So your child received an Apple product device for Christmas either a Mac computer iPod, or iPhone, and now you need to determine how to manage this new gadget and the expense that comes along with it. In tight economic times we must plan for everything as much as possible to be successful. In this article we will briefly discuss a popular product on the market called iTunes. Below you will find basic information on this service and ways of managing/funding your child's account, which allows access to the service.
What is an iTunes account?

iTunes in short is a library of digital media such as songs, videos, and movies that one can purchase and download to Mac products such as a ipod or Mac pc. iTunes were created to work primarily on Apple devices. There are a limited number of other products that will play itunes, if they have an agreement with Apple.

Once the free account is setup, it saves and sorts the music, and allows the user to create customized playlist and various assortments to their liking.

What are your payment options for setting up an itunes account?

You can setup an iTunes account with your credit card, a gift card, gift certificate or an allowance format. I will provide more information on how to setup the latter options later in the article.

Advantages of setting up your child's account with methods other than a credit card?

An iTunes account can be very motivating to children, most of them love music and videos. You fund your child's account with gift cards purchased for special occasions or with their weekly or monthly allowance. Since your child will have their own account, they will quickly gain an understanding of how far a dollar goes, and receive a lesson on allowing for sales tax. Another good thing about an iTunes account is that the products are available immediately for download once hte money is on the account. Therefore their is no delayed gratification to receive the product, only patience taught in earning the money to purchase the iTunes.

If you or your spouse purchases media from iTunes their will never be the opportunity for you child to overspend on your account which may have unlimited access because of a credit card. The gift card, certificate, and/or allowance method allows parents to be in control of how much of their money is spent in this area.

If you would like step by step instructions on setting up an iTunes account by gift card or allowance check out the link in the resource section written by Terri Mauro. Remember that basic everyday tasks and transactions can be a "teachable" moment between you and your child.

You can follow this link to the apple website, http://www.apple.com/itunes/. Here you will be able to find out all there is to know about Apple's iTunes service, plus the many accessories available for your Apple devices.