Our Experience with PKTMNY

So, as mentioned in a previous post, Grace and I have been trying out PKTMNY, the fantastic pre paid debit card for children to manage their pocket money.

Grace was totally excited about using it for the first time. After discussing with her what amount was for spending and what was for saving she decided to save up 2 weeks worth of spending too so she could buy a TY Beanie Boo to add to her collection. I was really impressed with her for not just thinking (like to be honest, I probably would have) ‘I’m allowed to spend this so I better spend it now’.

The first time she used it we went in to Debenhams and I showed her how to use the chip and pin machine, whispered her pin number to her,  the cashier said ‘You’ll regret teaching her that in a few years’ to which she proudly replied ‘It’s not her card, it’s mine, I’ve got my own card you know?’.

I got to college on a Thursday evening so since I started in September she has been using her pocket money to buy a magazine to take to the babysitter, ( not to read of course, she’ll only buy the one with the best free gift) so she has been using the rest of the agreed spending amount on that, she has continued to look very pleased with herself when we get to the cash desk and she says ‘Can I have MY card please, Mum?’, and tells me she feels very grown up when she’s using it!

The initial saving goal she has set for herself is £17.00, with which she intended to buy a Monster High Doll. She is almost there but I did explain to her that at this time of year it might be better to wait and see what Santa brings before buying anything and that most things are usually cheaper after Christmas and she was happy to do that so we changed it to £25 as there is another Monster High Doll for that amount and she should reach it in time for the January Sales!

It’s been great to see how responsible Grace has been with her spending. PKTMNY has been a great help as she’s really enjoying being able to see the amount building up and getting closer to her goal, and the thing that she wants, and it’s really encourages her to keep going. 

   

 This post is part of a project with BritMums, sponsored by

PKTMNY  , highlighting it's launch. The new tool allows parents to easily pay and monitor their children's pocket money online, whilst allowing their children to earn, save, spend and manage their money in a totally safe and fun way. We have been trailing the service and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Birthday Party at Christmas Time!

Organising a child’s birthday party can be enough to send even the calmest of us into a panic at the best of times, let alone when it falls around the Christmas period.

Here are a few handy tips to take some of the pressure off and ensure your child’s party is the talk of the playground, while saving a few pounds in the process!

Having the party at home is of course the most cost effective option but not all of us have room for that hey? I certainly don’t. If you visit your local councils website and search for community centres most of them will offer you a list of halls available to hire for parties. Alternatively church halls are often available to hire. Many at only a small cost or for a returnable deposit.. 

Whether you’re planning to hold the party at home or in a hall, one way to make your child’s party stand out is to choose a theme. An obvious choice would be a Christmas theme which is great but maybe you and your child will want to keep it separate to Christmas to make it that extra bit special! 

Princess and pirate parties are always a popular choice but why not go for something a little different… Super Heroes, Birthday Butterflies, Monster Ball, Pop Stars, Disney Stars or dress up as something beginning with the first letter of the birthday boy/ girls name! 

Games like pass the parcel, musical statues/bumps/chairs, Simon Says and sleeping lions always keep the children entertained and can be changed to fit in with the theme ‘Pin The Crown On The Princess’ ‘Minnie Mouse Says’ etc.

Alternatively you can hire an entertainer to lighten the load. Most children’s entertainers can offer packages that include music, games and a magic show, so all you have to worry about is the food!

Children’s entertainers are not regulated and so do not have to have CRB checks so always make sure children are supervised.

It’s not a party without a party bag, right? Why not make your own with the children for a fun craft activity in the lead up the party and to save a bit of cash? You can find empty paper bags in most craft stores or find them online for pennies and use whatever crafty materials you have at home to decorate them to fit with the theme of the party. Fill them with a few sweets (buy in bulk to make it cheaper), stickers, a few little toys and that all important slice of birthday cake!

I usually let Grace make her own invitations too. I write just ‘To………..’ and ‘Please come to Grace’s party at (time, date and location)’ in black marker on a blank sheet of card and let her have free reign on the rest with felt tips and her craft box! Great fun for her and also means she can personalise them to suit each friend she is inviting! 

Making your own decorations would also be good fun and give your party an even more personal feel. Feel free to add any ideas in your comments!