Grade 6 Home Science Consumer Education – Budgeting Notes
Home Science — Consumer Education
Subtopic: Budgeting (for learners aged 11, Kenya)
What is budgeting?
A budget is a simple plan for how to use money. It helps you decide what to spend, what to save, and what to share.
Why budgeting is important
- Helps you buy school needs (books, pens).
- Lets you save for a goal (a bicycle, school trip).
- Stops you from spending all your money at the kiosk or canteen.
Money safety tip
Keep small change in a safe place (piggy bank) and ask a parent to help with M-Pesa or bank accounts.
Needs vs Wants (easy way to decide)
Needs (must-have)
- School lunch / water
- Stationery (pens, exercise books)
- Uniform and shoes
Wants (nice-to-have)
- Sweets and chips at the kiosk
- New game or toy
- Snacks from mama mboga that are extra
Simple steps to make your budget
- Write how much money you have (e.g., KES 1,000).
- List things you need this month and how much they cost.
- Decide how much to save for a goal.
- Share a small part if you want to give to family or charity.
- Check your spending each week and change the plan if needed.
Example: Monthly pocket money plan
Say you get KES 1,000 for the month. Here is one way to share it:
Green = Needs, Yellow = Wants, Blue = Saving
Budget table (KES 1,000)
Needs (50%)
KES 500
Wants (20%)
KES 200
Saving (30%)
KES 300
Total
KES 1,000
Example needs: school lunch KES 300 + exercise book KES 200. Wants: sweets and airtime. Saving: put KES 300 in piggy bank for a school trip or bicycle.
Try this 1-week money activity (easy)
Track every coin you spend this week. Use the small table below to write how much you spent each day.
Day
What I bought
Amount (KES)
Monday
___________
________
Tuesday
___________
________
Wednesday
___________
________
Thursday
___________
________
Friday
___________
________
Saturday
___________
________
Sunday
___________
________
Quick saving ideas (for students in Kenya)
- Save KES 20 each day in a piggy bank — small amounts add up.
- Buy fruits at the market when they are in season — they cost less.
- Share snacks with friends instead of buying alone.
- Compare prices at two shops before buying school items.
Remember:
A budget is a friendly plan — it should help you reach what you want and make sure you have what you need. Talk to your parent or teacher if you are not sure about money choices.
Have fun saving! 🐷💰