Survey: Tooth fairy leaving less money

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SAN FRANCISCO, July 26 (UPI) -- San Francisco-based Visa Inc. said its survey suggests U.S. kids are receiving an average $2.60 per tooth from the Tooth Fairy, down from $3 last year.

The company said its survey of 1,006 U.S. adults, conducted July 12 in cooperation with GfK Roper OmniTel, suggests 90 percent of U.S. children under the age of 12 receive money from the Tooth Fairy, down from 94 percent in a 2010 survey.

Visa said the amount of money left by the Tooth Fairy decreased in most U.S. regions, except western states, where the average amount increased from $2.70 to $2.80. Eastern states marked the largest decrease in per-tooth payouts, down from $3.40 to $2.10.

"Visa encourages parents to use the Tooth Fairy's visit as an opportunity to have the 'money conversation' with their children," the company said. "Even simple steps like asking kids what they plan to do with the money and encouraging them to save for a long-term goal can help instill valuable money management lessons that can last a lifetime."