Only 56% of parents in a recent survey say they give their children under eighteen an allowance.
Yet experts say it's one of the best teaching tools when it comes to financial responsibility.
Local 12's Paula Toti says there are several of these opportunities that shouldn't be missed.
Most teenagers admit they learn about money from watching their parents.
The scary thing about that ... the savings rate for families in this country is at an all time low.
But the folks at PNC Wealth Management surveyed more than a thousand families and found a lot of good news.
"The teens in the survey were not as prone to a sense of entitlement that parents were led to believe or were as concerned about."
And teens are very likely to believe in giving to charity if they see their families give. We found these teens spending their summer vacation working for the poor.
The experts say families should pass on five money lessons.
"Earning, saving, spending, giving and budgeting."
The Hutzels believe that ... and even say they'll be honest about their own finances.
"I'll tell them we get by and we're comfortable."
Mark Busher says money lessons can start as early as first grade ... and get more in depth and specific by high school and college ... and family net worth should be discussed.
"Some of the most healthy relationships we've seen with clients are those with families that have open and honest discussions about family situations."
Mark also says young people should be encouraged to have jobs ... and an allowance.
"I think we'll do the allowance .. He enjoys cutting the grass now, at 13, won't see him again ... See how it goes."
Paul brings up a good point ... kids don't naturally enjoy chores ... so the money experts say don't pay for every thing they do. Helping out is just part of being in a family. The allowance is a separate issue.
But children can be rewarded in several non monetary ways for good behavior ... such as more playtime.
