You've learned the basics of needs vs. wants, but real life often presents gray areas that require deeper thinking.
Let's practice making these decisions with more complex scenarios that you'll encounter in your own budgeting.
Engagement Message
Which type of expense do you find harder to categorize: food or technology?
Type
Multiple Choice
Practice Question
Lisa drives 45 minutes to work daily in a rural area with no public transportation options. Her 10-year-old car broke down and needs $3,000 in repairs, but she could buy a reliable used car for $8,000. The car repair/purchase is:
A. Definitely a want - cars are luxury items
B. Definitely a need - she must get to work somehow
C. A want - she should take public transportation
D. It depends on available alternatives
Suggested Answers
- A
- B - Correct
- C
- D
Type
Sort Into Boxes
Practice Question
Sort these food expenses based on whether they're typically needs or wants:
Labels
- First Box Label: Food Needs
- Second Box Label: Food Wants
First Box Items
- Basic groceries
- Generic brands
- Essential nutrients
- Home cooking
Second Box Items
- Organic premium
- Daily takeout
- Gourmet dining
- Convenience foods
Type
Swipe Left or Right
Practice Question
These scenarios involve gray areas between needs and wants. Swipe based on whether each situation makes the expense more like a need or want:
