The Giving Jar & Growth Jar

When to use it

Use when a young person has money available to allocate and wants a simple way to distinguish saving for a goal from funds voluntarily reserved to help others.

How to use it

1. With an appropriate adult, identify the amount actually available after any agreed obligations. Do not divide money that belongs to someone else or promise funds that have not been received.

2. Choose safe containers or a written ledger labeled Growth and Giving. A ledger can represent money stored securely elsewhere; visible cash is not required.

3. Choose a sustainable split and write it down. For simple practice, amounts can be chosen directly rather than using percentages. Record that the choice can change when circumstances change.

4. When money arrives, record the date, total, and amount allocated to each category. Check that the allocations add to the available amount.

5. Before spending or giving, verify the purpose, recipient, and any permission needed. Do not publish account details or personal financial information in the exercise.

6. Review the balances and the plan periodically. A smaller contribution, a pause in giving, or a gift of time may be appropriate. The value of a person is not measured by a jar balance.

A worked example

A practical illustration of the method.

Invented example: A child has $10 available and chooses $8 for a personal goal and $2 for a family-approved donation. The ledger records $10 received, $8 Growth, and $2 Giving. Later, the child reviews whether that choice still fits current needs rather than treating the split as permanent.

Use it thoughtfully

Allocating money before checking obligations or permission.

Treating suggested percentages as mandatory.

Measuring generosity or personal worth only in money.

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