I thought I would share this piece I wrote for RaboDirect:

Childrens’ birthday and Christmas money proves a real dilemma in our household.

Granny gives the kids a $100 cheque each birthday and Christmas; in our family that’s not all for blowing on expensive toys. I’ve schooled the children into believing it’s to be saved for purposes such as university fees, their first car, or the deposit for an apartment.

Read more:  http://www.rabodirect.co.nz/blog/2010/17-November-2010-happy-birthday-now-save-that-money-childrens-savings.aspx?type=tcm36-93041