BabyGirl’s First Job and First Paycheck
I mentioned before that BabyGirl got the job she wanted. It’s her very first job, but since she’s only 15 and involved in a ton of extra-curricular activities, I wasn’t too keen about the idea. Against my better judgment, I put my worries aside to observe how she will balance her responsibilities. So here we are, the end of the first pay period and things are going…uh…”ok” - I guess.
Side Note Reference for Fabulous Teen Financials:
C-Note: Money Skills for High School Students
Since she started in the middle of a pay period, this is how she was put on the schedule:
Tuesday: 3 hrs training (videos, lecture, reading, homework, etc. - seriously)
Wednesday: 3 hrs training
Thursday: 3 hrs training
I was NOT happy about this schedule. First job, 3 days of work, BACK-2-BACK, on school nights! Oh noooooooo!! It took everything in me to not make her quit after the first few days. Although she was getting off at 7pm, I had to have a little chat with the manager. I told her I didn’t care that training was only available on those days, but from here on out, BabyGirl is only allowed to work on weekends - that’s SATURDAY and SUNDAY for the smart alecks - unless school was not in session. Otherwise, the job goes. Hmph! All I need is a reason.
*sigh* But the problem was resolved…for now. Then she was scheduled to work:
Saturday: 6 hrs real work (first time, hands-on)
Sunday: 5 hrs real work
Now that’s more like it! Then I finally drafted a slight variation of the responsibility contract, but we need to sign it and make it visible so she can see it everyday. She needs to be reminded of her priorities: school, band, Delta GEMS, household chores, work, other - in that order exactly.
So after working 20 hours in ONE week, this Thursday (tomorrow) is her very FIRST payday.
She’s uber excited! Since we’re expecting the check to be at least $110, I know she’ll be in teenage heaven. Full effect! So I asked her “what do you plan to do with your first paycheck?” - after the mandatory 20% savings of course - and her answer astonished me.
She said “…buy more shares of McDonald’s and Disney.”
*blink blink*
~*~*~*~*~*~Work to achieve, not to acquire.
And as always, BE FABULOUS!
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17 comments:
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Fabulous Financials » Redefining Spring Break on My Terms (Pingback), 22 March 2008, 12:28
[...] I saw her schedule, I had to run interference - again. If I keep it up, she is so going to get fired. LOL But I had a good reason though! [...]
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Fabulous Financials » A Lesson About Debt (Pingback), 23 March 2008, 17:49
[...] Oooh, and it might even delay her ability to do what she really had her heart set on. [...]
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That’s your daughter!!! She didn’t inherit the spend now gene huh? LOL she has learned from you.. BUT ERRRR how many shares she trying to buy?
she is building her portfolio.. yeah I am LUVIN IT…
She can only afford ONE. LOL Actually, she has an acct with Sharebuilder already and they allow you to buy partial shares.
I do want her to spend SOME of it though. She spends my money, but wants to hoard her own. *smh* [-SM]
ok next she going be saying “Momma…I want a car” …just lettin u know in advance
Oh she’s already asking for that NOW. LOL For some reason, she seems to think she’ll get my Honda and I’ll buy a Mercedes. No idea where she gets that twisted logic.
But I do plan to buy her a used car during her senior year. If not, definitely for graduation. [-SM]
I love it…I have a one year old and and a 6 month old and I can’t wait to start teaching them about proper financial planning. LOL. For now I will live vicariously through you and Baby Girl. Great work, Single Ma!
wow! So that’s what happens when you teach a child financial responsibility, huh? lol (taking notes for myself)
You do a hell of a parenting job, Single Ma, and this is just one more piece of evidence. (Actually, my boyfriend and I were talking about kids–in a TOTALLY HYPOTHETICAL way–recently, and talking about how we think our parenting styles would turn out, and I was like, “Uh, there’s this woman online–she’s sort of my parenting role model–”)
Whoa Nelly! You might want to reconsider that ’cause you might not agree with the very foundation of my parenting style. Honey, I used to spank some azz! LOL And it served us both very well. Now that she’s a teen, she’s a very well-mannered, independent, confident, strong-minded, intelligent, out-spoken, assertive, feisty young thing. *lil mini me* But she’s in no way a perfect kid. In fact, did ya know she drove me to drinking last year? LOL! I hadn’t heard of Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, or any such things until she turned 13. I tell her all the time like my grandma used to tell us, I brought you in this world and I’ll take you out! LOL j/k
But she aint never too old ’cause I will ALWAYS be mama! LOL My bones are getting old though, so I have to choose my battles wisely. LOL [-SM]
You’re doing something right. Thumbs up!!!
I second the “You do a hell of a job parenting” and I second the spanking that azz!! Only as needed of course….
And what is it with these teenage babygurlz wanting to hoard their own money and spend they mama’s??? Lol…my babygurl wants a perm costing roughly 100 dollas!! Now, I’ll pay for her haircuts, but let’s just say her long hair is still straight as a board since she learned she has to pay for it! Lmao!
Now I must say that she has her spreadsheet going on with her *untouchable* savings (I’ll match in 100.00 increments), her car savings, cell phone, gas and spendable. Its amazing watching them *grow* into such responsible young people!
Now my boys, *deepsigh* thats a whole different story….they are my *late bloomers* HA!
Keep spreading your word Single Ma….you truly give hope!
BabyGirl sounds like she is going to be a very responsible (in life and financially) when she grows up. You truly deserve praise for raising such a wonderful young woman on your own. BTW, my mom raised me on her own and she used to whoop - not spank- some azz too!
Awwww! She’s just a chip off the ol’ block
Set her up with a DRIP, asap!
I’m a single dad with a 15 year old daughter, and I am inspired by your post! While she’s quite responsible when it comes to her schoolwork, she’s still in the “Dad, can I have some money?” phase. Maybe it’s time I get into the “Sorry, hon. But feel free to get a job,” phase. Nice work, Single Ma - sounds like you’re raising a responsible young woman.
Ok wait.. I think BG and lil BK have been talking!!! Why does she feel she will get the Camry and I will buy a new car? Hmmm it’s a CONspiracy I tell ya! LOL
I would never have thought of introducing my nine year old to the stock market. You’re planting seeds.
Single Ma - You must be so proud of her!!! She is doing something most adults do not or are not in a position to do. Congratulations Baby Girl!
I ain’t gon lie. I’m jealous. This chick has a Sharebuilder account, and I’m still hemming and hawing about when I can afford to get started with something that’s not FDIC insured since I’m saving for this house. Just ’cause I’m jealous doesn’t mean I can’t be happy for her though. I remember when I got my first paycheck - in fact, I had my dad take a picture of it, LOL! I also know how much $110 can be to someone her age - some adults don’t have that much left over after they pay bills, in fact. So I am proud of Miss Baby Girl and really happy for her!
That’s a much better answer than I would’ve given my mom at the age of 15 with a check of $110.