How to negotiate allowance with your parents (and actually get what you ask for)

You’ve got a goal that requires money. Maybe it’s a new game, a pair of sneakers, or just the freedom of having a little money that’s yours. You want to start receiving an allowance, or you think it’s time for a raise. Sounds like it’s time to negotiate.

Think of negotiation like a card trade with your friend. You both have something the other wants, but the purpose isn’t to come out of the deal better than your friend. It’s to walk away with a result you both feel good about.

Part 1: Come prepared and do your homework

Getting ready to present your case is the most important part of negotiating, but it’s the secret weapon most kids skip. Here’s how to be prepared for the conversation.

Know your number

Do some research to see what kids your age typically get for allowance. You can ask your friends what they earn and check Google to see how much your chores typically pay in other families.

You should also figure out how much allowance you need to meet your financial goals when deciding on your number. The key here is to come in with a specific number, not just a vague, “I need more money” statement.

Know your “why”

What’s allowance for in the first place? Is it to reward you for doing your chores, or is it given to you to manage your weekly expenses? Some families give allowance for doing chores, while other families choose to keep chores and allowance separately. You should be able to talk about and present a clear case on what you plan to do to earn that money and how you’ll manage that money wisely.

#1 family finance and safety app.

#1 family finance and safety app.

Teach your kids and teens to earn, save, and invest with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

Try to answer these questions:

• How much do you want to save each week or month?

• Do you want to save up for a goal? How much will that cost?

• How will this help you build good money habits?

• How much do you spend each week?

Know your value

Make a quick list of what you already do around the house, like watering the plants, supervising a younger sibling, or taking out the trash. Then, think of one or two more chores you could do to earn more money. You’re not just asking for more, you’re making an offer.

You should be ready to answer these questions:

• What do you already contribute?

• What could you offer to do more of?

Know what you’re going to say

Write down your key points before the conversation. It keeps you from going blank under pressure and signals to your parents that you took this seriously.

Part 2: The pitch and actual conversation

Just remember, your parents are actually rooting for you here. They love seeing their kid be thoughtful, prepared, and mature. Walk in with a solid case, and you might be surprised what happens.

• Pick the right moment: Don’t just spring this on your parents while they are busy, stressed, or rushed. Suggest a time when it would be convenient for them to sit down and have that talk.

• Start with appreciation: Be thankful and acknowledge what you already get, whether that’s an allowance or receiving money when you need it.

• Lead with facts: “I’ve done five chores every week for 6 months” is more convincing than “I deserve to be paid more.”

• Ask for a specific amount: “I need $10 per week to meet my goals” beats “I need more money.”

• Offer something in return: A new responsibility tied to the raise makes your case much stronger.

Here’s an example you can use when creating your own pitch.

Jake’s pitch notes

What I currently get: $5/week

What I want: $10/week

Why I deserve it

• I take out the trash every week without being asked

• I unload the dishwasher 4-5 times a week

• I’ve been doing this consistently for over a year

• I have been getting that same amount for 2 years, since I was 7 years old

My goal for the money

I’m saving up for a new baseball glove, which is $65. I already have half saved up, and I’m asking for help with the other half through a higher allowance.

What I’ll do

I’ll take over vacuuming the living room every Saturday.

What I am asking for

I am asking for $10/week starting this month. I’ll have the glove paid off in about 7 weeks, but I’d like to keep the higher allowance because I’ll be doing more chores.

What I’ll say if they say no

Ask them what would change their mind and when you can talk about it again. Work on the things you’ve talked about that will help them turn their “no” into a “yes.”

Handling the answer

You’ll be faced with two outcomes, either a “yes” or a “no.” Be prepared for either answer ahead of time by deciding how you’ll react.

If they say “yes”

Celebrate and show your gratitude. Then lock it in and put it in writing. You should agree on the amount, frequency, and what it covers.

Greenlight can help: Set up the allowance and chores in the app so it’s automatic, visible, and trusted by both sides. It makes the agreement feel official and trackable.

If they say “no,” “not yet,” or “I need to think about it”

Some parents need time to consider such a proposal, which is why you might get a “not yet” or “let me think about it.” Don’t pressure them to make a decision right then and there.

If you receive a “no,” show that your request is still worthy of consideration by remaining positive and not melting down or telling them how unfair they are being.

What to do instead

• Ask why: You might learn something useful.

• Ask what would change their mind. Maybe it’s a specific chore, a savings goal, or just a few months of showing responsibility.

• Ask when you can revisit the conversation. Try to get a specific time, like a week, a month, or longer. Then, actually follow through.

A “no” isn’t the end of the negotiation. It’s just a pause. The kids who come back prepared, patient, and without an attitude usually get there eventually.

This is just the beginning

Now that you’ve learned to negotiate, you can use this skill anywhere, including bedtime, screen time, chores, future jobs, and friendships. Every negotiation, whether you win or lose, makes you better at the next one.

Start planning your pitch now. Once you’ve made the deal, make it official in the Greenlight app, where you and your parents can track your chores and allowance and you can put your money into save, spend, and give buckets. If you have extra money, consider investing in the real stock market (with your parent’s approval, of course).

© 2025 Greenlight Investment Advisors, LLC (GIA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor provides investment advisory services to its clients. Investing involves risk and may include the loss of capital. Investments are not FDIC-insured, are not a deposit, and may lose value.