Topic Summary
Do you really need that item?
A need is anything that you require to maintain your physical, emotional, and financial health. Examples include clothing, food and housing. A want is something that can improve the quality of your life.
For example, buying a designer jacket: you need clothing, but that’s an expensive option.
To work out if something is a need or a want, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I really need this item to live and function?
- Can I get this in a less expensive way, like choosing a different brand?
- Would your life be different with this item? You may get more compliments or attention, but is that a compliment for you or a jacket?
Buying a designer jacket is a want.
Question
Which of the following costs is a need?
Discussion
Have a chat with an adult, find out when they think ‘new trainers’ might be a want, and when they be a need?
How it works in real life
Think about the purchases an adult might make each week. How many are there? Can you divide them into ‘wants’ and ‘needs’?