Lesson Plan

Budgeting Basics Blueprint

Students will distinguish needs vs. wants, create a simple budget using a worksheet, and apply budgeting skills in a mock grocery shopping scenario.

Building functional money management skills empowers students with greater independence and confidence in real-life financial decisions, aligning with Tier 2 small-group support.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Materials Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Objective Overview

5 minutes

Step 2

Needs vs. Wants Debate

10 minutes

Step 3

Hands-On Budget Creation

15 minutes

Step 4

Grocery Store Simulation

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Wrap-Up

5 minutes

lenny

Slide Deck

Money Moves: Keys to Independence

Key Terms

Why Money Management Matters

Needs vs Wants Debate

Steps to Create a Budget

Sample Budget

Grocery Store Simulation

Using the Expense Tracker

Reflection Questions

Next Steps & Follow-Up

lenny

Activity

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

lenny
lenny

Discussion

lenny
lenny
lenny

Keys to Independence

user image

Tosha Hiller

Tier 2
For Schools
lenny-learning-logo

Lenny Learning

Create Lesson

CASEL

Health & Wellness

Behavioral Supports

Counseling & Therapy

Family Engagement

School Climate

Special Education

Academic Integration

Seasonal

Career & Life Skills

Arts & Creativity

My Lessons

My Lessons

Video Library

Video Library

Support

Support

Log In