How much thought have you put into the tooth fairy and “his/her” gift amount to your child? Would you be surprised to know that Delta Dental has been conducting the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® since 1998? The poll collects Tooth Fairy average giving and compares it to stock market activity to illustrate how the value of a lost tooth and the U.S. economy oddly parallel each other.
According to the 2013 Delta Dental survey, the going rate for lost baby teeth had major gains last year. It showed the average gift from the Tooth Fairy climbed to $3.50 last year, up from $2.42 in 2012. This 44.6 percent gain surpassed last year’s exceptional performance of the major U.S. stock indexes.

This poll has usually been a good indicator of the market’s overall direction. In fact, the trend in Tooth Fairy giving has tracked with the movement of Standard & Poor’s 500 Index in 10 of the past 11 years. It’s no wonder we have two, (yes two) – National Tooth Fairy Days to celebrate each year – February 28^th and August 22^nd.
When taking into consideration eXactly how much the tooth fairy should be paying, give thought to these points:

• Are you over-paying to keep up with the “Joneses”?
• Does the amount change with your changing financial status?
• Can you utilize the tooth fairy as financial education for your child?

The tooth fairy is symbolic of the flavor of our financial society. Money matters begin in youth and will change with changing times. Pay attention to your own financial habits, as well as teaching good financial habits to our youth.
Answers from AZ