Military Mom Life: The Money Plan

In my house, pocket money isn’t “free.” It’s a wage. A hard-earned £40 a month — and like any job, you can earn it, or lose it. Here’s how it works for my eldest two.

BASE PAY
£40 per month (max)
This is the “salary” if they turn up, do what’s expected, and don’t drive me to the brink.

Deductions (a.k.a. Fines for Bad Conduct)

  • Untidy bedroom: –£2 each time (if it looks like a landfill, expect deductions).

  • Homework not done: –£5 per incident (school is your main job, soldier).

  • Detention at school: –£10 per detention (actions have consequences).

  • General disrespect / bad attitude: –£2 (eye-roll tax is real).

  • Missed chores: –£2 per missed task (everyone pulls their weight here).

Rules of Spending

This £40 is theirs to manage — but it covers all luxuries.

  • Snacks, fizzy pop, takeaways

  • Trips out with friends

  • Extra clothes that aren’t essentials

  • Gadgets, games, and little luxuries

If they blow it all in week one, tough luck. No bailouts, no “Mom, can you lend me…” This is boot camp parenting, not a payday loan service.
And I will invoice you for next month if you owe fees!

How to Keep the Full £40

  • Go to school every day ON TIME!

  • Do homework (without me nagging 20 times)

  • Keep bedrooms tidy (at least visible floor space, I’m not asking for military hospital corners)

  • Be respectful (basic manners = basic pay)

  • Do chores properly and without tantrums

Why It Works

  • Teaches responsibility (actions cost money).

  • Teaches budgeting (they can’t spend what they don’t have).

  • Gives control (if they want something, they know how to earn it).

  • Frees me from being the family ATM.

 

"A SALARY"

Click here for a free download.

kids can tick off earnings, see deductions, and calculate their final balance. Perfect to print and stick on the fridge!

Final Word From the Commander

They can earn £40 a month, but only if they treat it like a job. In this boot camp, luxuries are earned, not handed out. And trust me — nothing motivates a teenager to tidy their room faster than the threat of a snack fund deduction.