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Lesson 1: Spending Wisely

Name(s) of student(s):

Age and grade level:

Goal from IEP connected to lesson:

Objective from IEP connected to lesson:

Purpose of lesson: To make informed decisions on purchases.

Materials needed: Internet access, grocery store, grocery advertisements and coupons

Introduction

“You receive your first paycheck—what an exciting day! Have you experienced the thrill? Enter the decision-making capabilities. Likely for the first time in your life, you have the freedom to purchase without asking permission. How will you spend your money? Whether you have small or large expenses, or are buying essentials or nonessentials, your money will last longer if you spend it wisely. Let’s talk about principles for purchasing.”

Discussion: Principles for Purchasing

“I will provide you with principles for purchasing using the example of shopping for food. You take a trip to the grocery store and are greeted with what feel like endless options. Do you purchase what tastes immediately satisfying (chips, cookies, soda)? Do you purchase what is absolute cheapest, no matter what it may be (noodles for every meal)? Do you purchase food that invests in your health and tastes satisfying (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, meat, dairy)?”

“You must decide on your priorities and spend accordingly. If a top priority is getting the highest quality product (groceries) for your money, there are methods you can apply that will help you spend wisely. Here are a few. Feel free to add to them:

  • Compare prices. When grocery shopping, compare the price of the food per ounce, usually listed on the price tag attached to the shelf. (You may need a magnifier or to ask a personal shopper for assistance.) You may find it is most cost-efficient to purchase items in bulk.
  • Purchase items on sale or gently used. When grocery shopping, consider planning meals and snacks around sale items or seasonal fruit and vegetables. Use coupons when possible.
  • Don’t impulse buy. When grocery shopping, have a grocery list or at least a general plan of ingredients to purchase. If available, look through a promotional ad featuring sale items and coupons ahead of time. Additionally, grocery shop when full. You will be far less tempted to spend money on everything that sounds tasty.
  • Know what you are purchasing. When grocery shopping, do your homework on food you want in your body. Understand what foods provide nourishment and what foods leave you merely momentarily satisfied. Make informed choices about the quality of the product.”

Exercise: Grocery Store

Have the client plan a healthy and satisfying breakfast, lunch, and dinner based on sale and seasonal items at his local grocery store. Take a field trip to the grocery store and compare the prices of items on the grocery list. If possible, purchase items for one meal and prepare the meal.

Exercise: Big-Ticket Item

The student can decide on a big-ticket item (perhaps over $100) he would like to purchase. He should research possible brands to determine the best quality for the money and compare prices including athe cost of a gently used product.

Review

“Today we explored making wise and informed choices with our money. It pays to research products and prices before purchasing.”

Progress notes, data collection, comments, and modifications:

 

 

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