Author Topic: Project Olympics  (Read 2844 times)

Blazin

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Project Olympics
« on: October 18, 2012, 07:07:01 PM »
My children, ages 6 and 9, were so impressed by the summer Olympics that they asked to go to the next one in four years.  Our answer to them: if you earn the money sure we can go.

Since then they have worked very hard to earn this money.  They have been collecting aluminum cans from friends and neighbors, started a small business taking several neighbors trash cans/recycling carts to and from the curb as well as other odd jobs for family and neighbors. We have also been working on reducing utility consumption (it is funny how now they notice if there are lights left on).

They are planning on asking neighbors if they need help raking or shoveling snow.

Any other ideas for how they can earn money?

Mrs MM

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Re: Project Olympics
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2012, 08:14:26 PM »
Wow! Excellent!

They could sell their old stuff on Craigslist or even make stuff to sell on Etsy (like greeting cards or something).

Maybe there's a way to track changes in their habits and award them funds for that?  Like if they normally get X dollars of presents for birthday and Christmas, but then you guys end up spending less by coming up with creative ways to celebrate, then the money that would have otherwise been spent could be used for Olympic Savings? (hopefully that made sense)

lauren_knows

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Re: Project Olympics
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2012, 06:35:15 AM »
This is awesome. Have you started a separate "Olympics Fund" for them to watch grow? That'd be a lot of motivation, especially if you give them a rough airfare+hotel+expenses goal.

Raking/shoveling is a great idea for them.  I can't remember how old I was when I started mowing the lawn, but with a properly motivated and personable kid, I feel like they could clean house in a small neighborhood mowing lawns. There has got to be some older folks willing to pay $20/wk for lawn service from a cute kid.

I like Mrs MM's idea of changing habits and trying to assign a dollar amount to them.  This will really hit home with them.



Blazin

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Re: Project Olympics
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2012, 02:21:55 PM »
Great ideas!   

We have a little jar where they have been depositing their money. Once the jar is full, they have counted the money and then I transfer that money into the bank account.   We are guesstimating that 12k needs to be saved, but since it is so far away we don't really know exactly what is reasonable for a family of five (we have a little one who is too young to grasp this project right now).    The enormity of this goal is starting to hit the 9 year old and he has been asking questions about what would happen if they don't have enough money saved so that is why I am looking for other suggestions.

We are planning on doing just what Mrs. MMM suggested for our end of Christmas and birthday gifts. Although,  I probably should provide kind reminders to relatives that helping them save money would be a great idea instead of purchasing a toy.

 We have already instituted a pretty limited spending birthday event policy. For our older son's party last year we did a book exchange instead of presents and party favors, as well as a homemade cake.

Any other ideas people have would be greatly appreciated!


twinge

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Re: Project Olympics
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2012, 03:08:56 PM »
*Picking up sticks/raking is a common child job around us.
*Growing and selling seedlings in the spring.
*Vegetable garden stands in summer/fall

They are a little young to do what can be huge money earners: tutoring and babysitting, but maybe for the next project.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!