Here's How:
Do some research.
How much money do you spend each week? How much goes toward hanging out with friends, how much toward stuff that's related to school, how much toward downloading music, etc.?
Ask yourself a few questions about your spending habits.
Are you spending the money you have wisely? If so, why do you need more money? Be prepared to answer these questions for your parents.Come up with a sales pitch.
If you've found a clear reason that you need more money, write it down. Also write down a few pieces of evidence that you need a bit more cash to work with. Are you skimping on lunch at school because the price has gone up but your allowance hasn't? Are you saving up for a purchase that really matters to you, like a new piece of music or sports equipment? These are a few reasons your parents might be willing to give you a raise.
Sound needy and thankful, not desperate or annoyed.
Your parents will be a lot less likely to give you a raise if you whine or complain. Don't tell them that they haven't been giving you enough money, just emphasize that you'd be ever-so-thankful if they gave you a tiny bit more. The more positive, polite and thankful you are, the better.
Be willing to pitch in.
You may need to earn an allowance increase by offering to do a few extra chores or run a few more errands for your parents. If the expectations are within reason, accept the job and thank them for the opportunity.
Come up with a few alternatives.
If your parents aren't willing to give you a raise at the moment, would they be willing to give you a small "bonus" every few months? Are there some tasks they'd be willing to pay you for, such as weeding the garden or shoveling snow from the sidewalk? If you're saving up to buy something, maybe they'd be willing to help if they know how hard you've been saving.
Don't forget to thank your parents.
Whether or not you get the raise, thank your parents for listening. The more responsible and polite you seem, the more likely you are to get money the next time -- and earn their trust.
Tips:
- Even if your friends get larger allowances than you do, avoid the "everybody else is doing it" argument with your parents. It may make you seem jealous or immature -- or that you want the money for the wrong reasons.
- Be specific about how you want to use the money. The better the reason you can give them, the more likely they are to give you a raise. School-related expenses are a good reason for a raise, as are rising costs (bus fares, gas prices, etc.).
- Remember, sometimes your parents can't give you a raise. Maybe times are tough for your parents financially right now. If they say no, don't argue the point: Just keep tracking your expenses and approach them again at another time.
