Purchase Decision Tool

Should I Buy It?

Answer a few questions to help you decide if this purchase is worth it

Question 1 of 714% Complete

How expensive is this purchase relative to your budget?

Easy to affordVery expensive

Rate from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree)

Questions Parents Ask

How do I decide if a purchase is worth it?

Run it through a few honest questions: cost per use, whether you'd still want it next week, what else the money could do, and whether you're buying the thing or the feeling. The calculator walks you through exactly that.

Does this help teach kids about money?

It's one of the easiest ways in. A kid deciding on a purchase with their own money gets a friendly, neutral checklist instead of a parental lecture — and the calculator's verdict lands softer than 'no' from you.

Is the Should I Buy It calculator free?

Free, no signup, and it never sees your bank account — it just asks the questions a wise friend would ask before you tap 'buy now.'

Use the Should I Buy It Calculator to Teach Financial Awareness

This tool helps kids practice evaluating purchases before spending money. Walk through the questions together—why do we ask about emotional state? Why does it matter if we already own something similar? These questions build critical thinking about consumption. Even small decisions about treats or toys become learning opportunities when you discuss the reasoning behind choices.

Try More Free Decision Tools

Want to Help Kids Make Smarter Money Choices?

Get the free Decision Traps Guide and learn five common ways kids get stuck when making choices — plus simple prompts that make everyday decisions easier to practice.

Get the Free Decision Traps Guide