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Spending Decision Cards

Used in: Week 8 (Friction and Spending)

These cards present two versions of the same purchase — one where spending happens quickly and one where the buyer pauses to think. Use them to spark discussion about how friction affects decisions.

How to Use​

  1. Print and cut the paired cards.
  2. Read both versions of each scenario aloud.
  3. Ask: "What was different? Which version led to a better decision? Why?"

Paired Scenario Cards​

Scenario A: The Game Upgrade​

⚡ Fast Version:

A pop-up in your game says "Special bundle — $7.99! Tap to buy!" You tap immediately. Later you realize you already had most of the items in the bundle.

⏸️ Pause Version:

The same pop-up appears. You close it and write down what is in the bundle. The next day, you check and realize you already have most of the items. You decide not to buy it.

Saved: $7.99

Scenario B: The Cool Shirt​

⚡ Fast Version:

You see an ad for a shirt — "Only 5 left! Order now!" You tell your parent you need it immediately. It arrives and does not fit right. Returning it is complicated.

⏸️ Pause Version:

You see the same ad. You save the link and check back in two days. By then, you are not as excited about the shirt and decide to save the money instead.

Saved: The price of the shirt, plus the hassle of a return.

Scenario C: The Snack Run​

⚡ Fast Version:

At the store, you grab three snacks totaling $6 without thinking. On the way home, you remember you have a similar snack at home that you forgot about.

⏸️ Pause Version:

Before heading to the store, you check what snacks you already have. You buy one new snack for $2 and enjoy it along with what was already at home.

Saved: $4

Scenario D: The Subscription​

⚡ Fast Version:

An app offers a "free trial — just enter your card." You sign up and forget about it. Three months later, your family discovers $30 in charges.

⏸️ Pause Version:

You see the free trial offer. You ask a trusted adult about it first. They help you set a calendar reminder to cancel before the trial ends. You enjoy the free week and cancel on time.

Saved: $30

Scenario E: The Birthday Gift​

⚡ Fast Version:

Your friend's birthday is tomorrow. You rush to a store and grab the first thing you see for $15. Your friend already has it.

⏸️ Pause Version:

You knew the birthday was coming, so last week you thought about what your friend actually likes. You found a thoughtful gift for $10 that your friend loved.

Saved: $5, and a better gift.

Reflection Questions​

After reviewing the scenarios, discuss:

  1. In each pair, what was different between the fast version and the pause version?
  2. Did pausing always mean the person did not buy anything? (No — sometimes they still bought, just more thoughtfully.)
  3. Add up all the money saved across the pause versions. How much was it total?
  4. What is one "pause" habit you could start using this week?

Friction Strategy Cards​

Cut apart and give one to each student. They keep it as a personal reminder.

My Friction Strategy
Before I buy something, I will: wait one full day and see if I still want it.
My Friction Strategy
Before I buy something, I will: ask myself — "Do I need this, or do I just want it right now?"
My Friction Strategy
Before I buy something, I will: check if I already have something similar at home.
My Friction Strategy
Before I buy something, I will: talk to someone I trust about whether this purchase makes sense.
My Friction Strategy
Before I buy something, I will: count the cost — "What else could I buy with this money?"
My Friction Strategy
Before I buy something online, I will: close the tab and come back tomorrow.