Know Where It Goes
Track every dollar coming in and going out so nothing mysteriously disappears from your wallet or piggy bank.
Reach Your Goals
Want a new game, a bike, or to save up for something big? A budget turns those dreams into a concrete plan.
Reduce Stress
Knowing exactly where your money stands feels way better than guessing and hoping you have enough.
The Pizza Budget
Draw a circle and divide it like a pizza. Each slice represents a category of spending (food, fun, savings, giving). Then label the slices with how you would split $20. Share with a partner did you slice it the same way?
✅ Needs
Things you must have to live safely and healthily.
- Food and clean water
- A safe place to sleep
- Basic clothing for weather
- School supplies
- Medicine when sick
💭 Wants
Fun stuff you'd like to have, but can totally live without.
- The latest video game
- Trendy sneakers
- Streaming subscriptions
- Giant candy bars
- Designer accessories
Prioritizing Your Bills: The "Must Pay" List
Pay Critical Bills First
Things like rent, electricity, and food always come before anything fun. These are non-negotiable.
Then the Necessities
Phone or internet you use for school or staying connected with family. These support daily life.
Fun Money Last
Entertainment and extras are only budgeted after the important stuff is fully handled.
Need It or Want It?
Sort the following 10 items into "Need" or "Want" then compare with a classmate. Discuss any items you disagreed on.
- A winter coat · New Jordans · Lunch at school · A gaming headset
- Toothpaste · A Netflix subscription · A school backpack · Bubble tea
- Pencils and notebooks · Concert tickets
💰 Assets
Things you own that hold value.
- Money in a savings account
- A bicycle you own outright
- Electronics you've fully paid for
- Cash on hand
- Gift cards with remaining balance
💳 Liabilities
Money you owe to someone else.
- Cash borrowed from a friend
- A loan or debt to repay
- An unpaid bill
- Anything bought on credit
- Money owed to a parent
Growing Your Assets
Every time you save money or buy something that holds its value, you're building assets. Consistent saving is the most reliable way to grow your net worth over time.
Minimizing Liabilities
Avoid borrowing money unless absolutely necessary. When you do borrow, have a clear plan to pay it back quickly. Debt that grows is a drain on your future.
My Mini Net Worth Statement
Use real or made-up numbers to fill in this quick balance sheet:
- Assets: Savings $___ + Items you own (estimate value) $___
- Liabilities: Money you owe anyone $___
- Net Worth = Assets − Liabilities = $___
Is your net worth positive or negative? What's one thing you could do this week to improve it?
Spend
Cover everyday needs and small planned purchases. Aim for about half of what you receive.
Save
Set money aside for future goals, big or small. Try saving at least 30% every time you get paid.
Give
Donate to causes or people you care about. Even a small percentage can make a real difference.
Tracking Your Treasure: Tools to Help
Notebook & Pen
Simple, no phone needed. Write down every dollar in and out. Old school but it absolutely works.
Budgeting Apps
Free apps like Goodbudget or PocketGuard make tracking super easy right from your phone.
Spreadsheets
Google Sheets or Excel let you build a fully customized digital budget you can update anytime.
Split the $40
You just received $40 for helping a neighbor with yard work. Using the 50/30/20 rule, calculate exactly how much goes into each bucket:
- Spend (50%) = $___
- Save (30%) = $___
- Give (20%) = $___
Now write down specifically what you'd spend on, what you're saving toward, and who or what you'd give to.
Count Your Income
List every source of money you receive allowance, gifts, babysitting, pet sitting, odd jobs. Add it all up to find your total monthly income.
Separate Needs from Wants
Sort your planned spending into essentials first. Make sure every need is covered before allocating money to wants.
Split Into Your Buckets
Allocate your income to Spend, Save, and Give using the 50/30/20 framework or your own adjusted percentages that make sense for your situation.
Track Weekly & Adjust
Check in every week. Did you stay in each bucket? If not, that's okay adjust and try again. Budgeting improves with practice, not perfection.
It's a Superpower
Most adults wish they had learned this earlier. By mastering budgeting now, you're building a skill that will compound in value for your entire life.
Dream Big
With patience and discipline, your financial goals are absolutely within reach. Every dollar you track today is practice for every dollar you'll earn tomorrow.
My First Real Budget
Create a one-month personal budget using everything from this unit:
- List your income sources and total monthly amount
- Categorize your expenses as Needs or Wants
- Apply the Spend / Save / Give buckets
- Set one specific savings goal with a target date
- Choose a tracking tool (notebook, app, or spreadsheet)
- Write 2–3 sentences: what will be hardest about sticking to this budget, and why is it worth it?
Unit Complete!
You've finished all 5 lessons of Your Money, Your Future. You now have the knowledge and tools to take real control of your financial life. The habits start now.