Everyday Money Moments
You find a $5 bill in your coat pocket. What’s the MOST responsible way to use it?
Put it toward something you actually need this week, like food or hygiene items.
Your phone charger breaks. What’s the cheapest realistic solution?
Get a dollar-store charger, borrow temporarily, or use a shared charging station.
Is flavored water a need or want? Explain your logic.
Want — water is the need; flavor is extra.
What’s one thing people commonly overspend on without noticing?
Drinks, snacks, and small impulse items.
This animal has the strongest bite force of any living creature on land.
Crocodile!
Your shampoo runs out earlier than expected. What’s one cheap substitute or shopping trick you can use?
Buy travel size, a dollar-store brand, or use a small amount of conditioner until payday.
You want a snack but only have $3. Create a mini plan for the day so you won’t overspend.
Buy something small (like fruit or a granola bar) and save the rest for later.
Someone offers you a used household item for free. What questions do you ask before accepting it?
“Is it clean? Does it work? Do I actually need it or have space for it?”
How can tracking your spending for JUST one day help you?
You see where money disappears and can change habits fast.
This small mammal glides through the air using a skin flap called a patagium.
Flying squirrel!
A friend invites you out last-minute. What’s a polite “budget-friendly” response that won’t hurt feelings?
“I’m budgeting right now, but I’d love to hang out another time or do something free!”
You’re choosing between two items: one cheaper now, one more durable. How do you decide?
If you’ll use it often, buy the durable one. If it’s a temporary need, choose the cheaper one.
You really want a new hoodie, but you already have 3. What’s a way to decide if it’s a want or a genuine need?
Ask: “Are my current ones worn out, or do I just want something new?”
What’s a simple way to compare prices without using a calculator?
Look at the “unit price” sticker or compare how big the items are for the cost.
This animal can recognize itself in a mirror and uses tools, making it one of the smartest birds on Earth.
Crow (or raven — both acceptable!)
You planned a $20 lunch but the price went up. What’s a quick swap to keep the cost down?
Choose a cheaper menu item, split something, or grab a small snack instead.
A store offers “Buy 2, get 1 free,” but you only need one. When is this a good deal — and when is it not?
Good deal if you’ll use all three. Not a good deal if it makes you spend extra money you didn’t plan on.
You have $10 left and need to pick between laundry detergent and a treat. How do you choose?
Pick detergent, because clean clothes last longer and prevent bigger problems later.
What’s the “24-hour rule,” and how can it prevent overspending?
Wait 24 hours before buying something. The urge usually goes away.
This animal can run within an hour of being born.
Horse!
You have $30 left for the week. What’s your strategy for stretching it without feeling deprived?
Plan simple meals, avoid impulse buys, and save a few dollars for a small treat.
Your monthly spending is $50 over budget. What’s ONE category you could realistically adjust and HOW?
Cut back a little on snacks/treats, reduce outings, or skip a non-essential purchase.
Create a personal rule that helps you quickly decide if something is a need or want in the future.
Example: “If it keeps me healthy, clean, fed, or safe — it’s a need. Everything else is a want.”
Build a “micro-budget” for $15: include a snack, a personal care item, and a fun item.
Example: $3 snack, $5 hygiene item, $7 fun item — and stay under $15.
This tiny insect lifts over 50 times its own body weight.
Ant!