Should teenagers really get an allowance?  Teens need and want money for multiple reasons.  They spend it when shopping with friends, at school games, and going out to movies.  Allowing them to work for some extra cash is a fitting way to earn money.  This gives teenagers the opportunity to buy things on their own.  I spend virtually all of my own allowance money on clothing.  My mom doesn't have to shop for me anymore because I can do it myself.  Allowance also teaches young adults how to be comfortable handling money and the responsibilities it comes with.  Rewarding them with money motivates them to work hard for it.  Teens should get an allowance.

I don't like having to go to my parents every time I want something.  I feel a lot more satisfaction buying things with my money.  Teens are able to provide for themselves when they can earn an allowance.  For example, students spend most of their money at school games such as football, basketball, and baseball.  They pay for their tickets and buy food and drinks from the concession stands.  If they have some pocket money, they won't have to ask for any because they will be able to use some of their own.  According to "Here's How Teens Really Spend Money, What They Like, And Where They Shop" the majority of teens' money is spent on clothing and food (Peterson).  In my own experience, I go shopping about every three months.  I'm able to do this and not bother my parents because I already have my own money from allowance.  Allowance for teenagers is the first step towards independence.  Teens should get an allowance to buy what they want. 

Also, allowance teaches teenagers about managing how much money is going through their wallet.  When parents buy everything, teens aren't thinking about the expenses.  But when they get some money of their own, they’re making more choices by themselves about what to do with it.  Allowance trains teenagers to prioritize what they want to buy with their money and think through every decision.  I make a list of what I want to buy with my money from most to least.  Currently, I'm saving up for a pair of L.L. Bean Bean Boots.  I get tempted easily to purchase little items putting me back farther and farther from what I really want.  Having to keep track of how much cash I've been forking over helps me not to buy on impulse and stay focused.  It's better for children to correct their money mistakes now, when the consequences are few, than as an adult.  Allowance reminds teens that money is a tool. 

Some believe kids do not deserve an allowance for doing chores.  They claim teens should do their chores with no reward because their parents had to raise them.  However, providing for them is a responsibility of the parents.  They should not assign chores to teens in return for caring for them.  It is appropriate to remunerate teens because they do not owe their parents work.  Teens will work harder when they have an allowance.  It gives them a goal to achieve.  Teenagers tend to procrastinate because they don't get any benefits from doing their chores.  For instance, I used to make a big argument about making my bed in the morning.  I was so weighed down by negative thoughts of how the task was unavailing that by the time I finished, it had taken much longer than necessary.  When I got to earn an allowance, it was all that was on my mind as I worked.  I felt more motivated because there was something in doing chores for me, too.  When teenagers know they are getting a reward, jobs are done faster and more efficiently.  Teens will build a good work ethic if they have an allowance. 

For these reasons, all teenagers should get an allowance.  A good start is five dollars per week.  This is a reasonable price to teens and in range for all budgets.  Having money, no matter how much, at an early age matures teens and gives them experience with it for when they get older.  They also get a taste of freedom when they spend their money on wants.  Teens are doing chores as if it is a real job when they can earn an allowance.  They are motivated by something they actually want.  Get your teen an allowance!

Bibliography
Peterson, Hayley. "Here's How Teens Really Spend Money, What They Like, And Where They Shop." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 07 Oct. 2014. Web. 01 Apr. 2015.