Budget Simulator: Spend, Save, Give
Split your money into three jars, pick something to save for, and find out how long it will take. Then play with the sliders to see what happens when you save a little more.
2. Split it into three jars
Your result
Saving $4.00 every week, you can buy a new LEGO set in 15 weeks.
Move 10% from Spend to Save (40 / 50 / 10) and you would get there in 12 weeks, which is 3 weeks sooner.
Spend
$5.00
per week
Save
$4.00
per week
Give
$1.00
per week
For parents: getting the most out of it
Sit with your child the first time and use their real allowance and a goal they actually want. The moment they see that moving one slider changes how many weeks they wait is the lesson: every choice about money is a trade-off between now and later.
Then make it physical. Label three jars or envelopes Spend, Save and Give, and split the allowance the same way each week. Tape a picture of the goal to the Save jar and mark progress on it. When the goal is reached, let them buy it themselves and talk about how it felt to wait.
Looking for more? Our best money books for kids and best money games cover the same ideas through stories and play.
Frequently asked questions
What is the spend, save, give method?
It is a simple way to budget for kids: every time money comes in, it is split into three jars. Spend is for small treats now, Save is for a bigger goal, and Give is for helping others. Seeing the three jars makes the trade-offs between them concrete.
What is a good split for a child's allowance?
There is no single right answer. Many families start around 50% spend, 40% save and 10% give, then adjust. Younger children often do better with a short-term goal and a larger spend jar; older kids can handle saving more for longer.
How long should a child save for a goal?
For kids around 5 to 7, a goal that takes a few weeks keeps motivation up. Kids 8 and older can usually save for a couple of months. If the simulator shows a very long wait, try a cheaper goal, a bigger save share, or ways to earn extra.
Does my child need a bank account or app for this?
No. Three clear jars or envelopes at home work well, especially for younger kids who learn best with physical money. Older kids may enjoy tracking the same split in a kids' banking app.