to save money

[alan gould]

A textbook said "faire des économies" and "économiser" are both used to mean "to save money" and yet not always in the same sense.  These were the 3 examples they gave.  

Il a fait des économies pour s’acheter une moto

J'ai donné un tirelire aux enfants pour les encourager à économiser

économisez votre argent au lieu de le dépenser inutilement

I can see in the last sentence there was no choice since it takes a direct object.  But I would think the first 2 sentences could have used either form.  Curious to see a distinction if anyone can give an example.   

[Chantal Savignat]

Hello Alan,

I don't understand your question.

J'ai donné une tirelire aux enfants pour les encourager à économiser.

= J'ai donné une tirelire aux enfants pour les encourager à économiser leur argent.

but you can omit "leur argent" because it's understood with "économiser" or "économie".

"économiser" can be used for something else, then you must clarify.

"On doit économiser le papier".

[alan gould]

sorry that my question was confusing but you're last sentence answered my question.  thanks