Lesson 3 of 5
Things we need and things we want
4 min read
Some things we really need, and some things we just want. A need is something we can't do without — like food to eat, water to drink, clothes to wear, and a home to live in. We need these to be healthy and safe.
A want is something nice to have, but we'd be okay without it — like sweets, toys, games, or a fancy new gadget. Wants are lovely, and it's fine to enjoy them! But they're not the same as needs. If we only had a little money, we'd buy the needs first, because those matter most.
Here's a fun game: think about things in your house. Is dinner a need or a want? (A need — we need food!) Is a new video game a need or a want? (A want — fun, but we'd be okay without it.) Learning to tell needs from wants helps you make good choices with your money when you're older.
Key terms
- Need
- Something we can't do without, like food, water, clothes and a home.
- Want
- Something nice to have but not essential, like toys or sweets.
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