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: Spend
Related Definition: Spend Smart + Buy + Budget
Category: Choice Word
What this category means: Choice words help children think about decisions. They encourage kids to pause, compare options, and decide how to use their money in a way that supports their goals.
Definitions
In Simple Words
To spend means to use your money to buy something.
You spend money when you pay for things you need or want.
When you spend money, you use it to get something in return.
A Little More Grown-Up
Spending is using money to purchase goods or services, often by making choices between needs and wants. OR, spending is when you trade money for goods or services.
Spent means the money has already been used to buy something and is no longer available to save or spend again.
Context Clues
Use the sentences below or create your own to add context to the featured word.
Context helps kids (and adults) understand what a word means by showing how it is used in real situations, not just what it means on its own. The words, pictures, and actions around a new word give clues that make its meaning clearer, easier to remember, and easier to use correctly later.
You can also explore Sammy Rabbit stories, songs, and activities to see and hear the word used in fun, meaningful ways that bring even more context to learning.
Note: You can find the words "spend" in the Sammy Rabbit money song: Don't Spend More Than You Make!
Sammy Says Sentences
Sammy Says: “Spend smart—make sure your money choices help you! It is a great habit to spend smart!”
Silly Sentence
I spent my money so fast that my piggy bank said, “Hey—slow down!”
Serious Sentence
When you spend money wisely, you choose what is most important to you.
Rhyming Sentences
Silly Rhyming Sentence:
I spend my cash on snacks and fun, but stop and think before I’m done!
Serious Rhyming Sentence:
When I spend with care and plan ahead, my money helps me just like I said.
Money Habit Sentences and Connection
Money Habit Sentences:
It’s a good habit to think before you spend your money. When you make a habit of saving first, you don’t spend all your money at once.
Share with kids:
Learning how to consistently spend smart (wisely) will help them make thoughtful choices, avoid waste, and make sure their money lasts for things that matter most.
Examples of Spending
Buying food or snacks
Paying for a toy or book
Spending money on clothes or school supplies
Paying for an activity or service
Examples of What Is Not Spending
Saving money in a piggy bank or bank account
Investing money for the future
Earning money by working or helping others
Related Money Words
Money • Buy • Price • Choice • Save • Budget
Opposite Money Words
Save • Invest
Questions for Kids
Ask your child or student: “How can you decide if something is worth spending your money on?”
Remember
Spending is a choice—when you spend wisely, your money works better for you.
Get the Entire Dictionary in One PDF
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Related Standards Aligned Lesson Plans
Keep Kids and Families Learning
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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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