I know exactly what you mean! I have never been late on a payment or bill of any kind and I think it's because I started working the day after I turned 16 in a department store. I got my car and my parents did co-sign for me, but Mom was and is a tough lady. She told me that if I was ever late on my car payment or insurance, it didn't matter if I had the money, the car was going. I knew Mom meant it too, and that has stuck with me all these years. I want my son to know the value of a dollar. For the past two summers he worked at the flower shop his grandparents owned and he's so tight with his money, he has most of it left.
We never gave him an allowance. We explained (when he asked why he didn't and his friends did get an allowance) to him that we do things in and around our home because we take pride in it. His dad and I didn't get paid to do things around the house. BUT..if he went above and beyond what was expected of him.. then there would be monetary or gift rewards. It has worked for us. Of course we spoil him on his birthday and Christmas, but that's about it. He turning out to be a great young man!!
