Priority Power Slides Mindful Money Lab
Needs, Wants,
& Values
Defining our priorities in a world of endless choices.
Let's Debate
Smartphone
Need or Want?
Designer Shoes
Need or Want?
Why? What makes the difference?
The Core Definitions
Needs
Goods or services that are required for survival and basic health.
Examples: Water, basic shelter, nutrition, healthcare.
Wants
Goods or services that are not necessary but that we desire or wish for.
Examples: Streaming services, candy, gaming consoles, vacations.
Wait... It's not always simple?
A winter coat is a need in Alaska.
CONTEXT MATTERS
Our environment, jobs, and health change what becomes a "need."
The Value Filter
Why do two people with the same money spend it differently?
Personal Values
What do I care about most? (Family, Art, Sport, Earth)
Goals
What am I working toward? (Saving for a bike, college, a trip)
Influence
Who is watching? (Friends, Social Media, Celebrities)
Lab Mission 01
Time to categorize your life! We're going to use the Value Filter Worksheet to build your own hierarchy of priorities.
1
Sort Items
2
Apply Context
3
Rank Priorities
The Value Filter Worksheet The Value Filter
Mindful Money Lab // Investigation 01
Name
Date
Part 1: The Sorting Bin
Categorize the items below into Needs (Survival/Health) or Wants (Desire). Think about basic versions of these items vs. luxury versions.
Needs
Wants
Clean Water Video Game Pass Antibiotics Designer Sneakers Nutritious Food Movie Tickets Basic Shelter High-End Laptop Dental Checkup Concert Merchandise
Part 2: The Context Shift
Select ONE item from your "Wants" list above. Explain a specific situation where that "Want" could suddenly become a "Need."
Item:
Context/Reason:
Part 3: Personal Priority Pyramid
Everyone values things differently. Rank your own personal "Wants" from most important to least important. What would you save up for first?
Top Priority
Lower Priority
Reflect: Why is your #1 Priority at the top? Needs vs Wants Facilitation Guide Needs vs. Wants Facilitation Guide
Mindful Money Lab // Teacher Resource 01
Duration
45-50 Minutes
Materials
Slide Deck, "Value Filter" Worksheet, Post-it notes (optional)
Key Skill
Prioritization
Instructional Flow
1
The Hook: "Smartphone Duel" (8 min)
Use Slide 2. Ask students if a smartphone is a need or a want. "Could you survive without it? What if your parents didn't have a house phone and used it for work?"
2
Definitions & Context (12 min)
Present Slides 3-4. Emphasize that "Needs" are biological and safety requirements. Everything else is a choice shaped by context. Discuss the Alaska vs. Florida coat example.
3
The Value Filter Worksheet (20 min)
Hand out the worksheet. Students work independently or in pairs to sort items and build their Priority Pyramid. Walk around and challenge their choices.
4
Synthesis Discussion (10 min)
Ask: "Did anyone have a Want as their #1 priority? Why?" Highlight that having wants isn't bad; it's about being aware of them.
Deep-Dive Prompts
• "How does social media turn our 'wants' into 'needs' in our own minds?"
• "Can a luxury item (like a car) be a need? Where is the line between 'transportation' (need) and 'status' (want)?"
• "What happens to a person's stress levels when their priorities are confused?"
Support
Provide a pre-filled list of definitions. Group students to discuss the context shifts together.
Extension
Ask students to research "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" and compare it to their own Priority Pyramid.
Inside the Impulse Slides Mindful Money Lab
Inside the
Impulse
The psychology of why we buy (right now).
The Check-Out Trap
Why is candy, gum, and cheap tech always located right next to the cash register?
"Decision Fatigue"
By the time you're checking out, your brain is tired of making decisions. You're more likely to say "yes" to an impulse buy.
90% of checkout sales are unplanned
What is Impulse Buying?
The Definition
Purchasing an item without planning to do so in advance. It's driven by a sudden, powerful urge.
Fueled by emotion, not logic.
Happens in seconds.
Often followed by "Buyer's Remorse."
Know Your Triggers
What "feeling" makes you want to open your wallet?
FOMO
Fear of Missing Out / Peer Pressure
Boredom
Shopping just for something to do
Stress
"Retail Therapy" to feel better
Hunger
Everything looks good when you're hungry
The Store Maze
Eye-Level is Buy-Level
Companies pay more to have products at eye height.
The Essentials Hunt
Milk and bread are always at the back, so you pass everything else.
Are You Being Tracked?
Stores use lighting, music, and even scents to keep you relaxed and buying longer.
Lab Mission 02
"Know thy enemy, know thyself."
You are going to map your own Spending Triggers and identify the tricks used in your favorite store or app.
Start Trigger Map
Spending Trigger Map Worksheet Spending Trigger Map
Mindful Money Lab // Investigation 02
Name
Date
Part 1: The Emotional Pulse
Reflect on the last 3 things you bought (or asked someone to buy for you). Be honest about how you were feeling at that exact moment.
Item The Feeling (Stress, Boredom, Joy, FOMO?) Was it Planned?
Part 2: My Personal Hot Zones
Check your most frequent triggers:
Boredom (Scrolling apps or malls)
Social Pressure (Wanting to fit in)
Sales/Discounts ("It's a steal!")
Celebrity/Influencer Recommendations
Stress or "A Bad Day"
Trigger Analysis
Pick one trigger you checked. Why does this specific feeling make you want to spend?
Part 3: Store Layout Detective
Think of a store you visit often (Target, Sephora, GameStop, Grocery Store, etc.). Answer the following based on their layout.
1. Where are the "Essentials" located? (Milk, batteries, phone chargers)
2. What do you see right next to the checkout line?
3. Describe the "Vibe" (Music, lighting, colors). How does it make you feel?
The Counter-Strike
Next time you walk into this store and feel the urge to buy something unplanned, what is one specific action you can take to stop the impulse?
The Trade Off Slides Mindful Money Lab
The
Trade-Off
Mastering the concept of Opportunity Cost.
Is it worth it?
$60.00
Video Game
6 HOURS
Work ($10/hr)
"Every choice is a trade-off."
Opportunity Cost
The next best alternative you give up when you make a choice.
It's not just about the money you spend.
It's about the other things you can't do because of that choice.
The "Real Cost" Formula
1. Labor Cost
Divide the price by your hourly wage to see how many hours of your life that item costs.
$Price ÷ $Wage = HOURS
2. Foregone Choice
What else could you buy with that same amount of money? (Multiple lower-cost items vs. one big item).
$60 = 12 Burritos 🌯
What's the Opportunity Cost?
A
Choosing to buy a $15 movie ticket instead of saving for a $150 pair of sneakers.
B
Choosing to spend 2 hours scrolling social media instead of studying for a math test.
C
Choosing to eat out at lunch ($12) every day for a week instead of packing a lunch ($3).
Lab Mission 03
Time to do the math. We're going to calculate the Real Cost of your "Want" list from Lesson 1.
Calculate Labor
Identify Alternatives
Real Cost Calculator Worksheet Real Cost Calculator
Mindful Money Lab // Investigation 03
Name
Date
Part 1: The Life-Hour Translation
Assume you earn an hourly wage of $12.00 (after chores, a part-time job, or chores). Calculate how many hours of work it takes to "earn" each item.
Desired Item Price ($) Math (Price / $12) Real Cost (Hours) Fancy Burrito Bowl $15.00 $15 / $12 1.25 Hours New Video Game $72.00 Smartwatch $240.00 Your choice: $
Part 2: Alternative Options
For each scenario below, identify the Opportunity Cost (the thing you are giving up).
Scenario 1
You spend $20 on a movie ticket and popcorn tonight.
Opportunity Cost:
Scenario 2
You stay up until 2 AM playing games instead of sleeping.
Opportunity Cost:
Part 3: Decision Deep Dive
Think of one item you REALLY want right now. It could be expensive!
Item Name:
Estimated Price:
If you buy this item, list THREE other things you definitely cannot buy with that same money:
Conclusion: Is the "Opportunity Cost" worth the item? Explain your reasoning.
Wait and Win Slides Mindful Money Lab
Wait
& Win
Strategies for mastering delayed gratification.
1 Now or 2 Later?
In the famous Marshmallow Test , kids were told: "You can eat one marshmallow now, OR if you wait until I get back, you can have two."
Delayed Gratification
Resisting a small immediate reward in order to obtain a more valuable reward in the future.
WAIT
24 HOURS
The 24-Hour Rule
Never buy an impulse "want" immediately.
Put the item back or leave it in your online cart.
Wait 24 full hours. Sleep on it.
If you still "need" it tomorrow, consider buying.
The Envelope Method
Physical Control
Divide your cash into labeled envelopes (e.g., Savings, Fun, Lunch). Once an envelope is empty, you're done spending in that category for the month.
Visual Feedback
You can literally see how much you have left.
Decision Buffer
You have to consciously choose to open that specific envelope.
The Utility Filter
Before you buy, ask the "Golden Questions":
Frequency
"How many times will I actually use this next week?"
Longevity
"Will this still be cool/useful in 6 months?"
The Goal
"Is this taking me closer or further from my big goal?"
Defense Drill
Time to practice your defense. You'll be given "Impulse Scenarios" and you must use one of today's strategies to defend your money.
Begin Defense
Impulse Defense Drill Worksheet Impulse Defense Drill
Mindful Money Lab // Investigation 04
Name
Date
Your Defensive Arsenal
A. The 24-Hour Rule
"Sleep on it before you swipe."
B. The Life-Hour Check
"How many hours of work is this?"
C. The Envelope Check
"Do I have physical cash for this?"
Part 2: Active Defense
Scenario 01
You're scrolling social media and see a "Limited Time" 50% off sale for a hoodie from your favorite influencer. It expires in 2 hours.
Best Defense Strategy (A, B, or C?):
Explain how you'd apply it:
Scenario 02
You're at the mall with friends. They are all buying $10 smoothies. You didn't plan to spend money today, but you feel awkward being the only one not drinking one.
Best Defense Strategy (A, B, or C?):
Explain how you'd apply it:
Scenario 03
A new expansion pack for your favorite game just dropped. It costs $30. You have the money in your bank account, but you're saving for a new bike ($400).
Best Defense Strategy (A, B, or C?):
Explain how you'd apply it:
My Personal "Cooling Off" Rule
From now on, I will not spend more than $__________ without waiting for __________ hours/days.
Instead of scrolling shopping apps when I'm bored, I will __________________________________.
Signed: __________________________________________________
Mindful Masterplan Slides Mindful Money Lab
The
Mindful
Synthesizing your skills into a blueprint for life.
Your Spending System
Don't rely on willpower. Rely on a SYSTEM . Today, you are creating your own "Decision Flowchart" to filter every purchase.
Ask
Calculate
Wait
Decide
System Checklist
01
The Need/Want Filter
Is this essential for survival or a desire?
02
The Real Cost Check
How many hours of my life does this cost?
03
The Opportunity Cost
What am I giving up to have this?
The Goal
Create a visual map that guides you through these questions. If any question fails, the path leads to "Don't Buy."
LET'S BUILD IT
Masterplan Requirements
Clarity
The flowchart is easy to follow with clear Yes/No paths.
Vocabulary
Uses terms: Opportunity Cost, Need/Want, 24-Hour Rule.
Personalization
Includes at least one personal trigger or value-based question.
Become the Master
You are no longer a target for marketers. You are a Mindful Consumer .
Workshop Phase: Start Blueprints
Buy It Or Bye It Flowchart Project Buy-It-Or-Bye-It Flowchart
Mindful Money Lab // Final Project
Name
Date
The Blueprint Challenge
Create a visual decision-making flowchart that you can use every time you consider buying something that isn't a basic need. Your flowchart should include "Yes/No" branches and lead to a final decision: "Buy It" or "Bye It" (Save your money).
Phase 1: Your Filter Questions
List the key questions you want to include in your system. We recommend at least 4 filters.
1
2
3
4
Phase 2: The Flowchart Canvas
START HERE
Draw Your Map
Shapes Guide:
Question / Decision Point
Buy It Result
Bye It Result
Project Reflection: How will this system help you reach your long-term goals? Mindful Spending Rubric Mindful Spending Rubric
Mindful Money Lab // Assessment Resource
This rubric is designed to assess the Buy-It-Or-Bye-It Flowchart project. Focus on how well students integrated the psychological and economic concepts discussed throughout the sequence.
Criteria Mastery (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Concept Integration Seamlessly includes Needs/Wants, Opportunity Cost, and 24-Hour Rule. Includes at least 2 key concepts correctly. Includes only 1 concept or misinterprets concepts. Logical Flow The flowchart is highly logical; every "Yes/No" path leads to a sensible conclusion. Mostly logical flow; easy to navigate with minor dead ends. Confusing flow; paths cross or don't lead to a clear outcome. Personalization Customized with personal triggers (e.g., Boredom) and specific long-term goals. Contains general triggers but lacks personal connection. Very generic; looks like a textbook example with no personal touch. Visual Design Clean, organized, uses symbols consistently, and is highly professional. Legible and neat; clear labels and distinct shapes used. Messy or difficult to read; lacks consistent use of symbols.
Teacher Observations
Strengths
Target for Growth
Total Score: ________ / 16
Mindful Consumer Certified
