Parents - when did you stop giving allowance?

[MonkeyMama]

Marvholly - It surprises me too. Both my spouse and I got our first credit cards at 16 or 17.

As far as working and school? Not exactly worried about that. Working kids/bad grades wasn't part of the plan.

[m.f.walters]

Hi Steve, Our daughters are 17 and 20. We never game them an allowance for chores, but gave them spending money as needed for special occasions-movies, mall trips, etc...but kept it very conservative. If they wanted something special they would do extra projects for us. They started working officially in our family business at 14, starting with just a few hours, up until now when they are expected to work summers, holidays, and the occasional emergency fill in for us. Once they started earning any paychecks, that was their only fun money. We still paid all gas, insurance, car expenses, clothing and supplies. However, as they earned more, we've contributed less. They buy most of their own clothes now, and we help with the major purchases. Basically, we are shifting the balance from more parent money to less as they get older and get ready to leave the house. Works for us.

[mrsmoneysaver]

I tried the allowance thing with my kids for awhile. Then I realized that being a part of a big family requires the help of everyone in it. They have their regular chores that they do without pay. I've let them know that if they would like to earn some spending money, I would hire them to do odd jobs around the house that are not a part of their daily chores. My older kids do have summer jobs so they do earn their own spending money.

[persnicketyhousewife]

I gave my children allowance while they were still in Sunday school - so that they could donate at least half to charity on Sunday. It wasn't dependent upon they helped around the house (they were just expected to, with or without money) & didn't depend upon behavior either (they have immaculate manners thanks to charm schooling). Once they were confirmed & done with Sunday school, the allowance stopped. They were about 16 at the time of confirmation - like someone said before, that is when they are legally old enough to work, & that is the perfect time for them learn the value of a dollar! Both children were encouraged to seek employment. My son started his own business venture & made much more each week than we had given him in allowance, and my daughter attended boarding school for high school, so she had no need for an allowance (holiday & birthday gifts covered the spending money for the year). She did learn how to budget that money, though.
So, I'd say 16 - they'll either learn to budget or learn to be entrepreneurial - and neither are a bad thing!