These are sample pages from the full workbook. The complete printed book has 32 pages. Free class sets available for teachers — request kits.
A budget is just a plan for your money. Every plan has two sides: income (money that comes in) and expenses (money that goes out). For example, say you get $10 allowance, $15 in birthday money, and earn $20 mowing a lawn — that's $45 coming in. If you spend $8 on snacks and $12 on a game, that's $20 going out. The goal is to spend less than you bring in so there's something left over.
Write in a dollar amount for each row that fits you. Leave a row at $0 if it doesn't apply.
| Money in | Amount |
|---|---|
| Allowance | $ |
| Gifts | $ |
| Earnings (chores, jobs) | $ |
| Total money in | $ |
| Money out | Amount |
|---|---|
| Snacks | $ |
| Games & fun | $ |
| Savings | $ |
| Giving | $ |
| Total money out | $ |
Left over = money in − money out = $
A checking account holds money you use for everyday spending. A debit card is linked to that account — when you tap or swipe it, the money comes straight out of your balance. That's different from a credit card, which borrows money you have to pay back. The catch with a debit card: if you spend more than your balance, you can trigger an overdraft, and the account can charge a fee. So it pays to always know your balance.
Every time money moves, write it down and update the balance. The first two rows are done for you.
| Date | Description | Money out | Money in | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/1 | Starting balance | — | $40.00 | |
| 9/3 | Movie ticket | $12.00 | $28.00 | |
Interest is the price of using money. When you save, the financial institution pays you interest for keeping your money there. When you borrow, you pay interest to them. Example: put $100 in savings that earns 4% a year and you'd have about $104 after one year — the extra $4 is interest you earned. Borrow $100 at 20% and you'd owe about $120 — that $20 is interest you paid.
Because a credit union works for its members instead of investors, it can often pay a little more interest on savings and charge a little less on loans.
This was a peek at Money Moves. The full 32-page workbook has more budgeting challenges, banking scenarios, savings-goal trackers, and a smart-money quiz.
Teachers can request free printed copies from Fort McClellan Credit Union.
Request free class sets →