The Saver & Spender

The Saver & Spender project is an educational initiative aimed at enhancing financial literacy among primary school students. The project’s objective is to teach children the fundamentals of money management, responsible spending, and the consequences of financial decisions through an interactive mobile application. The game is freely available on Google Play and the App Store and can be integrated into classroom activities to support subjects such as mathematics, science, and practical work.

Key Activities and Student Experience

The main activity of the project is an interactive game in which students take on the role of one of two characters: Saver (thrifty) or Spender (impulsive). Both characters start with the same amount of resources, but their choices throughout the game determine the outcome. The game is divided into several rounds, each representing real-life situations, such as unexpected expenses, opportunities to earn money, and family budgeting decisions. During the game, students actively make decisions, observe the results of their choices, reflect on the consequences, and adjust their strategies accordingly. This interactive approach allows children to practice planning, decision-making, and balancing needs versus wants, while receiving immediate feedback to evaluate and refine their strategies.

Program Features and Principles

Saver & Spender combines interactive learning with playful engagement to support financial education. The program emphasizes practical experience, critical thinking, and strategic planning. Students learn to understand the value of money, differentiate between needs and desires, and recognize the benefits of saving. Teachers can facilitate discussions, guide reflections, and demonstrate how different financial choices impact the economic situation of a family. The program encourages student autonomy, collaboration, and active participation, while fostering long-term understanding of financial responsibility.

Methodology and Structure

The application is structured in sequential rounds, each increasing in complexity and representing various financial scenarios. Students learn to manage resources, create budgets, and make choices with both short-term and long-term consequences in mind. The game provides real-time feedback, enabling students to evaluate the effectiveness of their strategies and adapt their decisions dynamically. The program is flexible and can be used in classroom lessons, group activities, or as an individual learning tool, allowing teachers to integrate it into different curricula according to the students’ needs.

Expected Outcomes and Value

Participants acquire foundational financial literacy skills, including budgeting, planning, and responsible spending. The project develops critical thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making abilities, while promoting collaboration and discussion. Children learn to anticipate the consequences of their financial decisions, understand the value of money, and cultivate positive financial habits applicable to everyday life. The program provides a practical and interactive learning environment, ensuring that students not only acquire knowledge but also gain experience in applying it, preparing them for responsible financial behavior in the future.