Shop with a Budget
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What you will learn
- 1Set a budget and write a shopping list before you shop
- 2Choose needs before wants
- 3Compare prices to find the better deal
- 4Keep a running total and work out the money left
- 5Check the change after you pay
Mini Lesson
A budget is the amount of money you decide to spend before you even walk into the store. Stores are full of bright packages and special offers that tempt you to spend more than you planned. Smart shoppers make a list, buy what they need first, compare prices, and add up as they go, so they never get a surprise at the checkout. With a little planning, the same money buys more of what you really need.
🏠 The Life Skills Way (step by step)
- SET your budget: decide how much you can spend, like $20, before you leave home.
- MAKE a list: write down what you need, and stick to the list in the store.
- NEEDS before WANTS: buy the things you must have first, like milk and bread, then see if any money is left for a treat.
- COMPARE prices: the same food can come in different sizes and brands, so check which one gives you more for your money.
- KEEP a running total: add each price as it goes in the basket, so you always know how much you have spent.
- CHECK the change: count the money you get back before you leave the checkout.
🏷️ Finding the Better Deal
- PRICE per item: one apple for $2, or a bag of 4 apples for $4? Divide $4 by 4 apples - that is $1 each, so the bag is the better deal.
- ONLY if you need it: a big pack is only a good deal if you will really use it all before it goes bad.
- SPECIAL offers: "buy 2, get 1 free" only saves money on things that are already on your list.
- LEAVE it for next time: if your running total is close to your budget, put a want back - that is a smart choice, not a failure.
Shop with a grown-up and keep your money safe. Keep your money in a zippered pocket or wallet, never show a stranger how much you have, and stay where your grown-up can see you. If you get lost in a store, stop where you are and ask the nearest store worker for help.
Words to know
budget
The amount of money you decide to spend before you shop.
e.g. My budget for snacks is $10.
need
Something you must have, like food for meals.
want
Something nice to have but you can manage without, like a treat.
running total
The amount you have spent so far, added up as you go.
price per item
How much one thing costs when it comes in a pack - divide the price by the number of items.
change
The money you get back when you pay more than the price.
💡 Handy Tip: write your budget at the top of your list and the price next to each item as it goes in the basket. Take away each price from your budget as you go - the number left tells you right away if there is room for one more thing.
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