How to spend vouchers a hot topic for family discussions

But many more affluent families tend to spend their government-issued gift coupons differently.

Under the rules, every citizen of the nation is guaranteed consumption vouchers, regardless of age.

The older children of low-income households often take the set of NT$3,600 consumption vouchers as a small windfall that should be used for the common benefit of the family.

Yet more well-off parents said the vouchers given to their children will be completely used by children themselves.

The more budget-minded ones said the vouchers will become part of traditional Chinese New Year cash gifts to be given to the children.

They feel the vouchers present a good opportunity to show children how to better manage their finances at a young age.

Those who maintain tight control over their children's behavior and activities let them have a say in how the vouchers should be used, but also explicitly rule out certain product items such as credit points for video games.

Experts said kids with higher income parents have a greater latitude in making purchases ranging from electronic gadgets and video games.

But they suggested that parents have a discussion with children to jointly make the most suitable decision concerning the items on the shopping list.

They said parents should also respect their children's wishes if the younger ones express a desire to donate the vouchers to underprivileged children or families.

But it would be best to focus on products directly grown or manufactured in Taiwan if people decide to purchase goods and services, to help encourage an earlier economic recovery, they added.

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