 2015 - 11:02pm
At what age did you have your child open their own account and begin using a debit card or write checks? I think it is a good idea in general but wasn't sure at what age this is appropriate
CandyOvercaffed
That's a really good question. I'm not there yet and I'm not sure what my approach will be. It seems like I got a checking account when I got a job? Like a job-job, not just babysitting. I would definitely want to start some form of fiscal responsibility before the college years.
justamom
My mom let me get a savings account at 12, the age I started my babysitting biz. I used the same guideline for my kids. I wouldn't let them get checking accounts until they started working at 18. I think you can get in a lot of trouble with checks. I do all the time!
Frugal Minded M...
I set my 16 year old son up with a checking account in his name and a debit card when he got his first job this summer. This way he is in control of it, it's his money, but I can still keep an eye on it since he is at home.
sunnykathleen
My kids are 15 and 17 and were both paid employees of my school this summer at the day camps. My daughter did get her own account and has recently learned how to log in online and check her balances and move money into savings. My son may be ready soon, just not sure. For now, he is depositing into my account and I give him the cash and/or keep some for savings!
Frugal Minded M...
For my son it was a great experience learning how to even deposit his own check. He works at a grocery store with a bank right in it so he makes the deposits himelf. He was reall nervous about it first, but now it's no problem.
sunnykathleen
Good idea. I sometimes forget the learning curve is so great about things we have been doing for years!
Your Kid's Table
My kids aren't old enough yet and won't be for a long time, but I think a savings account is a great idea. I know I got my first checking account at 18, when I started college. That seemed to be a good time.