NOTE to parents, teachers, and educators of every kind:
Use this definition as a simple, kid-friendly teaching tool. Click this link to view the full index of current money terms and definitions, and learn how to use the Sammy Rabbit dictionary to support teaching and learning.
Word and Category
Word: Expense
Related Definition: Spend + Cost + Price + Budget
Category: Action Word
What this category means:
Action words describe things people do with money. They help children understand actions that support managing, saving, and spending money wisely.
Definitions
In Simple Words
An expense is money you spend to buy something.
An expense is money that goes out.
A Little More Grown-Up
An expense is money used to pay for goods or services. Understanding expenses helps people plan, budget, and make smart money choices.
Context Clues
You may see the word “expense” in Sammy Rabbit stories and activities when kids talk about spending money, paying for items, or looking at where their money went.
Sammy Says Sentences
Sammy Says: “When you watch your expenses, your money lasts longer!”
Silly Sentence
My biggest expense was buying a hat for my pet rock.
Serious Sentence
An expense is money people spend to get something they need or want.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentence:
My expense went out the door real fast when I bought a snack that didn’t last!
Serious Rhyming Sentence:
When I plan each expense I make, my money choices stay awake.
Money Habit Sentences and Connection
Money Habit Sentences:
Not paying attention to expenses can lead to a bad money habit.
Tracking expenses can lead to a good money habit.
Share with kids:
Learning about expenses helps kids understand where money goes and how to make better choices.
Examples of Expense
Buying a snack
Paying for a toy
Spending allowance money
Paying for a movie ticket
Examples of What Is Not Expense
Money you earn
Saving money
Money you plan to spend later
Related Money Words
Spend • Cost • Price • Budget • Money
Opposite Money Words
Income • Save
Questions for Kids
Ask your child or student: “What is an expense you had this week?”
Remember
Expenses are money that goes out, and paying attention to expenses helps build strong money habits.
Get the Entire Dictionary in One PDF
Want a FREE printable PDF of the complete Sammy Rabbit Kid-Friendly Money Dictionary? Contact us to learn how to get a copy for your home, classroom, or community.
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, starting with award-winning financial educator Sam X Renick’s article series, Money Lessons Parents Should Teach Kids!
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.
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