← Back to Classroom Smart Cents · Grades 3–5

These are sample pages from the full workbook. The complete printed book has 28 pages. Free class sets available for teachers — request kits.

Grades 3–5 🪙

Smart Cents

Saving, Goals & Smart Choices
A Fort McClellan Credit Union Workbook
Lesson 1

Set a Savings Goal

A savings goal is something you want to buy or do that takes time to save for. When you know your goal and save a little each week, you can watch your money grow until you reach it!

My plan

Pick your goal

I am saving for:  

It costs about: $ 

I can save $  each week.

Track it

My savings tracker

Each week, write how much you saved. Then add it to the week before to find your running total.

WeekAmount savedRunning total
1  
2  
3  
4  
5  
Do the math

How many weeks to reach my goal?

Goal cost $  ÷ $  saved each week =   weeks.

Grown-up tip: Help your child pick a real goal they care about — a game, a gift for someone, or a special outing. Seeing the running total climb each week makes saving feel exciting instead of like a chore.
Smart Cents · 4
Lesson 2

Ways to Earn

Money can come to you as a gift — like on your birthday — or you can earn it by doing helpful work. When you earn money, you helped make it happen. That feels great, and it adds to your savings goal!

Brainstorm

Jobs and chores I could do to earn money

Write an idea on each line, then guess what it might pay.

  • 1.     $ 
  • 2.     $ 
  • 3.     $ 
  • 4.     $ 
  • 5.     $ 
  • 6.     $ 

Ideas to get you started: walk a neighbor's dog, rake leaves, wash the car, help sort recycling, water plants.

Think about it

Which idea would you like to try first, and why?

Did you know? Earning money is a skill you can grow. Doing a job well and on time is how people build a good reputation — and often leads to more work later.
Smart Cents · 9
Lesson 3

Smart Shopper

Remember: a need is something you must have, and a want is something nice to have. A smart shopper checks the price and size before buying — sometimes the same thing costs less at a different store or in a different package!

Compare it

Which is the better deal?

Two stores sell the same box of markers. Fill in the prices, then circle the better deal.

 Option AOption B
Price
How many markers  
Better deal? (circle one)AB

Tip: to compare fairly, think about the price for one marker, not just the box.

Spot the trick

Advertising tricks to watch for

Ads try to make us want things. Match each ad phrase to what it really means.

“Everyone has one!”
It might not really be cheaper.
“Biggest sale ever!”
You don't need it just because friends do.
“Only 3 left — buy now!”
Rushing you so you won't stop to think.
Smart move: Before you buy, ask three questions: Do I need it? Is this a fair price? Could I wait and save for something better? Great shoppers slow down and think first.
Smart Cents · 15
🌟

Great work, smart saver!

This was a peek at Smart Cents. The full 28-page workbook has more savings challenges, earning ideas, smart-shopper puzzles, and a goal chart to hang up at home.

Teachers and parents can request free printed copies from Fort McClellan Credit Union.

Request free class sets →
Fort McClellan Credit Union · Since 1953