Which sequence describes critical budgeting steps for a classroom project?

• A. Identify needs, monitor actual expenses, and then finalize without estimates.
• B. Identify needs, monitor actual expenses, estimate costs, and compare options.
• C. Identify needs, estimate costs, compare options, and monitor actual expenses.
• D. Identify needs only, without estimating costs.

Answer: (C)

Identifying needs sets the foundation by clarifying exactly what the project requires. Once you know the needs, estimating costs turns those requirements into a realistic budget, showing how much money is actually needed. Then comparing options helps you find the best value by weighing price, quality, and feasibility before making purchases. Finally, monitoring actual expenses as the project progresses keeps you on track, helps you catch overspending early, and allows adjustments if the budget shifts. This order—define needs, estimate costs, evaluate options, and track spending—creates a practical, controllable budgeting process for a classroom project.