BUDGET (MATH)
You earn $60 babysitting. You spend $15 on snacks and $20 on a movie. How much do you have left?
25
Is buying lunch every day a need or a want? Explain.
Want — you can pack lunch instead
You find two backpacks: one is $40 and lasts 1 year, the other is $60 and lasts 3 years. Which is the better deal?
$60 backpack is better ($60 ÷ 3 years = $20/year vs $40 ÷ 1 = $40/year)
What’s one reason a teenager might want to save money?
To buy something expensive, prepare for emergencies, or reach a goal
What’s a budget, and why is it useful for teens?
A plan for how to spend and save money; helps avoid overspending
You want to save $120 in 6 weeks. How much do you need to save each week?
20
You need new shoes for gym class, but you want branded ones that cost more. What’s the smart choice?
A need is new shoes, a want is the specific brand
Smart choice: buy affordable gym shoes that meet the need
You want to buy a video game. One store offers it for $55 with a bonus item, another for $45 without. Which is the smarter buy?
Depends on priorities, but $55 with bonus may be better value
You want to buy a $250 bike in 3 months. What’s your weekly savings goal?
$20.83/week ($250 ÷ 12 weeks)
You get $100/month. Create a simple budget with 3 categories.
Example: Food $30, Fun $40, Savings $30
You buy a hoodie for $45 plus 15% tax. What’s the total cost?
51.75
You have $50. You want bubble tea and need school supplies. How do you prioritize?
Buy your needs (school supplies) before your wants (bubble tea)
You’re tempted to buy a $10 item online. What’s one strategy to avoid impulse buying?
Wait 24 hours before buying, ask “Do I really need this?”
What’s the difference between saving for a concert vs saving for college?
Concert = short-term; college = long-term (takes more time and planning)
You forgot to budget for a birthday gift. What are two ways to adjust your spending?
Cut spending in another category or use savings
You split a $72 phone bill evenly with you and your parent. How much does each person pay?
36
Give an example of a situation where a “want” becomes a “need.”
Example: A phone becomes a need if used for school or safety
You have $100 and want to buy shoes, a hoodie, and lunch. How do you decide what fits your budget?
Compare prices and prioritize what fits in the $100 budget
You get $25/week allowance. You want to save 40%. How much do you save monthly?
$40/month (40% of $25 = $10/week × 4 weeks)
You’re planning a weekend trip with friends. What expenses should you include in your budget?
Budget for transportation, food, activities, and extras
You earn $200/month. You spend 30% on food, 25% on entertainment, and save the rest. How much do you save monthly?
90$
You’re budgeting for a school trip. How do you balance spending on souvenirs (want) vs meals (need)?
Budget meals first (need), then see if there’s room for souvenirs (want)
You’re shopping for school supplies. How can comparing unit prices help you save money? Give an example.
Unit price shows cost per item/gram—e.g., $5 for 10 pens = $0.50/pen vs $6 for 12 pens = $0.50/pen (same value)
You’re saving for a $300 tablet. You earn $15/week and spend $5/week. How many weeks until you reach your goal?
30 weeks ($15 earned − $5 spent = $10 saved/week; $300 ÷ $10 = 30)
You’re asked to help plan a school event with a $500 budget. List 4 things you’d need to budget for and how you’d prioritize them.
Examples: food, decorations, tickets, prizes; prioritize essentials first