How to Set Up an iTunes Allowance

Imagine this: Your son received an iTunes gift card for Christmas and redeemed part of it on a couple Hot Chelle Rae songs and some fighting apps, leaving the remainder of the gift card balance on the computer (where else?), at which point your daughter bought a Taylor Swift album with the remainder of his gift card. Now imagine a giant, mushroom shaped cloud.

Anyone who has multiple iTunes users in their home knows how difficult it can be to keep track of who bought what on which gift card, and that this can in fact, lead to colossal fights.

I recently learned that iTunes has a feature which allows you to set up monthly allowances for your kids. You can give each kid a sub account under yours, so they can purchase items using their gift cards or charge a set limit to your credit card…without having your actual credit card number.
Sometimes the smallest of discoveries can bring the greatest of harmony (pun weak, but intended).
To set up iTunes allowances on your account:

Click on the Buy iTunes Gifts link in the Quick Links section on the right side of the iTunes Store.

Scroll down to the Allowances section (next to the piggy bank)

Click “Set up an allowance now”. If your child doesn’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one for them with their email address. According to the iTunes site, money not spent in one month will roll over into the next and you can close the account at any time, withdrawing any funds currently in it.

Michelle Icard is our resident middle school expert. Visit her website at www.michelleinthemiddle.com or hang out with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/middleschoolrelief