The Many Meanings of “Save” – And Why They Matter for Kids
When we say the word “save”, what comes to mind?
For many kids, it’s about rescuing someone, saving a computer file, or maybe even a sports play like “the goalie made a save!” But when it comes to money, the word save can mean very different things and understanding those meanings is a powerful first step in building smart money habits.
Let’s explore two of the most important ways kids hear and use the word:
1. Save = Deposit
This is the “classic” definition of saving: putting money away for the future.
It’s about keeping, protecting, and growing your financial resources so they’ll be there when you need them later.
Whether it’s a piggy bank, a savings jar, or a real savings account, this meaning of save builds the habit of preparation and security.
2. Save = Spend Less
This definition shows up everywhere: “Save 20% today!” or “Save big when you buy now!”
Here, save means spending less money than you normally would.
It can be smart when it helps you buy something planned at a better price.
But it can also be a trap when it leads to impulse purchases—buying something you didn’t really need just because it’s “on sale.”
Helping kids understand this distinction—planned savings vs. impulse spending—sets them up for stronger decision-making down the road.
Why This Matters
Words shape thinking. If kids mostly hear save in the “spend less” context, they may not connect it to keeping and building money for the future.
That’s why it’s so important for parents, teachers, and community leaders to deliberately teach save in the deposit/put away sense. It strengthens children’s financial capability, confidence, and wellness.
Fun & Simple Strategies to Teach Kids to “Save”
Interactive Skit – Have kids act out scenarios where they “save” money (deposit) vs. “save” money (spend less).
Music & Songs – Play songs like S-A-V-E or Get in the Habit and follow them up with activities.
Storytime – Read books such as Sammy’s Big Dream! that model the power of saving.
Play Games – Try “Save-Deposit,” where kids practice choosing to put money away for later.
Word Work – Share synonyms like “deposit,” “store,” or “set aside,” then have kids use them in sentences or write their own.
Each of these activities makes “saving” hands-on, memorable, and fun.
Synonyms for Save
Knowing synonyms helps strengthen vocabulary and deepen understanding. Here’s a list of alternatives to “save” (in the sense of save money). Some are more formal, some more casual, but all can work depending on context and tone.
Direct Synonyms
retain
preserve
conserve
hold onto
keep
Financial-Specific Alternatives
set aside
stash
bank
sock away (informal)
put away
Growth-Oriented / Formal
accumulate
reserve
amass
store
build up
Activity
Kids can either:
Write their own short sentences using synonyms for save.
ORFill in the blank by choosing the right synonym for save in given sentences. Here are a few examples to get you started.
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 is small, but its impact is huge. By teaching kids the right meanings and giving them experiences to practice we help them not just understand money, but master it.
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