Needs Vs. Wants
Something you must pay for to stay safe and healthy
A need
A bill that usually stays the same each month
Fixed expense (like rent)
Deciding ahead of time how to use your money
Budgeting
Someone who can help explain bills
Case manager, payee, or support worker
A large African animal with a mane
Lion
Rent, basic groceries, and medication
Needs
A bill that can change month to month
Variable expense (like electricity)
Buying only what’s on your list helps avoid this
Impulse spending
SNAP or SSI are examples of this...
Benefits or financial supports
A striped animal that looks like a horse
Zebra
Buying name-brand snacks when a cheaper option is available
A want
One common monthly expense
Food, transportation, phone, utilities, or medication
Putting aside even a small amount of money
Saving
Asking questions before spending money shows this skill...
Self-advocacy!
A desert animal that stores fat in its hump
Camel
Internet can be a need when it’s required for this...
Appointments, work, or benefits access
These small costs can add up quickly
Daily or impulse expenses
These should usually be paid first
Needs or bills
True or False: Everyone budgets differently
True!
A slow-moving animal that hangs upside down in trees
Sloth
True or False: Wants can still be important
True!
Writing expenses down helps with this
Planning or awareness
One helpful strategy when money feels tight
Planning ahead, cutting back, or asking for help
What helps avoid spending money on replacing lost items?
Keeping important items in one place, answers may vary.
A black-and-white marine animal that uses echolocation
Orca