Spriggy.com.au Review

Based on checking the website, Spriggy.com.au positions itself as Australia’s number one pocket money app, aiming to teach kids aged 6-17 about money management through earning, spending, saving, and budgeting. While the concept of financial literacy for children is valuable, and the platform does have measures in place to block certain “unsafe” spending categories, it operates within a conventional financial framework that includes elements like prepaid Visa cards and mobile phone services, which may not align with all ethical considerations, particularly concerning interest-based financial systems.

Here’s an overall review summary:

Product Type: Prepaid Visa card and mobile app for kids’ money management.
Target Audience: Families with children aged 6-17.
Key Features: Digital pocket money, job setting, savings goals, real-time spending notifications, parental controls, merchant restrictions (e.g., no alcohol, gambling).
Free Trial: 30-day membership trial available for the annual fee.
Parental Control: High visibility for parents, remote card locking/unlocking.
Security: Claims of encryption and no credit/debt/overdrafts.
Underlying Financial Structure: Operates with a prepaid card linked to traditional financial institutions.
Ethical Consideration: While it blocks specific forbidden categories, the core mechanism involves a prepaid card operating within a conventional financial system, which may not fully align with principles avoiding interest (riba) in all its forms.

The platform’s focus on practical money skills like earning through jobs, setting savings goals, and budgeting is commendable. Parents can schedule pocket money, view purchases, and send emergency funds, giving them considerable control and oversight. The emphasis on a prepaid card, explicitly stating it’s “not a credit card” and has “no credit, no debt, no overdrafts,” is a positive aspect, as it aims to prevent children from incurring debt. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the broader financial ecosystem within which such cards operate often involves interest-based transactions at various levels, even if the end-user (the child) isn’t directly incurring interest. For those seeking alternatives that strictly adhere to principles avoiding any involvement with interest, exploring options outside of conventional banking products would be more appropriate.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Best Alternatives for Ethical Financial Literacy and Practical Skills

For families seeking to instill financial discipline and practical life skills in their children while adhering to ethical principles, especially regarding interest-free dealings, here are some alternatives that focus on responsible consumption, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning:

Savings Jars for Kids:
- Key Features: Physical jars clearly labelled for ‘Spending,’ ‘Saving,’ ‘Giving,’ and ‘Investing.’ Teaches tangible money management.
- Average Price: A$20 – A$50 for a set.
- Pros: Simple, visual, and effective for young children; promotes delayed gratification and charitable giving; completely interest-free.
- Cons: No digital tracking; requires physical cash.
Kids’ Entrepreneurship Kits:
- Key Features: Provides tools and guides for children to start small businesses (e.g., lemonade stand, craft sales). Focuses on earning, managing, and reinvesting.
- Average Price: A$30 – A$80.
- Pros: Teaches initiative, problem-solving, and the value of work; directly links effort to reward; promotes ethical earning.
- Cons: Requires parental involvement for setup and guidance; initial investment for materials.
Financial Literacy Books for Children:
- Key Features: Age-appropriate stories and explanations about money, budgeting, saving, and smart spending.
- Average Price: A$10 – A$25 per book.
- Pros: Builds foundational knowledge and critical thinking; promotes discussion within the family; wide range of topics covered.
- Cons: Theoretical rather than practical application; engagement depends on the child’s interest.
Budgeting Planners for Teens:
- Key Features: Physical or digital planners designed for teenagers to track income, expenses, and savings goals.
- Average Price: A$15 – A$40.
- Pros: Encourages responsibility and self-management; helps visualise financial habits; no link to conventional banking.
- Cons: Requires discipline to maintain; less interactive than an app.
Coin Counting Jar for Kids:
- Key Features: A large jar or bank that automatically counts deposited coins, providing a running total.
- Average Price: A$25 – A$50.
- Pros: Makes saving fun and immediate; teaches basic numeracy and value of coins; helps track progress visibly.
- Cons: Only handles coins; doesn’t manage digital transactions.
Home-Based Chores & Allowance System:
- Key Features: A structured system where children earn “allowance” or rewards for completing household chores or specific tasks. This can be tracked manually or with a simple reward chart.
- Average Price: Minimal, often just a reward chart and some physical cash or tokens.
- Pros: Direct link between effort and reward; teaches responsibility and contribution to the household; entirely within family control.
- Cons: Requires consistent parental follow-through; can be perceived as transactional if not framed correctly.
Charity Boxes/Donation Jars:
- Key Features: Dedicated containers for children to put aside money for charitable giving.
- Average Price: A$10 – A$30 (for a decorative one).
- Pros: Instills a sense of generosity and community responsibility from a young age; teaches the importance of giving back.
- Cons: Purely for giving, not personal financial management; requires parental guidance on where to donate.

Spriggy.com.au Review & First Look

Spriggy.com.au presents itself as a modern solution for parents looking to introduce their children to financial literacy in a digital age. From the outset, the website highlights its core offering: a pocket money app combined with a prepaid Visa card designed for kids aged 6-17. The design is clean, colourful, and clearly targets parents with promises of control and educational benefits for their children.

Understanding Spriggy’s Core Proposition

The platform aims to simulate real-world financial experiences without the risks associated with credit cards or traditional bank accounts. This is a significant draw for parents concerned about debt and financial mismanagement in the future. The emphasis on a “prepaid, not a credit card” model is a key selling point, reassuring users that children won’t be able to spend beyond what’s available on their card.

Initial Impressions of Spriggy’s Website

The Spriggy homepage immediately showcases its value proposition with clear headings like “Australia’s #1 Pocket Money app that helps kids learn about money.” It highlights key features such as earning, tracking spending, setting savings goals, and budgeting. The inclusion of a 4.8-star rating from over 30,000 App Store reviews, while not independently verifiable on the homepage, lends a sense of credibility. The website is intuitive, with easy navigation to sections like “How it works,” “Cards,” “Pricing,” and “About us.” The user experience seems to be designed for quick comprehension and direct access to information.

The Role of Spriggy Schools

Beyond the individual family offering, Spriggy also mentions “Spriggy Schools,” which suggests a broader educational initiative. This could indicate partnerships with educational institutions to integrate financial literacy programs into school curricula, extending the reach and impact of their mission. For parents, this might provide an additional layer of trust and validation, as it suggests a commitment to financial education beyond just transactional services. However, detailed information about Spriggy Schools requires navigating to a separate domain, spriggyschools.com.au, which means it’s not immediately integrated into the main consumer offering.

Ethical Considerations in Financial Literacy

While Spriggy focuses on practical money skills like earning, budgeting, and saving, it’s crucial for individuals and families to consider the underlying financial framework. The use of a prepaid Visa card, while avoiding direct credit for the child, still operates within a conventional banking system. For those who adhere to financial principles that avoid interest-based transactions (riba), even the indirect involvement with such systems, through the use of cards issued by conventional financial institutions, may raise questions. It’s a fine line, as the intent is to educate children, but the vehicle used is deeply entrenched in the interest-based financial world.

Spriggy.com.au Features

Spriggy.com.au offers a suite of features designed to empower parents to teach their children about money in a practical, controlled environment. The platform focuses on making financial concepts tangible and manageable for young minds.

Earning with Jobs and Goals

One of the standout features is the ability for parents to “Set jobs to teach your kids how to earn their money.” This directly links effort to reward, providing a real-world understanding of income generation. Parents can assign chores or specific tasks, and upon completion, pocket money can be scheduled digitally. This system helps children understand the value of work and responsible earning.

Structured Earning: Parents can create a list of tasks, assign monetary values, and track completion.
Motivation: It fosters a sense of responsibility and motivates children to contribute to household chores.
Digital Payouts: Funds are transferred directly to the child’s Spriggy card, making the connection between work and money immediate.

Budgeting with Digital Pocket Money

Spriggy enables children to “manage money digitally, in-store and online.” This is crucial in today’s increasingly cashless society. The app provides a digital wallet where children can see their balance, track their spending, and understand their financial limits.

Real-time Tracking: Children and parents receive real-time notifications for every transaction.
Spending Overview: The app provides a clear overview of where money is being spent, helping children identify spending patterns.
Digital Literacy: Teaches kids how to navigate digital payments safely and responsibly.

Saving with Savings Goals

The platform encourages saving by allowing children to “Create savings goals to help teach them the power of saving.” This feature helps children set targets for larger purchases, promoting delayed gratification and long-term financial planning.

Goal Setting: Children can set specific goals (e.g., a new toy, a game) and track their progress towards saving for it.
Visual Progress: The app often uses visual cues to show how close the child is to reaching their goal, keeping them motivated.
Delayed Gratification: Instills the important lesson of waiting for desired items rather than impulsive spending.

Responsible Spending with Prepaid Visa Card

The Spriggy prepaid Visa card is a central component. It’s highlighted as “prepaid, not a credit card,” which is a significant safety net. This means children can only spend the money loaded onto the card, eliminating the risk of debt. D1store.com.au Review

Merchant Restrictions: A crucial safety feature is the ability to block “unsafe spend categories” such as alcohol, tobacco shops, gambling, and adult entertainment. This demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding children from harmful purchases.
Security: Real-time spend notifications, remote card locking/unlocking, and encryption are mentioned as measures to protect funds and personal information.
Wide Acceptance: As a Visa card, it’s widely accepted in-store and online, providing practical experience with real-world transactions.

Parental Controls and Oversight

Spriggy places a strong emphasis on parental control, ensuring that parents “stay in control with your app.” This includes:

Scheduled Pocket Money: Automating regular payments to children.
View Purchases: Comprehensive transaction history for oversight.
Emergency Funds: Ability to send money instantly in emergencies.
Complete Visibility: Parents have full transparency on how their kids are managing their money.
Monthly Reports: Email updates on spending habits and balances.

SPRK Mode 13+ and Spriggy Mobile

For older children (13+), Spriggy offers “SPRK Mode,” which unlocks additional features like BSB & Account numbers, instant payments to Spriggy friends, and ATM access, indicating a progression towards more independent financial management. Spriggy Mobile, a separate offering, includes SIM-only plans and refurbished iPhones, branching out into mobile services as an additional revenue stream, which may or may not be relevant to core financial literacy goals. While these might seem like extra conveniences, they dilute the core focus on financial education and introduce additional consumer choices that parents need to evaluate carefully, considering the ethical implications of mobile contracts and device consumption.

Spriggy.com.au Cons

While Spriggy.com.au offers a compelling package for teaching kids about money, there are several aspects that could be viewed as limitations or raise concerns, particularly from an ethical standpoint or in terms of comprehensive financial education.

Reliance on Conventional Financial Infrastructure

Despite being “prepaid, not a credit card,” Spriggy still operates within the conventional banking system, issuing a Visa card through Indue Ltd. For those who strictly adhere to financial principles that avoid interest-based transactions (riba), any involvement with institutions that facilitate or benefit from interest may be a concern. Even if the child isn’t incurring interest, the underlying system is built upon it. This subtle connection to conventional finance can be a deterrent for some.

Subscription-Based Model

Spriggy operates on a membership fee model, which, while common for such services, adds a recurring cost for parents. While there’s a free 30-day trial, ongoing use requires payment. This can be a barrier for families with tighter budgets, or those who prefer a completely free solution for basic money management. The free trial only applies to the annual membership fee, and other fees or charges may apply, which can be easily overlooked in the initial sign-up process.

Limited Scope of Financial Education

While Spriggy excels at teaching basic money management (earning, spending, saving, budgeting), its scope may be limited when it comes to broader financial literacy topics. It doesn’t appear to delve into concepts like:

Investing beyond simple savings goals: While “Spriggy Invest” is mentioned in the footer, it’s a separate entity, not integrated into the core app’s educational content for children.
Understanding different types of financial products: The focus is primarily on prepaid cards, not a broader understanding of banking, loans, or insurance (beyond its own mobile insurance offerings).
The global financial system: Children might not grasp the larger context of money, economics, or ethical finance principles.
Debt avoidance strategies: While it avoids credit, it doesn’t explicitly teach how to avoid or manage other forms of debt children might encounter later.

Potential for Over-Digitalisation

While digital money management is essential, an over-reliance on an app and a card might detract from the tactile experience of handling physical cash. For very young children, physically counting coins and notes can be a crucial part of understanding value and quantity, which a purely digital system might bypass. The website promotes “digital pocket money” and managing money “digitally, in-store and online,” which, while convenient, means less hands-on interaction with physical currency.

Privacy and Data Concerns

As with any digital platform handling personal and financial data, privacy and security are paramount. While Spriggy mentions using encryption and protecting personal information, parents should always review the privacy policy in detail. The collection of data on children’s spending habits, even if anonymised, can be a point of concern for some families. The website’s extensive list of legal and regulatory links in the footer, while necessary, also points to the complexity of data handling.

Additional Offerings May Dilute Core Purpose

The inclusion of “Spriggy Mobile” with SIM-only plans and refurbished iPhones, and “Spriggy Invest,” while potentially offering convenience or additional services, can dilute the primary focus on basic financial literacy for children. These separate ventures, while business growth opportunities, might lead to a less streamlined user experience for parents solely interested in the core pocket money app. This can also introduce additional consumer choices and financial commitments that go beyond the initial intent of teaching simple money management.

How to Cancel Spriggy.com.au Subscription

Cancelling a Spriggy.com.au subscription is a process that generally follows standard procedures for app-based services. While the website’s homepage doesn’t explicitly detail the cancellation steps, the presence of a “Help Centre” and “Contact” section suggests that information would be available there or directly within the app. Typically, to cancel a recurring subscription for digital services, users must navigate through their account settings. Randys.com.au Review

General Steps for Subscription Cancellation

Most subscription services, including those for apps, allow users to manage their recurring payments and memberships directly within their account interface. The exact steps can vary slightly, but a common pathway involves:

Accessing the App: Log in to the Spriggy parent app.
Locating Account Settings: Navigate to the ‘Settings’ or ‘Profile’ section within the app.
Managing Subscription: Look for an option related to ‘Subscription,’ ‘Membership,’ ‘Payments,’ or ‘Manage Plan.’
Initiating Cancellation: Follow the prompts to cancel the recurring membership fee. There might be a confirmation step or a brief survey about why you’re cancelling.
Confirmation: Ensure you receive a confirmation email or in-app notification that your subscription has been successfully cancelled.

Specifics from Spriggy’s Terms and Conditions

The website footer explicitly states: “The applicable annual Spriggy membership fee will be charged by and payable to Spriggy at the end of the trial period, and then annually after that in accordance with the Spriggy Terms & Conditions (unless cancelled prior).” This confirms that cancellation prior to the end of the trial period will prevent charges. For ongoing subscriptions, the terms and conditions would outline the notice period, if any, and the exact steps. It’s always advisable to review the full Spriggy Terms & Conditions for the most accurate and up-to-date cancellation policy.

Importance of Timely Cancellation

If a user is on the free 30-day trial and wishes to avoid being charged, it is crucial to cancel before the trial period concludes. Digital services often automatically convert trial users into paid subscribers unless explicitly cancelled. Parents should mark their calendars or set reminders to ensure they cancel within the trial window if they decide the service isn’t for them. For ongoing subscriptions, cancelling well in advance of the next billing cycle is important to avoid unwanted charges.

Contacting Customer Support

If there are any difficulties or ambiguities in the cancellation process, reaching out to Spriggy’s customer support is the next logical step. The website lists “Help Centre” and “Contact” options, which should provide avenues for direct assistance, whether through email, phone, or an in-app chat function. Maintaining a record of cancellation attempts and confirmations is good practice.

How to Cancel Spriggy.com.au Free Trial

The free trial offers a valuable opportunity for parents to assess whether Spriggy aligns with their family’s needs and financial philosophy. However, understanding the cancellation process for the free trial is critical to avoid unwanted charges. Spriggy offers a “free 30-day membership trial,” but it’s important to note the nuances of this offer.

Understanding the Free Trial Terms

The website clearly states: “The free trial period applies to the annual Spriggy membership fee only. Other fees and charges may apply, refer to the PDS for details.” This means that while the core annual membership fee is waived for 30 days, any other transaction fees or charges for additional services (if applicable) might still apply during the trial. This is a common practice, but it’s crucial for users to be aware of it. The primary goal of cancelling the free trial is to prevent the automatic transition to a paid annual membership.

Steps to Cancel the Free Trial

The cancellation process for a free trial typically mirrors that of a full subscription, with the added urgency of a specific deadline.

Access the Spriggy App: Log into the Spriggy parent app using your registered credentials.
Navigate to Account/Subscription Settings: Within the app, locate the section dedicated to your account, profile, or subscription management. This is often labelled “Settings,” “My Account,” or “Membership.”
Find Trial Details: Look for information related to your active free trial. It should clearly state the remaining days or the expiry date.
Initiate Cancellation: There should be a prominent option to “Cancel Trial,” “End Membership,” or similar. Click on this to begin the process.
Confirm Cancellation: The app will likely ask for confirmation. It might also present an option to pause the service or offer an incentive to stay. Confirm your decision to cancel.
Verify Cancellation: Crucially, ensure you receive an in-app confirmation or, ideally, an email confirming that your free trial has been successfully cancelled and that you will not be charged. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Deadline and Automatic Billing

It’s vital to remember that the free trial is designed to automatically roll over into a paid annual membership once the 30 days are up, unless explicitly cancelled. Parents should set a reminder a few days before the trial ends to make a decision and initiate cancellation if they choose not to proceed. Missing this window will result in the annual membership fee being charged.

Where to Find Official Information

For the most accurate and legally binding information regarding the free trial cancellation, users should consult the official Spriggy Terms & Conditions and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) linked on the website. These documents contain the definitive terms and conditions related to the trial and subscription. If in doubt, contacting Spriggy’s customer support through their “Help Centre” is recommended.

Spriggy.com.au Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of Spriggy.com.au is crucial for parents considering the service, as it operates on a subscription model. While the website mentions a “free 30-day membership trial,” the long-term use incurs a recurring annual fee. Littleeedie.com.au Review

Annual Membership Fee

The primary cost associated with Spriggy is an annual membership fee. The exact amount is typically listed on their pricing page, which is accessible from the main navigation. The homepage clearly states that “The free trial period applies to the annual Spriggy membership fee only,” indicating that this is the core charge for using the app and its associated prepaid card service.

Billing Cycle: The fee is charged annually, either after the 30-day free trial concludes (if not cancelled) or upon initial sign-up for those who bypass the trial.
Automatic Renewal: Like many subscription services, it’s highly probable that the annual membership automatically renews unless cancelled by the user.

Potential Additional Fees and Charges

The website also includes a critical disclaimer: “Other fees and charges may apply, refer to the PDS for details.” This is a standard disclosure for financial products and means that users should diligently review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Product Terms and Conditions to understand the full cost implications. Potential additional fees could include:

Transaction Fees: While the primary model is prepaid, some prepaid cards might have fees for specific types of transactions (e.g., international transactions, ATM withdrawals if not part of the basic plan for younger kids, or certain merchant types).
Replacement Card Fees: If a child loses their card, there might be a fee for issuing a replacement.
Inactivity Fees: Some prepaid card services charge a fee if the card remains inactive for a prolonged period, though this is less common for services targeted at children.
SMS Notification Fees: While real-time notifications are a feature, some providers charge for SMS alerts beyond a certain threshold.

Value Proposition for the Price

Parents need to weigh the annual membership fee against the benefits offered. These benefits include:

Convenience: Digital pocket money management, scheduled payments, and instant transfers.
Educational Tools: Features like job setting, savings goals, and budgeting.
Parental Control: Comprehensive oversight, spending limits, and merchant restrictions.
Safety Features: Prepaid card nature (no debt), card locking, and encryption.
SPRK Mode 13+: Additional features for older children, potentially justifying the cost for families with teens.

Transparency in Pricing

While the initial messaging focuses on the free trial and the annual fee, the caveat about “other fees and charges” means that parents must actively seek out the detailed breakdown in the PDS. A fully transparent pricing page that clearly itemises all potential costs upfront, beyond just the annual fee, would enhance clarity for consumers. This is a common practice across the financial industry, where detailed disclosures are placed in lengthy legal documents rather than concise summaries.

Spriggy.com.au vs. Traditional Banking and Alternatives

When evaluating Spriggy.com.au, it’s useful to compare it against traditional banking options for children and other alternative methods of teaching financial literacy. Spriggy positions itself as a modern, digital solution, but it has distinct differences and overlaps with other approaches.

Spriggy vs. Traditional Bank Accounts for Kids

Accessibility and Age: Traditional bank accounts for kids often require the child to be of a certain age (e.g., 8-12 years old for a junior account) and typically involve more paperwork and a visit to a branch. Spriggy, conversely, targets children as young as 6 and boasts a quick, online sign-up process.
Control and Features: Spriggy offers granular parental control over spending categories and real-time notifications, which might not be as readily available or as integrated in standard junior bank accounts. Traditional accounts focus more on basic saving and deposits.
Debt Risk: Spriggy’s prepaid model explicitly eliminates the risk of debt or overdrafts, a key advantage over some traditional accounts that might, in certain circumstances or with linked adult accounts, have overdraft facilities.
Educational Tools: Spriggy’s app integrates educational features like setting jobs and savings goals directly into the money management process, which is less common in basic bank accounts. Banks might offer separate educational resources, but not usually within the account interface.
Fees: Traditional kids’ accounts are often fee-free, whereas Spriggy has an annual membership fee. However, some traditional accounts might have fees for specific services or if certain conditions aren’t met.

Spriggy vs. Other Digital Pocket Money Apps

The market for digital pocket money apps is growing, and Spriggy competes with several similar platforms, both domestically and internationally.

Key Differentiators: Spriggy highlights its “Australia’s #1” claim and its focus on prepaid cards and strong parental controls. Competitors might vary in their fee structure, card types (e.g., some might offer debit cards linked to bank accounts), or additional features like chore management or investment options.
User Interface and Experience: Each app has its unique user interface and experience. Spriggy’s colourful and intuitive design is a strong point.
Customer Support and Reputation: Spriggy leverages Trustpilot reviews and highlights its user base (1.2 million members), suggesting a strong market presence and reputation. Competitors would need to be evaluated on their own user feedback and support mechanisms.

Spriggy vs. Non-Digital, Ethical Alternatives

For families prioritising ethical considerations, especially the avoidance of interest (riba), Spriggy, despite its “prepaid” nature, operates within a conventional financial system. Non-digital or ethically-focused alternatives offer a different approach:

Physical Savings Jars: Simple, tangible, and completely interest-free. Teaches immediate gratification vs. delayed gratification.
Cash-Based Allowance Systems: Direct handling of money, promoting understanding of value and limits. Can be linked to chores for earning.
Entrepreneurship and Skill Development: Encouraging children to earn money through ethical means like selling crafts, services, or learning a trade. This directly ties effort to reward and fosters self-reliance.
Financial Literacy Books and Discussions: Educating children through stories, discussions, and real-life examples about budgeting, saving, and the value of honest earning without relying on digital platforms linked to conventional finance.
Community and Charity Involvement: Teaching the concept of giving back and managing resources for the benefit of others, which is a core part of ethical financial behaviour.

In essence, Spriggy serves a specific niche, offering a convenient digital bridge for parents to teach basic money management. However, for those seeking alternatives that align more closely with strict ethical financial principles, a return to simpler, tangible, and interest-free methods or seeking specific Sharia-compliant financial products (which are less common for children’s pocket money apps) would be more appropriate.

Spriggy.com.au Alternatives

When considering alternatives to Spriggy.com.au, especially for families who prioritise ethical financial practices and a more holistic approach to teaching children about money, it’s beneficial to look beyond direct digital competitors. The focus here shifts to methods and tools that promote financial literacy, responsibility, and value for money without relying on conventional banking infrastructure or interest-based systems.

1. Physical Savings Jars & Envelopes (e.g., ‘Spend, Save, Give’)

Concept: A timeless method where children physically divide their money into designated jars or envelopes for spending, saving, and giving to charity.
Pros:
- Tangible Learning: Provides a concrete understanding of money and its different purposes.
- No Fees: Completely free beyond the cost of the jars themselves.
- Ethical: Entirely interest-free and aligns with principles of responsible allocation and charity.
- Simplicity: Easy for even very young children to grasp.
Cons:
- No Digital Tracking: Requires manual reconciliation and parental oversight for larger amounts.
- Cash-Dependent: Less relevant in a cashless society for real-world transactions.
How it Works: Parents provide physical cash allowances, and children sort it into their labelled containers. Regularly count and discuss balances.

2. Chore & Reward Charts with Cash Allowance

Concept: A structured system where children earn physical cash or tokens for completing chores and demonstrating good behaviour.
Pros:
- Direct Earning: Teaches the direct link between effort and reward.
- Responsibility: Encourages contribution to the household.
- Flexible: Parents can tailor tasks and rewards to their child’s age and abilities.
- Ethical: Earning is based on honest labour, free from interest.
Cons:
- Parental Effort: Requires consistent tracking and management by parents.
- Limited Scope: Primarily focuses on earning, less on spending and saving in a structured way without additional tools.
How it Works: Use a visual chore chart to assign tasks and tick them off. At the end of the week, disburse the agreed-upon cash allowance based on completed tasks.

3. Kids’ Entrepreneurship Projects (e.g., Lemonade Stand Kits)

Concept: Guiding children to start small, simple businesses to learn about generating income, managing expenses, and understanding profit.
Pros:
- Real-World Skills: Teaches initiative, creativity, problem-solving, marketing, and customer service.
- Value of Work: Provides a deeper understanding of how products/services are valued and priced.
- Ethical Earning: Focuses on ethical trade and honest labour for income.
- Practical Math: Involves calculations for costs, pricing, and profit.
Cons:
- Requires Significant Parental Involvement: Parents need to guide, mentor, and support the child throughout the process.
- Initial Investment: May require a small outlay for materials or supplies.
How it Works: Help your child identify a simple product or service they can offer (e.g., baked goods, handmade cards, simple car wash). Guide them through planning, execution, and managing the money earned.

4. Financial Literacy Books & Educational Board Games

Concept: Using engaging stories, practical guides, and interactive games to teach financial concepts in a non-digital, discussion-based format.
Pros:
- Foundational Knowledge: Builds a strong theoretical understanding before practical application.
- Family Engagement: Encourages open discussions about money within the family.
- Diverse Topics: Can cover a wide range of topics beyond just saving and spending, such as investing, charitable giving, and economic principles.
- No Screens: Provides a break from digital devices.
Cons:
- Less Hands-On: More theoretical than practical, may require supplementary activities.
- Child’s Interest: Engagement depends on the child’s willingness to read or play.
How it Works: Regularly read financial literacy books together and discuss the lessons. Play board games that simulate financial decisions, like Monopoly (with discussions on ethical property ownership) or The Game of Life.

5. Basic Cash Ledger / Notebook for Teens

Concept: For older children and teens, a simple notebook or ledger can be used to manually track income and expenses.
Pros:
- Hands-On Budgeting: Teaches the discipline of meticulous record-keeping.
- Personal Responsibility: Fosters independence in managing personal finances.
- No Digital Dependence: No app, no fees, no privacy concerns.
- Ethical: Completely controlled by the individual, avoiding external financial systems.
Cons:
- Requires Discipline: Can be tedious for some, requiring consistent effort to maintain.
- No Automation: All calculations and entries are manual.
How it Works: Provide a simple notebook or ledger and teach the teen how to record all money received and spent, calculating their running balance. Review it together regularly.

These alternatives offer robust ways to impart valuable financial lessons to children, focusing on tangible actions, real-world earning, and ethical principles, often without the complexities and potential ethical dilemmas associated with conventional digital banking products.

Hostplus.com.au Review

FAQ

Is Spriggy.com.au a bank?

No, Spriggy.com.au is not a bank. It is a financial technology company (Rivva Pty Ltd) that provides a prepaid Visa card and an app for children’s money management. The prepaid card is issued by Indue Ltd, which is an authorised deposit-taking institution, but Spriggy itself does not hold a banking licence.

Is Spriggy.com.au a debit or credit card?

Spriggy offers a prepaid Visa card. It is explicitly stated as “prepaid, not a credit card.” This means that funds must be loaded onto the card before they can be spent, eliminating the possibility of going into debt or incurring overdraft fees for the child.

Where can my kids use their Spriggy cards?

Kids can use their Spriggy cards anywhere Visa is accepted, both in-store and online. However, Spriggy implements merchant restrictions that block unsafe spending categories, such as alcohol, tobacco shops, gambling, and adult entertainment venues.

Is Spriggy.com.au safe?

Spriggy claims to prioritise safety and security through features like encryption, complete parental visibility of transactions, remote card locking/unlocking, and merchant restrictions. As a prepaid card, it also carries no credit or debt risk for the child. Users should always review their privacy policy and terms and conditions for full details.

What age group is Spriggy.com.au designed for?

Spriggy.com.au is designed for families with kids aged 6-17. It offers standard features for younger children and an enhanced “SPRK Mode 13+” for teenagers, which includes additional functionalities like BSB & Account numbers and ATM access.

How does Spriggy teach kids about money?

Spriggy teaches kids about money through practical experience. It allows parents to set jobs for earning pocket money, enables digital budgeting with real-time spending notifications, facilitates setting and tracking savings goals, and provides a prepaid card for responsible, controlled spending.

What is SPRK Mode 13+ on Spriggy?

SPRK Mode 13+ is an enhanced feature set for kids aged 13 and over. It unlocks additional functionalities like having a BSB & Account number, being able to pay Spriggy friends instantly, and access to ATMs, providing a step towards more independent financial management.

Does Spriggy.com.au offer a free trial?

Yes, Spriggy.com.au offers a free 30-day membership trial. This trial applies to the annual Spriggy membership fee only; other fees and charges may still apply, so it’s important to refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.

How do I cancel my Spriggy.com.au free trial?

To cancel your Spriggy.com.au free trial, you typically need to log into the Spriggy parent app, navigate to your account or membership settings, and follow the prompts to cancel your trial before the 30-day period ends to avoid being charged the annual membership fee. Topcashback.com.au Review

What are the main costs associated with Spriggy.com.au?

The main cost associated with Spriggy.com.au is an annual membership fee. While there’s a free 30-day trial, continued use requires payment of this recurring annual charge. Additional fees and charges may apply, as detailed in their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Can parents control how their kids spend money on Spriggy?

Yes, parents have significant control over how their kids spend money on Spriggy. Through the parent app, they can view all purchases in real-time, schedule pocket money, send emergency funds, and set merchant restrictions to block certain spending categories. They can also lock or unlock the card remotely.

What are Spriggy Schools?

Spriggy Schools refers to a separate initiative by Spriggy that appears to be focused on partnering with educational institutions to provide financial literacy programs. More detailed information can be found on their dedicated Spriggy Schools website.

Does Spriggy offer mobile phone plans?

Yes, Spriggy has a separate offering called “Spriggy Mobile,” which includes SIM-only plans and also sells refurbished iPhones. This is an additional service beyond their core pocket money app.

Is Spriggy a good way to teach kids about saving money?

Spriggy is designed to help teach kids about saving money by allowing them to create and track savings goals within the app. This feature aims to promote delayed gratification and an understanding of long-term financial planning.

Does Spriggy provide monthly reports to parents?

Yes, Spriggy sends parents monthly emails to keep them updated and track how their kids are using Spriggy, providing insights into their spending habits and balances.

How long does it take to receive the Spriggy card after signing up?

Once you sign up, the Spriggy card typically reaches you within 7-10 days. After receiving it, you’ll need to activate it through the Spriggy app.

Can Spriggy cards be used for online purchases?

Yes, Spriggy prepaid Visa cards can be used for online purchases, similar to any other Visa card. However, they are still subject to the parental controls and merchant restrictions set by Spriggy.

What kind of customer support does Spriggy offer?

Spriggy offers customer support through a Help Centre and a Contact section on their website. These resources typically provide FAQs, articles, and methods to get in touch with their support team, such as email or phone.

Is Spriggy suitable for teenagers?

Yes, Spriggy is suitable for teenagers up to 17 years old. The “SPRK Mode 13+” is specifically designed for older children, offering more advanced features that cater to their growing financial independence, such as BSB & Account numbers and ATM access. Ljhooker.com.au Review

What is the difference between Spriggy and a regular bank account for kids?

The primary differences are that Spriggy is a prepaid card with specific parental controls and educational features integrated into an app, whereas a regular bank account for kids is typically a traditional savings or debit account offered by a bank, often with fewer built-in parental oversight features and a more conventional banking structure. Spriggy also aims for a lower entry age and simpler setup.