Money Manners: 'Should we give my teenager money when she doesn't work much?'

Money Manners is 9honey Money's weekly column that deals with money etiquette matters that can be the cause of many an awkward encounter.

Submit your Money Manners questions to Jo Abi at jabi@nine.com.au. This week's dilemma comes from a 9honey reader who is hoping for help with a younger sibling with money problems.

Dilemma: 'My husband thinks we should top up my daughter's income when she doesn't work'

My daughter, 16, got her first job in retail at the start of the year. At first she was really excited, and said yes to every shift that was offered to her.

But lately she has been telling them she can't work so she can go out with her friends.

As a result, some weeks she only gets one three hour shift and so doesn't get paid much, and doesn't have a lot of money to spend.

My husband thinks these weeks, we should give her some money to top her up, as we used to give her an allowance before she began working.

But I think she should learn that if you don't work, you don't get paid.

Unless it is because she is sick or it is an exam week, or they just don't roster her on. Then maybe I would be more comfortable with it.

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Advice: 'I am firmly in the 'no topping up' camp on this one'

Lacey Filipich from Money School is "firmly in the 'no topping up' camp on this one".

"Ah, the joys of a first job! The excitement of earning your own money wears off quickly for some, and it sounds like that's the case for your daughter," Filipich tells nine.com.au.

"I am firmly in the 'no topping up' camp on this one.

"As you mentioned, I'd be more inclined to top up if it's an extraordinary and unavoidable circumstance like illness or study, but even then, if you're sick or studying, you don't need much spending money because you're at home or in the library, not buying things.

"16 is old enough to work for your fun money. Topping up her income when she could work – but chooses not to – rewards poor work ethic.

"You might not be popular for saying no, but not paying will, as you say, teach her a key lesson about priorities.

"I hope you and your husband can stand strong together as you do what parents must.

"Deliver sometimes tough but important life lessons that set your kids up for success later."

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