A surprised emoji with dollar sign eyes wears a Happy Birthday party hat

iStockPhoto/Getty Images

What Should Zoe Do With Her Birthday Money?

Zoe wants to spend it right away. Her mom thinks she should save it. Whose side are you on?

A woman faces the camera with a warm smile

By Gabby Bing

From the October/November 2026 Issue

Learning Objective: Students will identify and evaluate reasons and evidence from both sides of a debate, then state their opinion on the subject in one sentence.

Lexiles: 650L

Featured Skill: Supporting an Opinion,

Standards

Art by Carolyn Ridsdale; iStockPhoto/Getty Images (All Other Images); drbimages/Getty Images (Arms)

Dear Mom,

I just finished reading my birthday cards and counting the money inside. I can’t believe how much I got! You’ll probably want me to save it all. But money experts say kids should learn how to spend wisely. What if I used my birthday cash on things I really love?

First, I want to get a cow Squishmallow. Research shows that spending money on our favorite things can make us happier. I love soft, colorful stuffies. A new one would bring me joy!

Shutterstock.com

Next, I’d buy new Pokémon cards. As you know, building my collection is important to me. Some researchers say that kids become more confident when they explore their interests. That means spending money on my favorite hobby could help me grow.

Finally, I’d like to go roller-skating with my friends. Studies show that fun experiences can make us even happier than objects. That’s why I think a day at the skating rink is worth the money. My besties and I will make memories we’ll never forget!

What do you say? I’ll start writing thank-you cards for my gifts while you think about it.

Your birthday girl,

Zoe

Art by Carolyn Ridsdale; iStockPhoto/Getty Images (All Other Images)

Dear Zoe,

I understand how excited you are about your birthday money. But I still think you should save it. Here’s why.

Saving money helps us appreciate what we already have. There are a ton of colorful stuffies on your bed. And you own hundreds of Pokémon cards. Do you really need more? You could trade cards with your friends instead. I agree that exploring your interests is important. But you don’t have to spend money to do it!

Akirastock/Getty Images

Research also shows that kids who learn to save early in life feel more confident with money when they are older. If you make saving a habit now, it will be easier to pay for important things in the future.

Plus, you’ll feel proud if you keep adding to your savings. And you’ll be able to afford something extra special. For example, you could buy a ticket to see your favorite K-pop group.

How about you choose one thing to buy? Then we can put the rest of your birthday money in the bank!

Your loving parent,