Smart Spending Script

Slide 1: Budget Boss: Mastering Your Money

"Good morning, future financial gurus! Today, we're diving into a super important topic: becoming a 'Budget Boss.' How many of you ever feel like your money just disappears? Or wish you had more for things you really want?"

(Pause for student responses. Acknowledge common struggles or desires.)

"That's totally normal! The good news is, money isn't just something that happens to us; it's something we can learn to manage and control. Today, we're going to learn how to do just that – how to make our money work for us. We'll cover what a budget is, how to track your money, and some smart tips for spending and saving. By the end of this, you'll have the power to make much smarter choices with your cash. Let's get started!"

Slide 2: Where Does Your Money Come From?

"First things first, where does your money actually come from? Take a moment to think about all the ways you currently get money."

(Allow students a moment to think, then ask for volunteers to share. Guide them to think broadly.)

"Great examples! So, whether it's an allowance, a part-time job, birthday money, or even just doing chores around the house, all of that is your income. It's the money flowing into your wallet. It's the starting point for understanding your financial picture."

Slide 3: Where Does Your Money Go?

"Now for the flip side: where does your money go? Think about what you typically spend your money on in a week or a month."

(Encourage students to share examples. Write a few on the board if helpful.)

"These are your expenses – the money that flows out. We can categorize expenses into two main types: fixed and variable.

"Fixed expenses are usually the same amount every time. Think about a phone bill if you pay a set amount each month, or a subscription service like Netflix. These are predictable.

"Variable expenses change. One week you might spend a lot on snacks, another week less. Or maybe one month you buy new shoes, but not the next. These are less predictable. Why do you think it's important to know the difference between fixed and variable expenses when we're trying to manage our money?"

(Listen for responses about predictability, planning, or areas where they can cut back.)

Slide 4: Wants vs. Needs: The Big Difference

"This is a huge one. We all have things we need and things we want. What do you think is the difference? Give me some examples of needs."

(Solicit answers for needs: food, water, shelter, basic clothing, transportation to school/work.)
"Exactly. Needs are essential for survival. Now, what about wants? Give me some examples of things you want but don't necessarily need to survive."

(Solicit answers for wants: new video game, designer clothes, concert tickets, eating out every day.)
"Spot on. Wants are things that make life more comfortable or enjoyable. They're great, but not essential. Why do you think it's so important to be able to tell the difference between a want and a need when you're managing your money? How can this help you be a Budget Boss?"

(Guide discussion to understand that prioritizing needs over wants is a cornerstone of smart financial management.)

Slide 5: What's a Budget, Anyway?

"So, after looking at income, expenses, and wants versus needs, we can now define a budget. In simple terms, a budget is a plan for your money! It's not about restricting you; it's about empowering you to make conscious choices.

"A budget helps you see exactly where your money comes from, where it goes, and most importantly, it lets you decide how you want to spend and save. It's like a roadmap for your money."

Slide 6: Saving for Your Future Self!

"One of the most powerful things a budget allows you to do is save. Why do you think saving is so important, especially for someone your age? What are some things you might want to save for?"

(Encourage students to think about short-term and long-term goals. Prompt them about unexpected expenses.)
"Saving helps you reach your goals, like that new game, a concert, or even something bigger like college or a car down the line. It also helps with emergencies – things you didn't expect to pay for, like a broken phone. And over time, consistent saving can build real financial freedom. A great rule of thumb is to 'pay yourself first' – set aside some money for savings before you start spending on other things."

Slide 7: Your Power as a Budget Boss!

"You've already learned so much about becoming a Budget Boss! You now have the knowledge to understand your money flow, make smart choices between wants and needs, and plan for your financial goals. This is powerful stuff that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

"Are you ready to put these skills into action? Our next step is to actually track some spending and see these concepts in a real-world way!"

Monthly Spending Tracker

Name: _________________________ Month: _________________________

Being a Budget Boss means knowing where your money comes from and where it goes! Use this tracker to record all your income (money you receive) and expenses (money you spend) for the month.

Section 1: Income (Money In)

Record all the money you receive during the month. Don't forget any allowance, gifts, or earnings from jobs/chores!

Total Income for the Month: $_________________

Section 2: Expenses (Money Out)

Record everything you spend money on. Try to categorize them as either a Need (essential for survival) or a Want (makes life more enjoyable but not essential).

Total Expenses for the Month: $_________________

Section 3: Monthly Summary & Reflection

1. Total Income: $_____________

2. Total Expenses: $_____________

3. Money Remaining (Income - Expenses): $_____________

   • If this number is positive, great job! You spent less than you earned.
   • If this number is negative, you spent more than you earned this month. What could you do differently next month?

4. Look at your

Financial Fortune Frenzy!

Objective: To be the team that best manages their money, makes smart financial decisions, and saves for their goals over a simulated period.

Players: 2-4 players per team
Time: 10 minutes per round (adaptable)

Materials Needed (Teacher Prep):

• Game Board: A simple path with