Our next question: What annoys you most about the rainy season? To take part, drop us a line via this form by 12pm on Wednesday, May 20.
Angela Ye Gaoting, 16, Leung Shek Chee College: Here is my pitch: “Mum, every successful entrepreneur started with a small amount of capital. Give me HK$100 every week as my seed funding. I’ll track every expense, learn about investing and one day buy you a yacht. This isn’t spending; it’s investing in the family empire.”
Zhuang Kaiwing, 16, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School: I’ll make a list of my expenses and show how I will use the money wisely, like saving for stationery or other small goals. I’ll also keep my grades up to show that I’m responsible.
Carissa Chan, 11, Holy Angels Canossian School: I’ll focus on effective budgeting to show them that I can manage money wisely. I will share a detailed savings plan to prove that I understand the importance of saving for specific goals. This strategy demonstrates that I am responsible and ready to handle the challenge of managing my own budget.
Hayden Chui Cheuk-hei, 14, Lung Kong WFSL Lau Wong Fat Secondary School: To secure my pocket money, I must demonstrate responsibility. I will propose a clear budget for school lunches or supplies and offer to take on specific household chores. Suggesting a trial period shows maturity. By framing it as a tool for learning financial independence rather than a gift, I can build trust with my parents.
Ava Lui Ka-yee, 14, St Mary’s Canossian College: I will set up a small massage shop at home. When I need pocket money, I will ask my parents if they would like a massage. Then, they can give me money according to the price list I have made.
Mandy Sze Nga-man, 13, Carmel Alison Lam Foundation Secondary School: A humorous pitch that uses creativity to prove that I am not acting on my lazy impulses. While normal requests often trigger a wall of concerns about bills or chores, humour will soften my parents’ stance. By making them laugh, I can lower their defences and make them more likely to say yes.
Lam Ka-ling, 17, Fung Kai No 1 Secondary School: I plan to make a detailed budget for my pocket money each month, spending only on school supplies and healthy snacks. I will save part of it each time and show all my receipts to prove that I am responsible enough to take care of my own money.
Oa Yang Tsz-ching, 12, Pui Kiu College: My strategy would be to create a win-win situation. I would ask my parents for a set amount of money every month, instead of every time I need something. This way, I could learn to budget and manage my own spending, and my parents wouldn’t have to worry about my small expenses any more.
Eunice Ng Chung-yu, 12, Stewards Pooi Kei College: I’d start by understanding their concerns about my spending. Then, I’d propose a clear plan: a small weekly amount tied to specific chores, plus rules to make sure I spend responsibly, such as avoiding unnecessary purchases. I’d ask for a trial period to prove I can manage it. Finally, I’d communicate with them regularly and adjust my plans if needed.
Li Tsz-ying, 15, Immaculate Heart of Mary College: First, I would make a list of my monthly expenses and show my parents that I need more pocket money, as the current amount is not enough for lunch. Second, I would show my parents the list of books for my classes because I need more money for my studies.
This story was sponsored by HSBC Teens. When you ask for pocket money, your parents aren’t just worried about how much – they care if you’ll spend it responsibly. What helps most isn’t saying “I want more,” but showing “I have a plan.”
Here’s a suggestion from HSBC Teens: a smart plan is to receive pocket money through an HSBC Teens account, so you can track what you spend, save towards your goals and build good money habits that give your parents peace of mind.
