23:02 here.

If you're unsure of your kid working too much and not being able to study enough, there are lots of low key on-campus jobs at most colleges where she can work and study. I worked in the library and at the front desk of dorms, about 10-15 hrs a week, and was able to do my homework while I was being paid to work. Those jobs go quickly so make sure she applies as soon as the semester starts (assuming you can talk her into it). And they're day jobs so she wont feel like she's missing out on the fun.

Graduated college in '09. I had an on campus job all four years that paid about $150-200 a month? That was enough for spending money for things like movies, target runs, alcohol runs, random fast food orders, etc. and even enough to start a little savings account. My mom covered all my books, tuition, on campus room+board (I had a 20 meal/week meal plan), flights home, and occasional clothing.

It also helped that I didn't want to join a sorority or have friends who wanted to shop/go to expensive dinners all the time. Its surprising how little real money I needed, especially if you go to on-campus frat or dorm parties and have a flexible meal plan.

DD lives off campus this year. We pay tuition, rent and books. She has a job and pays for all other expenses, including food. Last year we gave her $250/month.

Anonymous wrote:We are having the same issue. DC spent her summer earnings. Charges about $100-150 a month on stuff at the school bookstore. We give her another $150 month for clothing and entertainment. We pay for books, meal plan, sports team expenses. Still seems not to have enough.

OP here again. I was thinking about $150 a month too. She can't buy much at the college bookstore except books so maybe I'm low-balling things a bit. We want her to have enough to be able to do a few things and buy a few clothing items but not so much that she doesn't learn to manage to a budget. Thanks for your input.

Anonymous wrote:No allowance. Years ago adolescents were expected to have adult responsibilities to prepare them to transition to adulthood, now we are still treating young adults like school children. If more young adults had learned some financial responsibility then fewer people would be in such financial messes throughout life. I think my parents expecting me to take on adult responsibilities once I was an adult was one of the best gifts they could give me, and I pass that gift along to my children.

How talented you are to have figured everything out. Pack of nitwits out there, huh?

1500 a month but that includes housing

No allowance. Years ago adolescents were expected to have adult responsibilities to prepare them to transition to adulthood, now we are still treating young adults like school children. If more young adults had learned some financial responsibility then fewer people would be in such financial messes throughout life. I think my parents expecting me to take on adult responsibilities once I was an adult was one of the best gifts they could give me, and I pass that gift along to my children.

Anonymous wrote:1k a month

Really? My dd would spend that if we gave it to her but on top of $50k+ for tuition and board that seems like a lot.

We are having the same issue. DC spent her summer earnings. Charges about $100-150 a month on stuff at the school bookstore. We give her another $150 month for clothing and entertainment. We pay for books, meal plan, sports team expenses. Still seems not to have enough.

Anonymous wrote:Kid gets a job. Problem solved.

No mommy wars thanks. Keep your snark to yourself.

Anonymous wrote:I got $100/wk in college plus a credit card that I used for bigger (pre-approved) purchases like a sorority formal dress.

Original poster here. Thanks for your reply. Are you a recent graduate? Were you on a college meal plan or did you use some of the money for basic food?

1k a month

I got $100/wk in college plus a credit card that I used for bigger (pre-approved) purchases like a sorority formal dress.

Kid gets a job. Problem solved.

Do you give your college student a monthly allowance? If so, what do you feel is a reasonable monthly amount? My first-year ran out of money from her summer job. I don't expect her to pay for books and will help her out with some clothing basics, so I'm trying to figure out a reasonable amount for shampoo, etc. and some spending money to be able to do a few things with her friends.