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The 5-Minute Price Detective: Turn Your Kid Into a Smart Shopper!

Posted March 4, 2025 in Articles
Photo of Paul Styron
by Paul Styron
Creative Director

Want to teach your middle schooler how to spot the best deals without turning it into a boring lesson? Try this quick 5-minute challenge that turns them into a Price Detective. All while saving money!

The 5-Minute Price Detective Challenge 🕵️💰

Next time you're at the store (or browsing online together), hand your child a mission: "Find a better deal on this item—in just 5 minutes!"

Here’s how they do it:

  • Compare brands -  Is the store brand cheaper than the name brand?
  • Check unit prices - Does the bigger package actually cost less per ounce?
  • Look for sales & discounts - Can they find a BOGO deal or a coupon?
  • Search online - Can they get it cheaper from another store or website?

Example:

They want a bag of chips that costs $4.99, but they find a store brand for $3.99—boom! They just saved $1.

The Best Part? They Keep the Savings!

Here’s where it gets exciting:
  • 💰 If they find a lower price, let them keep the difference!
  • 💰 They can add it to their Save jar for a bigger goal—or use it for something else they love.
This makes saving money feel like a game instead of a chore.