Wants vs Needs Sorting Worksheet

Instructions: Using your Wants vs Needs Scenario Cards, write each item under the correct column. Use the Wants vs Needs Decision Chart if you’re not sure.

Example:

• Water → Needs
• Movie ticket → Wants

Wants vs Needs Scenario Cards

Print and cut along the lines to create 16 individual cards. Use these in your sorting and role-play activities.

1. You need to pay your rent this month.
2. You want to buy a new pair of designer jeans.
3. You need to purchase your prescription medication.
4. You want a ticket to see your favorite band in concert.
5. You need to pay the electric bill to keep the lights on.
6. You want a fancy coffee drink from a café.
7. You need bus fare to get to work.
8. You want a new video game for fun.
9. You need a warm coat for the upcoming winter.
10. You want to subscribe to a streaming service.
11. You need to buy groceries like bread and eggs.
12. You want to purchase a candy bar at the store.
13. You need a doctor’s appointment this week.
14. You want to upgrade to the latest smartphone model.
15. You need to repair your eyeglasses.
16. You want to order takeout for lunch.

Wants vs Needs Decision Chart

Use this step-by-step guide to decide whether an item or expense is a need (essential) or a want (extra). Follow each question in order and circle your answer.

1. Health & Safety
   • Is this required for my basic health or safety?
   – Yes → Need
   – No → Go to Question 2
2. Daily Function
   • Does this help me work, learn, or perform daily tasks (e.g., transportation, medical devices)?
   – Yes → Need
   – No → Go to Question 3
3. Survival Without It
   • Could I live without this without serious hardship?
   – Yes → Want
   – No → Need
4. Budget Check
   • Even if it’s a need, can I afford it within my current budget?
   – Yes → Proceed with purchase or plan
   – No → Explore alternatives (cheaper options, payment plans, or delaying purchase)
5. Final Decision
   Based on your answers above, label the item as a Need or a Want before making a spending decision.

Wants vs Needs Role-Play Script

Teacher: “Now that we’ve sorted items into wants and needs, let’s practice making these decisions in real-life situations. I’ll read each scenario and ask you to decide: is this a want or a need? Then we’ll talk about your reasoning and how it might affect your budget. Feel free to use our Wants vs Needs Decision Chart at any time.”

Scenario 1

Teacher: “Imagine you have $20 left in your budget after paying all your bills, and you want to buy a new video game that costs $60. Is this a want or a need?”

Teacher (if they say want):
• “That’s right, a video game is usually a want. Why do you think it’s a want?”


• “How might spending $60 on the game affect the rest of your week’s budget?”


• “If you still really want the game, what could you do? (For example, save a little each week or look for a sale.)”

Teacher (if they say need):
• “Interesting choice. What makes you think it’s a need?”


• “Let’s check our chart: Does it meet any health, safety, or daily-function criteria?”


• “Could you meet your essential needs first and then plan for this purchase later?”

Scenario 2

Teacher: “You’ve paid rent and utilities, and you’re considering subscribing to a new streaming service that costs $12 a month. Is this a want or a need?”

Teacher (if they say want):
• “Yes, streaming is a want. What makes it different from something you need?”


• “What could you do if you still want to watch shows—maybe a free trial or using the library’s movies?”

Teacher (if they say need):
• “Tell me why you feel it’s a need.”


• “Check the decision chart: Does it support your health, safety, or daily tasks?”


• “If it doesn’t, how could you adjust your budget to cover only your true needs first?”

Scenario 3

Teacher: “It’s lunch time, and you’re hungry. You’ve packed a sandwich, but you also want to order takeout for $15. Is ordering takeout a want or a need?”

Teacher (if they say want):
• “Exactly—takeout is a want because you already have food prepared. Why is saving money on that important?”


• “How much could you save this week by eating your sandwich instead?”

Teacher (if they say need):
• “Okay, why do you consider it a need?”


• “Let’s look at our criteria: Do you need takeout to meet your basic requirements?”


• “What might happen if you stick with your packed lunch?”

Scenario 4

Teacher: “You’ve noticed your phone is old, but it still works. A new model costs $800 upfront. Is buying the latest smartphone a want or a need?”

Teacher (if they say want):
• “Good—nice phones are wants. How does that fit into your long-term budget?”


• “What are other ways you might stay connected without spending so much?”

Teacher (if they say need):
• “Tell me your reasons.”


• “Does the chart show it’s required for safety, health, or daily tasks?”


• “If not, how could you delay or find a lower-cost option?”

Teacher: “Great work! You’ve practiced deciding wants versus needs and considered how each choice affects your budget. Keep using this role-play approach and the decision chart whenever you face spending choices.”

Wants vs Needs Reflection Journal

1. Reflect on a Past Decision

Think of a time when you chose to buy something that was a want instead of a need. Describe the situation, your choice, and the outcome.

2. What Would You Do Differently?

Using the Wants vs Needs Decision Chart, explain step by step how you would handle a similar choice next time.

3. Identify Your Needs This Week

List three items or expenses that are needs for you this week. For each, write one sentence explaining why it’s a need.

1. ________________________________ (Why: ________________________________)

1. ________________________________ (Why: ________________________________)

1. ________________________________ (Why: ________________________________)

4. Plan for Your Wants

List two things you want but will plan or save for later. For each, write one action you will take to work toward it.

1. ---

   Action: ________________________________

1. ---

   Action: ________________________________

5. Set a Goal for Next Week

Write one specific goal that uses your wants vs needs framework. Include an action step and how you will check your progress.