Students explore the difference between needs and wants and practice making budget choices.
Topic
Spend (Budgeting, Buying things, Paying bills)
Subject
CTE (Career and technical education), English or language arts, Math
Grade Level
Middle school (6-8)
Duration
45-60 minutes
Big idea
Understanding the difference between needs and wants can help you make spending decisions that are best for you.
Essential questions
- How can you tell the difference between a need and a want?
- How does understanding the difference between needs and wants help you make financial decisions?
Objectives
- Differentiate between needs and wants in daily decision-making
- Consider how needs and wants influence spending decisions
What students will do
- Identify the difference between needs and wants.
- Practice making budget choices based on needs and wants.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_budgeting-needs-wants_guide.pdf
Student materials
cfpb_building_block_activities_budgeting-needs-wants_worksheet.pdf
Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.
