Penny's Needs vs. Wants Challenge
Help Penny sort everyday choices, then decide what matters first.
Free · 2 pages · US Letter · Student sheet + grown-up guide
“What should I do with my money?”What would you choose?
Online practice stays on this page. Download the PDF to keep a paper copy.
A question to grow on.
What makes something a need today? What could you plan to save for later?
Grown-up notes & answer guide
A need supports health, safety, or basic daily life. A want is an extra we would like. Wants can be worth saving for, too.
The answers below use the situations written on the sheet. Needs can change with context; listen to the child's explanation.
Invite children to draw, point, or answer out loud. Keep the conversation kind: families have different needs and resources.
Answer key / example: Water: need. A warm coat in cold weather: need. A toy robot: want. A filling meal: need. An extra sticker set: want. A third soccer ball when two work well: want.
Vocabulary reference: CFPB youth financial education glossary.