The Money PagesNico Earned $8. Why Is Only $5 Left?
Doing the job cost money, too. Nico checks what he actually has left.
With a grown-up's help, Nico agrees to do a small job for a neighbor. He earns $8. The supplies he needs cost $3.
Nico writes both amounts down. He has $8 − $3 = $5 left.
“Why not just write eight?” his friend asks.
“Because my wallet noticed the three.”
An expense is a cost you pay. Keeping track of expenses helps Nico see what the job actually leaves him.
Before taking a job, check with a grown-up that it's safe and allowed. Find out what supplies it needs, too.
Money words
Expense
A cost you pay.
Count costs as well as money earned. Paying for supplies changes what you have left.
