You'd think that with my occupation, I would have planned out the whole allowance thing a little better. But to say I'm inconsistent is an understatement.

First I tried to pay my 5-year-old a couple bucks a week so long as she helped set the table and put her clothes away. But then she'd shirk her duties and I wouldn't pay and she'd shrug her shoulders. Apparently money wasn't a motivator. So I ditched the pay for chores combo.

Then she turned six and with that milestone came a yearning for awful, cheap toys that I refuse to buy and a persistent begging technique. And I decided that I'd try the allowance thing again, but I'd just pay her $2 a week. She'll get the money each week, no work to be done, but I explained to her that there are some chores that are expected of her as part of the family. And that now she'll stop begging for things at the store (should have added a provision about not begging to go to the store, too). Then her 4-year-old brother caught wind of the arrangement and soon enough, he was getting $2 a week too.

That is, when I have the cash. I always remember I owe them money, but having actual cash? I just don't keep cash around. And when I do have it, it's usually big bills.

I recently overheard C. telling her friend that "My mom never pays me my allowance." And while never is a stretch, I am currently two weeks behind.

So this week, my goal is to research whether there's a 21st century solution that makes paying an allowance easier for the time-strapped working mom who just can't add anything else to her to-do list. But I must admit that I'm doubtful that a substitute for cash exists when it comes to teaching children about spending and saving.

I'll post my findings soon. But until then, anyone have a method to share or a solution for me? Besides going to the bank.