My brother and the concept of money?

Question

I have a brother who loves game consoles. He has a WII and a DS and a computer which is a family computer and a game boy colour. He know wants a xbox 360, a ds lite and a playstation 3 and 2. He really doesn't understand the concept of money how do we get it through to him?

Answer 1

I would recommend suggesting to your parents to have him help around the house more, pay him but only if he works. Tell him that because he already has a Wii, DS and Gameboy color he'll need to use his own money to purchase the other systems he wants. (depending on his age, I wouldn't suggest letting him get a PS3 or Xbox360, considering the cost of each is too overwhelming for a younger child). A Ps2 is pretty reasonable for him to save up for.

Once he realizes how long it will take him to save up his systems he'll realize he can't have them all. My little brother when he was 13 bought his own PS2 with his own money (back when it was $200 or so..). He doesn't need to own every system out there, and you and your parents should sit down and explain to him that systems cost money and how long it takes and how hard it is to get the money to buy them.

Answer 2

Make him do things around the house and pay him. When he has about 1/2 the money ask him what he wants to buy and that he has to use HIS money to help pay for it. If you just keep buying things for him he will never learn.

Answer 3

stop giving him money.
make him work for money, just like you do.
:)
if he really wants that stuff, he should be willing to do stuff for it.