A want is to have a desire or a wish for something. Sometimes the thing you wish to have is called a want.

A need is to require something because they are essential or very important, not just because you would like to have them.

A priority is something that you think is more important than other things and should be dealt with first.

What is the difference between wants, needs and priorities?

Financial education

This unit teaches financial priorities, simple budgeting, spending methods, and online spending awareness.

Making money decisions

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Something that you think is more important than other things.

Imagine you are going camping. Look at the list of items to take and identify which of these is a want and not a need.

Which of these items is the priority on a long car journey?

The lists below are prioritised from most important to least important. If Alex is buying a birthday present for his baby sister, which prioritised list is the correct?

Your school has cricket and hockey matches coming up soon. You have a budget of £200 for new equipment. Tick the items your school should choose to buy.

Your school has sports day and a football tournament coming up soon. You have a budget of £200 for new equipment. Tick the items your school should choose to buy.

Alex goes to buy some sweets at the till but realises that he has lost his wallet. Which of these feelings is most likely to describe how Alex might feel knowing his wallet is lost?

Izzy goes to buy her favourite snack from the shop. They are being sold as a two-for-one deal. Which of these feelings is most likely to describe how Izzy might feel?

How might this situation make Jun feel? Jun saves up to buy a toy but goes to the shops and realises it’s more expensive than he thought so he doesn't have enough money.

A present for his sister’s birthday the next day.

Andeep is in the toy shop. He can only buy one of these items. Which should he choose?

True or false. You should never buy what you want.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

What is the difference between wants, needs and priorities?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.