Cadettes
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Cadette Budgeting Badge Activity
Story Share
Stories about the choices we’ve made.
Activity Details
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Materials needed:
- Pens or pencils
- Ruled or plain paper
- A computer, tablet, or phone with internet access (optional)
Setup: Practice budgeting for your values by finding out how others make decisions about their budgets.
Activity: There are many ways to spend your money and plenty of things to want or need. When assessing how to spend your money, think about your priorities, values, and what you can afford. The simplest way to decide if something is worth spending money on is by creating a budget, which is a plan for spending on things you want and need, saving money for future wants and needs, and giving money to help others. You can also take things a step further by thinking about where you spend your money; maybe you want to make sure you support businesses and organizations that also line up with your values. One of the many ways to learn budgeting is from other people. Speaking with those who have “been there, done that” when it comes to spending and saving money can offer you great insight into what you should and shouldn’t do for smart money management.
Talk to at least three adults about how they make choices when it comes to budgeting money. You may want to find out:
- How do you decide how much money to save and how much to spend?
- Have your priorities for saving and spending evolved over time? If so, why and how?
- What have been the biggest issues that have caused unexpected changes in your budget?
- What has been your greatest financial lesson so far?
- How do you decide which businesses to support and which organizations or causes you to give to?
Keep a running list of answers from the adults you talk to, and use your best judgment to create budgeting priorities for yourself!
- What should you save for right now?
- What should you spend money on?
Now’s a great time to plan!
Reflection:
Think about these questions:
- What is the most eye-opening thing you discovered about budgeting?
- How do you imagine your personal budget will evolve over the next few years?
- How can you share what you’ve learned about budgeting with other girls?
Girl Scout Activity Zone activities have been adapted from existing Girl Scout programming.
Adapted from Step 1 of the Cadette Budget Manager badge. Purchase the badge requirements to complete the steps and earn the badge.
Made possible by a generous gift from Toyota Financial Services.
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