Mom shares how she teaches her kids budgeting by charging them for 'mock utility bills'

Adulthood brings on many challenges that we are often not well prepared for. One of such challenges is paying bills consistently and on time. For those who do not have a practice of accounting and saving, it isn't easy to keep up with bills. So, a mom named Samantha Bird—who goes by @samanthabirdshiloh—took it upon herself yo teach her young children the responsibility of paying bills on time. The mom charges her kids “mock utility bills” so they understand the concept of bills and payments.

The mom explains in a now-viral video, “We charge our kids rent and utilities." She further explained that her kids receive $6 per week, of which $1 was allotted for different activities. “We charge them $1 for their expenses, $1 for groceries, $1 for rent, $1 for utilities,” Bird said. She added that these expenses and payments were made on the first day of each month and they tracked everything later on. Bird pointed out that having this system with her kids allows them to learn to spend after all the bills have been paid and keep a separate envelope for the payment of the bills. “We want them to learn about bills and expenses in a safe environment,” the mom highlighted.

People in the comments section were amazed by this idea and some even wanted to adopt this in their households. @britanynotspears said, “This is a great way to teach kids about financial responsibility.” @jhow311 said, “I love this. Maybe add a savings account aspect so they learn how to save as well.” In a follow-up video, the mom shared more about how she carried forward the payments and expenses. “Each month, we write out the payments and the date that it is due,” the mom said. While she was explaining, the kids were simultaneously doing the same, providing a visual picture of what their budgeting looks like. “We write the paydays for the month and when each utility is due.”

Elaborating further, the mom mentioned that as soon as her kids receive their pay, they set aside the required amount for the utilities. “First, I want them to know self-control when it comes to money. I also want them to know how to manage their expenses on top of other financial goals,” the mom highlighted. She also said, “It’s a skill that they will need as adults and I want them to learn it now when they’re little and the process is still fun.” The mom also mentioned at the end of the video that the money they pay as rent and utilities goes into their savings account, which they will be surprised by when they’re older.

Parents applauded the system and shared their input and experiences too. @wolffinacademy said, “People need to understand that it’s not about paying bills, it’s about learning to budget.” @msthumpswow said, “This idea is appropriate, I think I will start this with my kids.” @ethelmedog said, “I so wish someone taught us financial literacy when we were at a young age. Applaud you!”

You can follow Samantha Bird (@samanthabirdshiloh) on TikTok for more content on parenting and finance.