Clothing Allowance - Memories from Amy

Once in Jr. High my brother and I were given on a clothing allowance.  We got a certain amount of money each month and if we did not spend it, it carried over to the next month.  That gave us the option to save up for something we really wanted.  We also had to buy our socks, shoes and underwear with this money.  I was not crazy about it at first, but once I got used to it, all was fine.  I could buy what I wanted.  I learned to find sales.  And buying something with your own money is a lot different than blowing my parents cash.  I thought twice before I bought something and I was sure that I liked it.  I can even remember one of the first blouses that I bought.  It had a big red  breaking heart on it and little hearts coming out of the break.  It was very liberating when I asked my Mom if she like it and she said "Do you like it?"  (YES!) "Then buy it!"  And name brand stuff was not that big of a deal.  So what if it is Izod?  It cost too much money!!!!!  It was one Izod shirt or a bunch of other things.   The lessons learned carried on to my adulthood and I do a good job with my clothing budget.  I love buying stuff on sale.  (I just bought 3 sweaters this week at Wal-mart for $20!) 

I appreciate my Mom (and Dad) teaching me money management skills.  That is way better than just giving me clothes.