Household Chores/Allowance

Anyone have some good tips on chores/allowance?? I had this one parent when I was teaching that did this amazing allowance program for her kids. I remember that she read some book about the wonderful lessons that come from instituting an allowance. I don't remember what age she recommended to start the program but she made it very clear that a child should not get an allowance for chores... Her big thing was that chores are required and every family member needs to contribute to the household. You should not pay your kids for chores. That was her take. I like the idea of not paying them to clean their room, do the dishes, etc. She gave them so much money every week and they had to put a certain amount in long term savings, short term savings and for donations. If the kids wanted a toy, they had to pay for it. My four year old twins are probably too young for such an extensive program but I was wondering if anyone had some good tips on how they orchestrate chores in their household? What type of responsibilities do your toddlers/kids have around the house? The kids love to do certain chores, like setting the table (as seen above) but picking up their toys is a battle everyday. I sometimes feel like a broken record. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. :)

PS) Any tips on getting a "spiderman crazed" four year old to wear something other then his spiderman pjs, underwear and socks? God help me...he is obsessed!!!!!!!