Worksheet on managing money with a focus on mindful spending and saving.

Let’s go step by step.

We are given two scenarios and asked: “What would you do?” — meaning, what is the smart money choice based on the MOONEY acronym?

First, let’s recall what MOONEY stands for (from the worksheet):

- M – Manage: Managing money = positive action → self-control
- O – Own: Paying what you owe = positive action → gain trust from others
- N – Need: Only buy what you need, not everything that makes you happy
- E – Earn: Work for your money → feeling of satisfaction
- Y – You: You’re responsible for your own money → can begin saving and spending wisely

Now, let’s look at each scenario:

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Scenario 1: Isabelle

> Isabelle has been saving up for a bike since her birthday. She sees a toy that she wants to buy with her money. Buying the toy would use all of the money she had saved for the bike and she would have to start over.

She’s been saving for something important (a bike). The toy is a want, not a need. If she buys the toy, she loses all her progress toward the bike.

According to MOONEY:
- N (Need): Don’t buy things just because they make you happy — only what you need.
- Y (You): You’re responsible for your money — so think ahead.
- M (Manage): Managing money means making smart choices — like sticking to your goal.

→ Smart choice: Keep saving for the bike. Don’t spend it on the toy.

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Scenario 2: Roman

> Roman babysits his cousin and gets paid $10 each time. After each time, he stops on the way home and spends all of his money on soda and candy. He has just finished babysitting again and decides whether to spend his money on a trip to the store or put his money in his wallet or piggy bank.

He earns money (good!), but then immediately spends it all on snacks (soda and candy) — which are wants, not needs.

According to MOONEY:
- E (Earn): He’s earning money — great! But...
- N (Need): Soda and candy aren’t needs — they’re treats.
- Y (You): He’s responsible for his money — so he should save some.
- M (Manage): Managing money means not blowing it all right away.

→ Smart choice: Put the $10 in his wallet or piggy bank. Save it. Maybe later he can buy something more meaningful — or even save for a bigger goal.

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So, putting it together:

For Isabelle: Keep saving for the bike.
For Roman: Put the money in his wallet/piggy bank — don’t spend it on soda and candy.

Final Answer:
Isabelle should keep saving for her bike instead of buying the toy. Roman should put his $10 in his wallet or piggy bank instead of spending it on soda and candy.