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When Spending Is More Than Income is a free printable Grade 3 to Grade 5 social studies worksheet on what to do when spending is more than income, aligned to C3 Framework indicator D2.Eco.1.3-5. It prints 7 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 18 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

When Spending Is More Than Income

D2.Eco.1.3-5

NameDate

Circle the best answer, then write your plan.

1.Why is skipping a rent payment a poor way to fix a shortfall?
  • A.Landlords never notice
  • B.Housing is a need, and missed payments bring fees and can cost the family its home
  • C.Rent is a want that nobody needs
2.When is it right to use money from an emergency fund?
  • A.For a vacation
  • B.For a surprise need such as a car repair
  • C.For a new video game
3.How does comparing prices before buying help with a shortfall?
  • A.It makes prices go up
  • B.It lowers spending on things the family needs anyway
  • C.It raises the family's income
4.Which expense is usually easiest to lower quickly?
  • A.Entertainment such as movies and games
  • B.A car loan payment
  • C.Rent under a one-year lease
5.Which change raises income?
  • A.Canceling a phone plan
  • B.Shopping at a cheaper store
  • C.Working extra hours or taking a second job
6.Which is a fixed expense that stays the same each month?
  • A.Rent
  • B.Eating out
  • C.Groceries
7.Explain to a younger student what to do when they want something that costs more than they have saved.
  • I explained what saving and postponing mean.
  • I gave at least two steps to take.
  • I said why borrowing for a want is risky.

LessonPrint · D2.Eco.1.3-5 · Set 18 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — When Spending Is More Than Income

Set 18. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Housing is a need, and missed payments bring fees and can cost the family its home
  2. 2.For a surprise need such as a car repair
  3. 3.It lowers spending on things the family needs anyway
  4. 4.Entertainment such as movies and games
  5. 5.Working extra hours or taking a second job
  6. 6.Rent
  7. 7.Advice to postpone the want and keep saving, with at least two steps, and why borrowing for a want costs more.

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to D2.Eco.1.3-5 of the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.