What Are Needs?

Needs are things you must have to stay alive, healthy, and safe. Without them, you would be in trouble!

Shelter

A home to keep you safe and warm

Food

Healthy food to keep your body strong

Water

Clean water to drink every day

Clothing

Clothes to wear and stay warm

What Are Wants?

Wants are things that are nice to have but you don't need them to survive. They make life more fun!

Toys

Fun to play with but not essential

Games

Video games and board games

Treats

Lollies, chocolate, ice cream

Latest Gadgets

Newest phone or tablet

Need or Want?

Sometimes it is tricky to tell the difference. Here are some tips:

Needs

NA warm jacket in winter

NFruit and vegetables

NA place to sleep

NMedicine when you are sick

Wants

WA brand-name jacket with a cool logo

WChocolate cake

WA new video game

WGoing to a theme park

Think About It: A plain pair of shoes is a need (you need shoes to protect your feet). But expensive brand-name shoes might be a want because cheaper shoes would do the same job!

Why We Can't Buy Everything

Money is limited — that means there is only a certain amount. Even grown-ups can't buy everything they want! That's why we have to choose what to spend our money on.

Pocket Money Choices

Imagine you get $5 pocket money each week. Here are some choices:

Bag of lollies $2.00

Small toy car $4.00

Sticker book $3.00

Save for a big toy ($20) $5.00 saved

You can't buy all of these with just $5! You have to decide what matters most to you.

Key Vocabulary

Need

Something you must have to survive — like food, water, shelter, and clothing.

Want

Something nice to have but you can live without it — like toys, games, and treats.

Budget

A plan for how to spend and save your money.

Choice

Deciding between different options. We make choices because money is limited.

Worked Examples

1

Is a raincoat a need or a want?

Think: Does it help you survive or stay safe?

Answer: A basic raincoat is a need because it keeps you dry and warm. Without it, you could get sick in the rain.

But: A fancy designer raincoat with pictures on it? That extra style is a want.

2

Maya has $10. She wants lollies ($3) and a book ($8). What should she do?

Step 1: Add up both items: $3 + $8 = $11

Step 2: Maya only has $10. She can't buy both!

Answer: Maya has to choose. She could buy the book ($8) and have $2 left over, or buy the lollies ($3) and save $7 towards something else.

3

Sort these items: milk, skateboard, school shoes, cinema ticket

Needs:

- Milk = Need (food/drink for nutrition)

- School shoes = Need (you must wear shoes to school)

Wants:

- Skateboard = Want (fun, but not essential)

- Cinema ticket = Want (entertainment, not survival)

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which of these is a need?

A new video game Clean drinking water A pet goldfish A trip to the zoo

Question 2

Which of these is a want?

A warm bed Healthy food The latest smartphone School uniform

Question 3

Tom has $8 pocket money. He wants to buy a toy for $6 and lollies for $4. What is the problem?

He has too much money Toys and lollies are both needs He has exactly enough He doesn't have enough money for both ($6 + $4 = $10)

Question 4

Why can't families buy everything they want?

Because money is limited Because shops don't have enough things Because buying things is not allowed Because they don't want anything

Question 5

Which is the best way to use $5 pocket money if you already have everything you need?

Spend it all on lollies right away Think carefully: maybe save some and spend some Throw it away Give it all to the first person you see

Needs vs Wants