"Unexpected Expenses" | Budgeting & Smart Money Choices Packet | Grades 3–6

Budgeting & Smart Money Choices: Handling Unexpected Expenses | Grades 3–6

Help your students build real-life money skills with this engaging resource focused on handling unexpected expenses! Perfect for upper-elementary learners, this packet introduces surprise costs (like a broken bike tire, lost lunchbox, or extra school fee) and guides students through problem-solving, prioritizing needs, and making smart spending decisions.

Each short story presents a realistic scenario, followed by charts, activities, and guided discussion questions that encourage kids to think critically about budgeting and financial choices.

✨ What’s Included:

• 5 engaging stories about real-life unexpected expenses
• 5 interactive activities (charts, ranking, planning, problem-solving)
• 15+ guided discussion questions to spark meaningful conversations
• Printable worksheets that are easy to use in small groups, whole class lessons, or independent work

💡 Skills Covered:

• Recognizing and planning for unexpected costs
• Prioritizing needs vs. wants
• Building flexibility into money decisions
• Creative problem-solving and financial decision-making

👉 This packet is part of the Budgeting & Smart Money Choices Bundle, which covers:
- Needs vs. Wants
- Saving for a Goal
- Unexpected Expenses
- Comparing Costs & Making Smart Choices
- Earning Money & Budgeting Income (this product!)
- Impulse Spending & Peer Pressure

Help your students gain confidence and practical skills they can use now and in the future! Use this as a stand-alone resource or grab the full bundle for a complete money smarts curriculum

Together, the bundle includes 5 categories, 25 stories, 25 activities, and 75+ discussion questions that cover the full range of financial literacy skills for grades 3–6.

LOOK AT THE FREEBIE TO TRY THIS OUT!

Download today and help students navigate making smart money decisions!

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