Spending Plans
Before you spend your money, you can make a plan for where you want it to go.
How managing money works
A familiar starting point
You already know MyKidsMoney's Spend / Save / Give approach — for example, $5 split into $2 Spend, $2 Save, $1 Give. Another child, or another family, might choose completely different amounts. The important part isn't the exact split — it's having a plan at all.
Planning for $15
You have $15. You want a $5 treat, to save towards a $30 goal, to give $1, and to keep some money available. How would you plan it?
There's no single correct answer — try making your own plan and see what feels right.
Because money is limited
A plan helps because you can't do everything with the same money at once. This connects directly to Making Choices With Limited Money and Trade-offs.
Plans can change
If something costs more than expected, or you simply change your mind, you can adjust your plan. A budget is a tool, not a rule that can never change.
My Money Plan
You have $20. How much will you Spend, Save, Give, and keep available? What are you saving for, and why did you choose those amounts?
There's no single correct answer here — the goal is thinking it through and being able to explain your own choices.
Let your child make their own decisions here. Ask questions rather than telling them what to do — the goal is building confidence and understanding, not landing on the "right" plan.
Managing Money complete!
You've learned how to make a plan for your money:
Next up: as you get older, you'll encounter another side of money — borrowing it, and paying it back.