Budget Planning and Spending Game

A homemade shopping catalog (item names and prices on paper)

Play money or a written budget tracker

Pencil and paper for calculations

A calculator (optional)

Create a catalog: 15-20 items ranging from $2 to $15.

Hand over a $25 budget. "Buy whatever you want — but don't go over."

Make a wish list first. "Total it up. How much?"

Over budget? "What will you cut?"

Finalize choices. Calculate total and change.

Discuss: "What was hardest to give up? What's a 'want' vs. a 'need'?"

Next round: add a savings option. "Put $5 in savings and you earn $1 interest. Worth it?"

Use items your child actually wants — real toy names, real snack brands. Motivation drives engagement.

Start with round numbers (no cents). Add decimal prices for older kids who are ready for that challenge.

The trade-off discussion is more valuable than the math. Ask: "If you save $10 this week, what could you buy next week that you can't afford now?"

Try it at a real store: give your child $5 to spend however they choose. Real spending cements the concept.

For advanced kids, add a "tax" (10%). This requires percentage calculation and makes the budget tighter.