Saving Up: Needs vs Wants (Year 3–5)

💷 Financial Literacy Years 3–5 Foundation

Learn the difference between what we need and what we want, and how saving a little each week helps you reach a goal.

Open this lesson, with practice and a printable worksheet →

Sometimes we cannot buy something straight away. Saving means keeping a little money safe now, so you can buy something bigger later — it teaches patience.

Why this matters: When you save, you learn patience and you do not waste money. Being content with what you have is a beautiful habit, and saving helps you plan for what truly matters.

Needs and wants

A need is something we really must have, like food, water, clothes and a home. A want is something nice to have, but we can live happily without it, like a new toy or sweets.

NeedsWants
Healthy foodSweets
Warm clothesA new toy
A place to sleepA video game

How to save for something

You do not need lots of money all at once — a small amount saved often grows into enough.

Put these saving steps in order:

  1. Decide what you want to buy
  2. Set a saving goal
  3. Save a little each week
  4. Reach your goal and buy it
Save £2 each week in a jar.
Week 1: £2, Week 2: £4, Week 3: £6, Week 4: £8, Week 5: £10.
After 5 weeks you have £10!

To plan, ask: how much does it cost, and how much can I save each week?

A book costs £6. You save £3 each week.
Week 1: £3, Week 2: £6. It takes 2 weeks.

Sort each item into the right group:

  • Healthy food
  • Warm clothes
  • A place to sleep
  • Sweets
  • A new toy
  • A video game
Get the printable worksheet →
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