Needs vs wants (no cap)

Lesson 2 of 12 in our free Money Mindset guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Money Mindset is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Mo's phone screen is cracked but it still works. What's the smartest first move?

Mo spends £12 a week on 'wants' he forgets about by Friday. How much is that over a 30-week uni year?

Prescription you've been given → Need. Health is a need. (In England, check if you qualify for free or cheaper prescriptions.)
Third pair of trainers 'for the gym' → Want. Tell me you don't go to the gym without telling me you don't go to the gym.
Laptop charger when yours just died before a deadline → Need. Need it for your course. Tip: check uni loan schemes before panic-buying.
Upgrading a phone that works fine → Want. A want. The new camera won't make your lecture notes prettier.
Basic toiletries → Need. Your flatmates thank you. Need.
Festival ticket → Want. A want — a valid one! Plan for it rather than panic-buy it.