Budgeting
Where Did My Money Go?
Budget Like a Pro.
Budget Like a Pro.
Don’t think of budgeting as saying “no” to fun. It’s about making your money work for you, so you’re covered when you need it, and can treat yourself when you want to.
Understanding Cash Flow
Budget Basics
Saving Money
Managing Expenses
LESSON 1
Understanding Cash Flow
Money In, Money Out
Budgeting starts with two simple questions: how much money do you make, and where does it all go?
Take a minute to get real about your income and all the stuff you spend money on — like snacks, games, or gifts.
Take a minute to get real about your income and all the stuff you spend money on — like snacks, games, or gifts.
Word to Know: “INCOME”
This is all the money you make — from chores or birthday money.
Word to Know: “EXPENSES”
This is where your money goes. Be honest with yourself and track it for a week or two!
Some examples of income are:
- $20/week for chores
- $10/week for helping a neighbor walk their dog
- That $20 your grandma gave you (yes, it counts!)
Common things you might spend money on are:
- School lunch or snacks
- Field trip fees
- School supplies
- Sports equipment
- Birthday gifts for friends and family
Did You Know?
You don’t have to start budgeting from scratch. Find a budget app that works for you, so you can easily track your expenses.
Learn how to create a budget.
LESSON 2
Budget Basics
Create a Budget You Believe In
Think of a budget as a plan for your money—not a punishment. And create a realistic one you can stick to. The easiest place to start? The 50/30/20 rule:
- 50% Needs (food, clothes, school supplies)
- 30% Wants (toys, games, movie tickets)
- 20% Savings
Saving Money
Save Before You Spend (Hard but Worth It)
Saving first can be difficult when you’re starting out and your allowance or birthday money might not leave you a ton extra for ice cream, games, or the trending slime kit you’ve been eyeing at the store.
But if you are diligent and can make saving a habit, this is how you build long-term wealth that people will be envious of later.
Here are a few ways to do it:
- Ask a grown-up to help you put money into your savings regularly, like every week or whenever you get allowance.
- Treat savings like something important you always do – like brushing your teeth
- Even $10 a week adds up over time
Did You Know?
Saving just $25/month = $300 in a year, without even noticing it.
LESSON 4
Managing Expenses
Staying On Top of Your Spending
We are definitely not the “no fun police” here to tell you to not spend money on the things you love. We’ll just tell you to be smart. Reducing expenses by making small swaps can equal big wins.
Ideas:
- Bring lunch to school instead of buying
- Wait for a toy or game to go on sale
- Reuse school supplies from last year
- Trade games or books with friends instead of buying
Challenge Idea:
Try a “No Spend Day” once a week—zero non-essential spending. You’ll be surprised how easy (and freeing) it feels.
Let’s see what you learned.
