D.A.
My kids are 5 and 13. They have never received an allowance as they are expected to do chores and keep their rooms clean. However, they do get money for birthdays and holidays. My daughter has saved every penny she received so she can eventually buy her own car and is now babysitting to make her own money. My daughter has "earned" everything since first grade by maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA and showing all the appropriate character traits like responsibility, integrity, kindness and so on. My 5 year old has his list of chores to do but again no allowance. He already appreciates the value of money as much as a 5 year old is capable, but he has the same rules as his big sister as far as character traits and "earning things".