Note this article was updated January 29, 2026
The Many Meanings of “Save” – And Why They Matter for Kids
When we say the word “save,” what comes to mind?
For many kids, saving might mean rescuing someone, clicking Save on a computer, or cheering when “the goalie made a save!” But when it comes to money, the word save can mean very different things and understanding those differences is a powerful first step toward building strong money habits and values.
Let’s explore the two most important ways kids hear and use the word “save” when money is involved.
Save #1: Save = Deposit (Put Money Away)
This is the “classic” definition of saving and likely the one kids are less familiar with: holding onto and putting money away for the future.
To save in this way means putting money aside for later, keeping it safe, protected, and available for future needs or goals.
Whether it’s a piggy bank, a savings jar, or a real savings account, this type of saving builds habits of:
Preparation
Patience
Security
Long-term thinking
This is the kind of saving that helps kids learn how to plan, delay gratification, and build financial confidence over time.
Save #2: Save = Spend Less (Pay a Lower Price)
This meaning of save shows up everywhere, it is likely to be the one kids are more familiar with:
“Save 20% today!”
“Save big when you buy now!”
In this case, saving means spending less than the original price.
This type of saving can be smart, especially when it’s part of a plan to buy something you already intended to purchase.
But it can also become a trap when it leads to impulse buying: spending money on things you didn’t really need just because they were “on sale.”
And, it can be disempowering if it leads children to develop feelings and attitudes that money is solely or mostly for spending which is easy to do in a system and society that stresses consumption.
Helping kids understand the difference between planned savings and impulse spending strengthens their decision-making skills and protects them from common money mistakes later in life.
Why Teaching the Two “Saves” Matters
Words shape thinking.
If kids mostly hear save used to mean spend less, they may never connect saving with keeping and building money for the future.
That’s why parents, teachers, and community leaders need to intentionally teach save as depositing and setting money aside. This understanding supports:
Financial capability
Confidence
Emotional security
Long-term financial well-being
Fun & Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Saving
Making the concept of saving hands-on helps it stick.
Interactive Skits
Have kids act out scenarios where they “save” by depositing money versus “saving” by spending less. Taking a pretend visit to the bank or playing store are two fun activities kids enjoy.Music & Songs
Use songs like S-A-V-E or Get in the Habit, followed by simple discussions or activities.Storytime
Read books like Sammy’s Big Dream! that model the power of saving for goals.Play Games
Try a “Save–Deposit” game where kids practice choosing to put money away for later.Word Work
Introduce synonyms for save and have kids use them in sentences or short stories. Be sure to see and take advantage of Sammy's new kid-friendly dictionary intended for parents, teachers, and trainer who want to teach kids about great money habits.
Each activity helps make saving concrete, memorable, and meaningful.
Synonyms for “Save” (Money Meaning)
Expanding vocabulary deepens understanding. Here are kid-friendly alternatives to save when talking about money.
Direct Synonyms
keep
hold onto
retain
preserve
conserve
Financial-Specific Words
set aside
put away
bank
stash (informal)
sock away (informal)
Growth-Oriented or Formal Words
accumulate
reserve
build up
store
amass
Activity: Choose the Right “Save”
Kids can:
Write their own sentences using synonyms for save, or
Fill in the blanks using the correct word
Examples:
I will __________ (keep | set aside) money to buy a new bike.
Maria likes to __________ (stash | amass) coins in her piggy bank.
Let’s __________ (store | sock away) some of our allowance for a rainy day.
Every week, I __________ (reserve | retain) part of my lunch money.
We should __________ (put away | accumulate) money so we can go on vacation.
Bottom Line
The word save may be small, but its impact is huge.
When kids understand both meanings of saving—and when to use each one—we help them do more than learn about money. We help them build habits, confidence, and skills that last a lifetime.
Your Thoughts
What do you think kids should be learning about money today to prepare for the future ahead? Share your perspective in the comments below or join the conversation on our LinkedIn post. Your ideas help shape better conversations, better habits, and brighter financial futures for kids.
Keep Kids and Families Learning
Kids, families, and schools of every kind can enroll in Sammy Rabbit’s Money School with a FREE, PREMIUM or Group Discount Money School Memberships, giving learners access to engaging, age-appropriate financial education resources.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are invited to explore the resources and teaching tips available on SammyRabbit.com. Start with award-winning financial educator Sam X Renick’s:
Article series, Money Lessons Parents Should Teach Kids! OR Sammy's Standards Aligned Lesson Plans for Schools
Schools, community organizations, employers, and partners can learn more about Sammy's Dream Big Financial Education curriculum, a flexible, standards-aligned approach designed to help children build strong money habits, confidence, and lifelong skills.
Contact Sammy Today!
We welcome your questions, suggestions, and ideas! Let’s connect, brainstorm, and partner to keep helping kids, families, and communities build strong financial literacy knowledge, habits, and skills—so together, we can create better and brighter futures for all.
CONNECT NOW
