🛒 Lessons with Amir & Aryah: Lesson 3

Spend with Purpose: Wants, Needs, and Wise Choices

Welcome back, money mission families!

In the last lesson, Amir and Aryah learned the power of saving and how waiting can lead to something even better. This time, we’re taking a closer look at another important part of the journey: spending.

Yes, the Spend Jar is fun, but it’s also a place to learn about wisdom, limits, and learning to say “yes” and “no” for the right reasons.

 

💡 What’s the Difference Between Wants and Needs?

Before Amir bought that soccer ball, he had to decide if it was a want or a need. Aryah once picked glitter markers over candy because she knew she’d enjoy them longer.

Needs are things we can’t live without like food, clothing, and shelter.
Wants are things we enjoy, but don’t always have to buy.

Aryah said it best: “Just because I want it doesn’t mean I need it. And just because I can buy it doesn’t mean I should.”

 

🧠 Character Focus: Wisdom

Spending with purpose means using wisdom, not just impulse.

We want to teach kids that spending is not bad. In fact, it’s a great part of money management. But spending wisely is what makes all the difference.

Amir and Aryah learned to pause and ask:

“Is this something I’ll still care about tomorrow?”
“Could I find a better use for this money?”

Teaching these questions early helps kids grow up with confidence and self-control.

 

🏡 Try This at Home: The Wants vs Needs Sort

1.    Grab a piece of paper and draw two columns: Wants and Needs
2.    Let your child cut out or draw pictures of things they like (toys, food, games, clothes, etc.)
3.    Sort each item into the right column and talk about why it fits there
4.    Then give them $3 to $5 in real or pretend money and ask,
“Which of these would you spend your money on today?”

Let the conversation guide the lesson.

 

💬 Family Conversation Starter:

“Have you ever bought something and later wished you hadn’t? What would you do differently next time?”

Talk it through. Real lessons often come from real mistakes.

 

📚 Coming Next:

Lesson 4 – Give With Your Heart: Why Generosity Builds Character

Let’s keep building kids who are wise with money and even wiser in heart.