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The Ultimate Guide to Financial Literacy for Adults

Learn the skills now that you need for a more financially secure life

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What Is Financial Literacy?

Personal finance basics.

• Bank Accounts
• Credit Cards
• How to Start Investing

The Bottom Line

Caleb has been the Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia since 2016. He is an award-winning media executive with more than 20 years of experience in business news, digital publishing, and documentaries. Caleb is the on the Board of Governors and Executive Committee of SABEW (Society for Advancing Business Editing & Writing), and his awards include a Peabody, EPPY, SABEW Best in Business, and two Emmy nominations.

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We know that the earlier you learn the basics of how money works, the more confident and successful you’ll be with your finances later in life. It’s never too late to start learning, but it pays to have a head start. The first steps into the world of money start with education.

Banking, budgeting, saving, credit, debt, and investing are the pillars that support most of the financial decisions that we’ll make in our lives. At Investopedia, we have more than 36,000 articles, terms, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and videos that explore these topics. We’ve spent 25 years building and improving our resources to help you make smart financial and investing decisions.

This guide is a great place to start, and today is a great day to do it. Let’s begin with financial literacy —what it is and how it can improve your life.

Key Takeaways

• Financial literacy is the ability to understand and make use of a variety of financial skills.
• Those with higher levels of financial literacy are more likely to spend less income, create an emergency fund, and open a retirement account than those with lower levels.
• Some of the basics of financial literacy and its practical application in everyday life include banking, budgeting, handling debt and credit, and investing.

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and make use of a variety of financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. It also means comprehending certain financial principles and concepts, such as the time value of money , compound interest , managing debt, and financial planning.

Achieving financial literacy can help individuals to avoid making poor financial decisions. It can help them become self-sufficient and achieve financial stability. Key steps to attaining financial literacy include learning how to create a budget, track spending, pay off debt, and plan for retirement.

Educating yourself on these topics also involves learning how money works, setting and achieving financial goals, becoming aware of unethical/discriminatory financial practices, and managing financial challenges that life throws your way.

The Importance of Financial Literacy

In its National Financial Capability Study the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) found that Americans with higher levels of financial literacy were more likely to make ends meet, spend less of their income, create a three-month emergency fund, and open a retirement account than those with lower financial literacy.

Making informed financial decisions is more important than ever. Take retirement planning. Many workers once relied on pension plans to fund their retirement lives, with the financial burden and decision-making for pension funds borne by the companies or governments that sponsored them.

Today, few workers get pensions; instead, some are offered the option of participating in a 401(k) plan . This involves decisions that employees themselves have to make about contribution levels and investment choices. Even contributing to a 401(k) may not be enough to afford a comfortable retirement. And those without employer options need to actively seek out and open individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and other tax-advantaged retirement accounts .

Add to this people’s increasing life spans (leading to longer retirements), Social Security benefits that barely support basic survival, complicated health or other insurance options, more complex savings and investment instruments to select from—and a plethora of choices from banks, credit unions, brokerage firms, credit card companies, and more.

It’s clear that financial literacy is a must for making thoughtful and informed decisions, avoiding unnecessary levels of debt, helping family members through these complex decisions, and having adequate income in retirement.

Personal finance is where financial literacy translates into individual financial decision-making. How do you manage your money? Which savings and investment vehicles are you using? Personal finance is about making and meeting your financial goals, whether you want to own a home, help other members of your family, save for your children’s college education, support causes that you care about, plan for retirement, or anything else.

Among other topics, it encompasses banking, budgeting, handling debt and credit, and investing. Let’s take a look at these basics to get you started.

Introduction to Bank Accounts

A bank account is typically the first financial account that you’ll open. Bank accounts can hold and build the money you'll need for major purchases and life events. Here’s some background on bank accounts and why they are step one in creating a stable financial future.

Why Do I Need a Bank Account?

Though the majority of Americans do have bank accounts, 6% of households in the United States still don’t have one. Why is it so important to open a bank account? Because it’s safer than holding cash. Assets held in a bank are harder to steal, and in the U.S., they’re generally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) . That means you should always have access to your cash, even if every customer decides to withdraw their money at the same time.

Many financial transactions require you to have a bank account to:

• Use a debit or credit card
• Use payment apps like Venmo or PayPal
• Write a check
• Buy or rent a home
• Receive your paycheck from your employer
• Earn interest on your money

Online vs. Brick-and-Mortar Banks

When you think of a bank, you probably picture a building. This is called a brick-and-mortar bank. Many brick-and-mortar banks also allow you to open accounts and manage your money online.

Some banks are only online and have no physical buildings. These banks typically offer the same services as brick-and-mortar banks, aside from the ability to visit them in person.

Which Type of Bank Can I Use?

Retail banks : This is the most common type of bank at which people have accounts. Retail banks are for-profit companies that offer checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and insurance. Retail banks can have physical, in-person buildings that you can visit or they can be online only. Most offer both options. Banks’ online technology tends to be advanced, and they often have more locations and ATMs nationwide than credit unions do.

Credit unions : Credit unions provide savings and checking accounts, issue loans, and offer other financial products, just like banks do. However, they are not-for-profit organizations owned by their members. Credit unions tend to have lower fees and better interest rates on savings accounts and loans. Credit unions are sometimes known for providing more personalized customer service, though they usually have far fewer branches and ATMs.

Assets held in a credit union are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) , which is equivalent to the FDIC for banks.

What Types of Bank Accounts Can I Open?

There are three main types of bank accounts that the average person may want to open:

1. Savings account : A savings account is an interest-bearing deposit account held at a bank or other financial institution. Savings accounts typically pay a low interest rate, but their safety and reliability make them a sensible option for saving available cash for short-term needs.

They may have some legal limitations on how often you can withdraw money . However, they’re generally very flexible so they’re ideal for building an emergency fund, saving for a short-term goal like buying a car or going on vacation, or simply storing extra cash that you don’t need in your checking account.

2. Checking account : A checking account is also a deposit account at a bank or other financial institution that allows you to make deposits and withdrawals. Checking accounts are very liquid, meaning that they allow numerous withdrawals per month (as opposed to less liquid savings or investment accounts) though they earn little to no interest.

Money can be deposited at banks and ATMs, through direct deposit, or through another type of electronic transfer. Account holders can withdraw funds via banks and ATMs, by writing checks, or using debit cards linked to their accounts.

You may be able to find a checking account with no fees. Others have monthly and other charges (such as for overdrafts or using an out-of-network ATM) based on, for example, how much you keep in the account or whether there’s a direct deposit paycheck or automatic withdrawal mortgage payment connected to the account.

Lifeline and  second-chance accounts , available at some banks, can help those who have difficulty qualifying for a traditional checking account.

3. High-yield savings account : A high-yield savings account usually pays a much higher rate of interest than a standard savings account. The tradeoff for earning more interest on your money is that high-yield accounts tend to require bigger initial deposits, larger minimum balances, and higher fees.

You might be able to open a high-yield savings account at your current bank, but online banks tend to have the highest interest rates.

What’s an Emergency Fund?

An emergency fund is not a specific type of bank account but can be any source of cash that you’ve saved to help you handle financial hardships like job losses, medical bills, or car repairs. Here's how they work:

• Most people use a separate savings account for their emergency savings.
• The account should eventually total enough to cover at least three to six months’ worth of expenses.
• Emergency fund money should be off-limits for paying regular expenses.

Introduction to Credit Cards

You know them as the plastic cards that (almost) everyone carries in their wallets. Credit cards are accounts that let you borrow money from the credit card issuer and pay it back over time. For every month that you don’t pay back the money in full, you’ll be charged interest on your remaining balance . Note that some credit cards, called charge cards , require you to pay your balance in full each month. However, these are less common.

What’s the Difference Between Credit and Debit Cards?

Here is the difference :

Debit cards take money directly out of your checking account. You can’t borrow money with debit cards, which means that you can’t spend more cash than you have in the bank. And debit cards don’t help you to build a credit history and credit rating .

Credit cards allow you to borrow money and do not pull cash from your bank account. This can be helpful for large, unexpected purchases. But carrying a balance every month—not paying back in full the money that you borrowed—means that you’ll owe interest to the credit card issuer. In fact, as of Q1 2024, Americans owed $1.12 trillion in credit card debt. So be very careful about spending more money than you have, because debt can build up quickly and become difficult to pay off.

On the other hand, using a credit card judiciously and paying your credit card bills on time helps you establish a credit history and a good credit rating. It’s important to build a good credit rating not only to qualify for the best credit cards but also because you will get more favorable interest rates on car loans, personal loans, and mortgages.

What Is APR?

APR stands for annual percentage rate. This is the amount of interest that you’ll owe the credit card issuer on any unpaid balance. You’ll want to pay close attention to this number when you apply for a credit card. A higher number can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you carry a large balance over time. The median APR today is nearly 25% , but your rate may be higher if you have bad credit . Interest rates also tend to vary by the type of credit card.

Which Credit Card Should I Choose?

Credit scores have a big impact on your odds of getting approved for a credit card. Understanding what range your score falls into can help you narrow the options as you decide on the cards for which you may apply. Beyond your credit score, you’ll also need to decide which perks best suit your lifestyle and spending habits.

If you’ve never had a credit card before, or if you have bad credit, you’ll likely need to apply for either a secured credit card or a subprime credit card . By using one of these and paying back on time, you can raise your credit score and earn the right to credit at better rates.

If you have a fair to good credit score, you can choose from a variety of credit card types, such as:

• Travel rewards cards : These credit cards offer points redeemable for travel—including flights, hotels, and rental cars—with each dollar you spend.
• Cash-back cards : If you don’t travel often—or don’t want to deal with converting points into real-life perks—a cash-back card might be the best fit for you. Every month, you’ll receive a small portion of your spending back, in cash or as a credit to your statement.
• Balance transfer cards : If you have balances on other cards with high interest rates, transferring your balance to a lower-rate credit card could save you money, help you pay off balances, and help improve your credit score.
• Low- or No-APR cards : If you routinely carry a balance from month to month, switching to a credit card with a low or no APR could save you hundreds of dollars per year in interest payments.

Be aware of your protections under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) . Research credit opportunities and available interest rates, and be sure that you are offered the best rates for your particular credit history and financial situation.

How to Create a Budget

Creating a budget is one of the simplest and most effective ways to control your spending, saving, and investing. You can’t begin to improve your financial health if you don’t know where your money is going, so start tracking your expenses against your income. Then set clear goals.

One budget template that helps individuals reach their goals, manage their money, and save for emergencies and retirement is the 50/20/30 budget rule : spending 50% on needs, 20% on savings, and 30% on wants.

How Do I Create a Budget?

Budgeting starts with tracking how much money you receive and spend every month. You can do this in an Excel sheet, on paper, or with a budgeting app . It’s up to you. However you decide to track, clearly lay out the following:

• Income : List all sources of money that you receive in a month, with the dollar amount. This can include paychecks, investment income, alimony, settlements, and money that you make from side jobs or other projects, such as selling crafts.
• Expenses : List every purchase that you make in a month, split into two categories: fixed expenses and discretionary spending . Review your bank statements, credit card statements, and brokerage account statements to be sure to capture them all. Fixed expenses are the purchases that you must make every month. Their amounts don’t change (or change very little) and are considered essential. They include rent/mortgage payments, loan payments, and utilities. Discretionary spending is nonessential spending or varying purchases for things like restaurant meals, shopping, clothes, and travel. Consider your wants rather than needs.
• Savings : Record the amount of money that you’re able to save each month, whether it’s in cash, cash deposited into a bank account, or money that you add to an investment account or retirement account like an IRA or 401(k) (if your employer offers one).

Subtract your total expenses from your total income to get the amount of money you have left at the end of the month. Now that you have a clear picture of money coming in, money going out, and money saved, you can identify which expenses you can cut back on, if necessary.

If you don’t already have one, put your extra money into an emergency fund until you’ve saved at least three to six months’ worth of expenses (in case of a job loss or other emergency). Don’t use this money for discretionary spending. The key is to keep it safe and grow it for times when your income decreases or stops.

How to Start Investing 

Once you have enough savings to start investing, you’ll want to learn the basics of where and how to invest your money. Decide what to invest in and how much to invest by understanding the risks (and potential rewards) of different types of investments.

What Is the Stock Market?

The stock market refers to the collection of markets and exchanges where stock buying and selling takes place. The terms “stock market” and “stock exchange” can be used interchangeably. And even though it’s called a stock market, other financial securities , such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) , corporate bonds , and derivatives based on stocks, commodities, currencies, and bonds, are also traded there. There are multiple stock trading venues. The leading stock exchanges in the U.S. include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) , Nasdaq , and the Cboe Options Exchange .

How Do I Invest?

To buy stocks , you need to use a broker . This is a professional person or digital platform whose job it is to handle the transaction for you. For new investors, there are three basic categories of brokers:

• A full-service broker who manages your investment transactions and provides advice for a fee.
• An online/discount broker that executes your transactions and provides advice depending on how much you have invested. Examples include Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab.
• A robo-advisor that executes your trades and can pick investments for you with little human assistance. Examples include Betterment, Wealthfront, and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios.

What Should I Invest in?

There’s no right answer for everyone. Which securities you buy, and how much you buy, will depend on the amount of money that you have available for investing and how much risk you’re willing to take to try to earn a higher return. Here are the most common securities to invest in, listed in descending order of risk:

Stocks : A stock (also known as “shares” or “equity”) is a type of investment that signifies partial ownership in the issuing company. This entitles the stockholder to a proportion of the corporation’s assets and earnings.

Owning stock gives you the right to vote in shareholder meetings, receive dividends (which come from the company’s profits) if and when they are distributed, and sell your shares to somebody else.

The price of a stock fluctuates throughout the day and can depend on many factors, including the company’s performance, the domestic economy, the global economy, the day’s news, and more. Stocks can rise in value, fall in value, or even become worthless, making them more volatile and potentially riskier than many other types of investments.

ETFs : An exchange-traded fund, or ETF, consists of a collection of securities, such as stocks. It often tracks an underlying index . ETFs can invest in any number of industry sectors or use various strategies.

Think of an ETF as a pie containing many different securities. When you buy shares of an ETF, you’re buying a slice of the pie, which contains slivers of the securities inside. This lets you purchase a variety of stocks at once, with the ease and convenience of only one purchase—the ETF.

In many ways, ETFs are similar to mutual funds. For instance, they both offer instant diversification and are professionally managed. However, ETFs are listed on exchanges and ETF shares trade throughout the day just like ordinary stocks.

Investing in ETFs is considered less risky than investing in individual stocks because there are many securities inside the ETF. If some of those securities fall in value, others may stay steady or rise in value.

Mutual funds : A mutual fund is a type of investment consisting of a portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. Mutual funds give small or individual investors access to diversified, professionally managed portfolios at a low price.

There are many categories of mutual funds, representing the kinds of securities in which they invest, their investment objectives, and the type of returns that they seek. Most employer-sponsored retirement plans invest in mutual funds.

Investing in shares of a mutual fund is different from investing in individual shares of stock because a mutual fund owns many different stocks (or other securities). Unlike stocks or ETFs that trade at varying prices throughout the day, mutual fund purchases and redemptions​ take place only at the end of each trading day and at a fund's net asset value (NAV) . Similar to ETFs, mutual funds are considered less risky than stocks because of their diversification .

Mutual funds charge annual fees, called expense ratios , and in some cases, commissions.

Bonds : Bonds are issued by companies, municipalities, states, and sovereign governments to finance projects and operations. When an investor buys a bond, they’re effectively lending their money to the bond issuer, with the promise of repayment plus interest. A bond’s coupon rate is the interest rate that the investor will earn.

A bond is referred to as a fixed-income instrument because bonds traditionally have paid a fixed interest rate to investors, although some bonds pay variable interest rates . Bond prices inversely correlate with interest rates. When rates go up, bond prices fall, and vice versa. Bonds have maturity dates, which are the point in time when the principal amount must be paid back to the investor in full or the issuer will risk default.

Bonds are rated by how likely the issuer is to pay you back. Higher-rated bonds, known as investment-grade bonds, are viewed as safer and more stable. Such offerings are tied to publicly traded corporations and government entities that boast positive outlooks.

Investment grade bonds receive “AAA” to “BBB-” ratings from Standard and Poor’s and “Aaa” to “Baa3” ratings from Moody’s. Bonds with higher ratings will usually pay lower rates of interest than those with lower ratings. U.S. Treasury bonds are the most common AAA-rated bond securities.

Are Banks Safe?

Most bank accounts in the United States are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to certain limits, currently defined as “up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.” If you have a great deal of money to put in the bank, you can make sure that it’s all covered by opening multiple accounts.

Is It Safe to Invest in the Stock Market?

Stocks are inherently risky—some more than others—and you can lose money if their share prices fall. Brokerage accounts are insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation for up to $500,000 in securities and cash. However, that applies only if the brokerage firm fails and is unable to repay its customers. It does not cover normal investor losses.

What Is the Safest Investment?

U.S. Treasury securities, including bonds, bills, and notes, are backed by the U.S. government and generally are considered the safest investments in the world. However, these kinds of investments tend to pay low rates of interest, so investors do face a risk that inflation may erode the purchasing power of their money over time.

The topics in this article are just the beginning of a financial education, but they cover the most important and frequently used products, tools, and tips for getting started. If you’re ready to learn more, check out these additional resources from Investopedia:

• Investopedia YouTube Channel
• Investopedia Dictionary
• Investopedia Stock Market Simulator

FINRA. " National Study by FINRA Foundation Finds U.S. Adults’ Financial Capability Has Generally Grown Despite Pandemic Disruption ."

Federal Reserve System. " Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2023 ," Page 35.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. “ What’s Covered: Are My Deposit Accounts Insured by the FDIC? ”

National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). " Mission and Values ."

Federal Reserve Bank of New York. " Household Debt Rose by $184 Billion as of Q1 2024; Delinquency Transition Rates Increased Across All Debt Types ."

S&P Global. " S&P Global Ratings Definitions ."

Moody's. " Rating Scale and Definitions ."

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. “ Deposit Insurance FAQs .”

Securities Investor Protection Corporation. “ Mission .”

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. " Treasury Securities ."

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• Financial Literacy for High School Students

Home » Financial Literacy » Resources for Teachers » Financial Literacy for High School Students

Are You Teaching Financial Literacy To High School Students?

The teaching curriculum consists of fourteen lesson plans & worksheets designed to augment a semester course in life skills and personal finance management. The Teacher’s Guide, compiled in a separate, easy-to-use notebook, includes an outline of the curriculum:

• Lesson objectives
• Suggested resources
• Teaching notes
• Chart indicating appropriate age groups for the key learnings offered in each lesson
• Presentation slides
• Answer keys to worksheets (when necessary)

Introductory Overview to Financial Literacy for High School Students

Lesson one: making personal finance decisions.

Each day, we are faced with many decisions. While most decisions are simple, such as “what should I wear?” or “what should I eat?,” others are more complex, such as “should I buy a new or used car?”  As decision-making skills are used and improved, a person’s quality of life is enhanced. Wiser choices result in better use of time, money, and other resources.  This introductory lesson provides students with an opportunity to learn more about decision-making. The lesson starts with an overview of the decision-making process followed by a discussion of various internal and external factors that affect decisions.

Teacher’s Guide –  Lesson One: Making Decisions

Student Guide – Lesson One: Making Decisions

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson One: Making Decisions

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson One: Making Decisions

Lesson Two: Making Money

Building your career is one of the surest ways to increase income and make money. When planning for the future, one of the most critical financial decisions is determining your career path.  In this lesson, students will be encouraged to consider various topics related to career planning and the financial aspects of employment. This variation of the decision-making process can help a person match personal abilities and interests with appropriate employment opportunities.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Two: Making Money

Student Guide – Lesson Two: Making Money

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Two: Making Money

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Two: Making Money

Lesson Three: The Art of Budgeting

A personal budget is a financial plan that allocates future income toward expenses, savings, and debt repayment. “Where does the money go?” is a common dilemma faced by many individuals and households when it comes to budgeting and money management.  Effective money management starts with a goal and a step-by-step plan for saving and spending. Financial goals should be realistic, be specific, have a timeframe, and imply an action to be taken. This lesson will encourage students to take the time and effort to develop their own personal financial goals and budget.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Three: The Art Of Budgeting

Student Guide – Lesson Three: The Art Of Budgeting

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Three: The Art Of Budgeting

Teachers Power Point Presentation – Lesson Three: The Art Of Budgeting

Lesson Four: Living on Your Own

As young people grow up, a common goal is to live on their own. However, the challenges of independent living are often quite different from their expectations. This lesson provides a reality check for students as they investigate the costs associated with moving, obtaining furniture and appliances, and renting an apartment.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Four: Living On Your Own

Student Guide  – Lesson Four: Living On Your Own

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Four: Living On Your Own

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Four: Living On Your Own

Lesson Five: Buying a Home

For many, buying a home is the single most important financial decision they will make in their lifetime.  However, the process of becoming a first-time homebuyer can be overwhelming, and requires a foundation for basic home-buying knowledge.  This lesson will provide students with information on buying a home and where and how to begin the process. After comparing the differences between renting and buying, students will be introduced to a five-step process for home buying. This framework provides an overview for the activities involved with selecting and purchasing a home.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Five: Buying A Home

Student Guide – Lesson Five: Buying A Home

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Five: Buying A Home

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Five: Buying A Home

Lesson Six: Banking Services

If the fee for an ATM transaction to withdraw money is $1 and a person withdraws money twice a week, the banking fees for that person will be $104 a year. Over a five-year period, those fees invested at five percent would grow to more than $570.  Most students know that banks and other financial institutions (credit unions, savings and loan associations) offer a variety of services. However, few people know how to make wise choices when using financial services. In this lesson, students will learn about the different types of financial service products available and the features of each.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Six: Banking Services

Student Guide – Lesson Six: Banking Services

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Six: Banking Services

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Six: Banking Services

Lesson Seven: Credit

In today’s world, credit is integrated into everyday life. From renting a car to reserving an airline ticket or hotel room, credit cards have become a necessary convenience. However, using credit wisely is critical to building a solid credit history and maintaining fiscal fitness. While most students have a general idea about the advantages and disadvantages of credit, this lesson provides an opportunity to discuss these issues in more detail.

Teachers Guide – Lesson Seven: Credit

Student Guide – Lesson Seven: Credit

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Seven: Credit

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Seven: Credit

Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

What is APR? What is a grace period? What are transaction fees?  These and other questions will be answered in this lesson as students learn about credit cards, and the different types of cards available and features of each, such as bank cards, store cards, and travel and entertainment cards.

As students start to shop for their first (or next) credit card, this lesson will make them aware of various costs and features. Included in this section is a discussion of the methods for calculating finance charges.  Various federal laws protect our rights as we apply for and use credit cards, such as procedures for disputes and protection from card theft and fraud. In this lesson, students will also be given an opportunity to analyze the information contained on a credit card statement.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

Student Guide – Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

Lesson Nine: Cars and Loans

“Should I buy a new car or a used car?”  “Where is the best place to finance my automobile purchase?”  “Is it better to take the rebate or the low-rate financing plan?”  These are typical questions asked by people buying vehicles. In this lesson, students are asked to identify costs associated with owning and operating a motor vehicle. Since these costs are commonly underestimated, guidelines are provided on how much to spend when buying vehicles.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Nine: Cars And Loans

Student Guide – Lesson Nine: Cars And Loans

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Nine: Cars And Loans

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Nine: Cars And Loans

Lesson Ten: The Influence of Advertising

In today’s modern world, advertising seems to be everywhere we look; online, television, billboards, magazines, newspapers, on buses, grocery carts, even cell phones.  In addition, some forms of advertising can be subliminal, such as the strategically-placed soda can in a movie. We can’t help but be influenced and manipulated as consumers. In this lesson, students will become aware of the various techniques and appeals used to influence consumer behavior.

Teachers Guide – Lesson Ten: The Influence Of Advertising

Lesson 10: The Influence of Advertising – High School Student Guide

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Ten: The Influence Of Advertising

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Ten: The Influence Of Advertising

Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Decisions, decisions. With so many choices available to us, how can we be sure we’re making the right decision?  Wise consumer buying starts with a plan. Using a systematic purchasing strategy will provide students with an ability to make more effective purchases. Comparative shopping techniques will be discussed to encourage students to carefully consider price, product attributes, warranties, and store policies. Next, this lesson covers a variety of buying methods, such as buying clubs, shopping by phone, catalogs, online, and door-to-door selling.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Student Guide – Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Lesson Twelve: Saving and Investing

Saving just 35 cents a day will result in more than $125 in a year. Small amounts saved and invested can easily grow into larger sums. However, a person must start to save.  This lesson provides students with a basic knowledge of saving and investing. The process starts with setting financial goals. Next, a commitment to saving is discussed.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Twelve: Saving And Investing

Student Guide – Lesson Twelve: Saving And Investing

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Twelve: Saving And Investing

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Twelve: Saving And Investing

Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

The material in this lesson will help students become aware of the warning signs of financial difficulties. This lesson includes information on where to go for debt consolidation help and for nonprofit credit counseling .

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

Student Guide – Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

In today’s information age, keeping your personal financial information private can be challenging. What you put on an application for a loan, your payment history, where you make purchases, and your account balances are but a few of the financial records that can be sold to third parties and other organizations.  This lesson, with attached budgeting activities, will encourage high school students to take the time and effort to develop their own personal financial goals and spending behaviors.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

Student Guide – Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

Supplementary Resources

In an effort to give you the most up-to-date information for teaching and making personal financial decisions, we’ve compiled the following lists of periodicals and organizations that can enhance your use of Practical Money Skills for Life.

More Resources for Students: The Cost of College 

The cost to attend college has soared faster than almost any segment of the economy over the last 30 years. The average cost for students attending a public university is up 213% ($3,190 in 1988 to $9,970 in 2018), while private school is up 129% ($15,160 to $34,740) over the same time period.

That’s the primary reason Americans are $1.4 trillion in debt on student loans.

The good news is that are hundreds of online sites offering tips on not just what it will cost, but what you can do to pay for it. So, take a deep breath and check out these sites that should help you find a college you can afford to attend.

• www.collegedata.com : This is a wonderful resource for everything from cost factors to how to apply to how to pay your own way.
• www.trends.collegeboard.org : They specialize in providing historical data on college pricing, financial aid and what your degree will be worth when you graduate.
• https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/choosing-schools/consider/costs : This is the site for the Department of Education, which provides approximately 67% of college financial aid. You will find detailed evaluation of costs and financial aid here.
• https://www.aie.org/ : This site offers answers on the cost of college, how to finance it and even how to manage money while you’re there.
• https://nces.ed.gov/ : This is a government site that collects and analyzes date from every college and provides accurate data on average cost of attendance.
• www.mykidscollegechoice.com : Very focused on finding a college you can afford and ways to pay for it.
• www.collegecountdown.com : Asks and answers questions about actual costs of college, school that fit you financially and how to evaluate offers you receive from colleges.

Other Resources for Teachers

• Debt Relief For Teachers
• Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers
• Financial Literacy for Teachers

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Financial Literacy

Helping you prepare for life..

We want financial literacy to be a part of your life. To that end, we have focused our resources on providing support and education on financial understanding for all students. The more you know, and the more tools you have at your disposal, the better prepared you will be for life at and beyond Harvard.

In this guide, you'll find information on budgeting, credit, saving and investing, and taxes.

A budget is, simply put, a plan for your money. By tracking income and expenses you can create a plan for your spending and saving. 

Why do you need a budget?

If you have ever found yourself looking at your bank account and wondering where your money went, a budget can help. The most common cause of financial problems is spending more than you are earning. With a flexible, sensible budget, you can control of your money and avoid financial stress. It can help you limit spending and ensure there is enough money to do the things that you want. 

How to get started

• Build a starting budget with your best guess of what you spend in a month (on average), separated into categories like books, personal expenses, rent, phone, and entertainment.
• Track your expenses for a few months. Then, compare these figures with your previous projections. You may be surprised to see where your guesses were higher or lower.
• Once you have tracked your expenses, compare these to your income. If you are spending more than you are earning, you need to make changes.
• Be honest about "needs" vs. "wants". Enjoying a store-bought coffee every single day is nice, but you could save up to $80/month by reducing this purchase from daily to weekly.
• Review your monthly budget for any necessary changes. Remember: a budget is fluid, meaning that it will (and should) adjust as your income and goals adjust.

Determining How Much Disposable Income You Have

Consider setting some of your income aside in a savings account, and putting limits on how much you can spend on non-essential items.

Let’s say you buy a cup of coffee on most days, grab a quick bite a couple times a week, and go out on Saturday nights for fun with friends. Your yearly spending may look like this:

• Coffee 4x/week @ $2.50 = $520
• Quick late-night snack 3x/week @ $6.50 = $1,014
• Weekend Fun @ $25-30 each weekend = $1,560

Your total spending would be $3,094 per year, or $12,376 for the four years of college--enough to buy a car. Considering this, make sure you’re being thoughtful about how you want to spend and save your money!

Moving forward with a flexible budget

For your budget to be useful, you need to follow it for more than a few months. Tracking your daily purchases only takes a few minutes. It takes even less time with a budgeting app that links to your bank and credit card accounts and automatically categorizes your purchases. Finding it hard to stick to your budget? Some of your figures may be unrealistic so review and adjust as needed. Perhaps you need to allocate more towards books and travel, and less on clothing. The best budget is one that grows and changes to meet your needs

What can you do now?

Setting up financial goals will help you plan and prioritize what’s important to you, and how you should set up a budget to align with your interests. Goals will also help you be more aware of how you spend your money day-to-day. It’s a good idea to write out these goals, and to stay mindful of them as you go through college!

If you like a pen and paper approach, you can try a simple tracking sheet like this one from Balance Pro or a more comprehensive budget worksheet like this one from the Harvard University Employees Credit Union . If you prefer a phone app, there are many to choose from and most are free. Read reviews to determine what makes the most sense for you.

Credit is a major factor in today's economy and is your reputation as a borrower. In order to have the best reputation, credit wise, you should take the time to learn about managing your credit. This is especially important when it comes time to rent an apartment, finance a car, buy a house, or even find a job. The sooner you start building your credit profile, the better off you'll be in the future.

Credit Report vs. Credit Score

A credit report is a detailed report of your credit history. It has personal information, employment history, and a list of open and closed credit accounts. You can get a free copy of your credit report once per year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. The website to check is  www.annualcreditreport.com . It’s a good idea to review your report at least once per year to ensure accuracy and check for fraud. If someone were to fraudulently open a line of credit in your name, you might never know without checking your report.

A credit score is a snapshot of your credit risk at a point in time, based off of your credit report. Credit scores such as FICO range from 300-850, with the majority of Americans scoring between 600-800. For lenders, a higher score means a lower chance of default.

Lenders often charge higher interest rates when taking on higher risk, so a low credit score means a more expensive loan. Conversely, a higher credit score means a less expensive loan. With solid credit history you can pay less for many credit products like private loans, credit cards, insurance, auto loans, and mortgages.

Do Your Research

Before applying for a credit card, compare each potential card’s annual fees, interest rates, special rewards, and credit limit. Little differences can have major impacts. Once you choose a credit card and begin using it, make your payments on time and pay off your balance each month. Failure to do so can result in large fees and do serious damage to your credit score. Try not to carry a balance on the card; instead, make occasional and sensible purchases.

Components of Your Credit Score

• Payment History (35%)  This is the largest factor and thus the best way to improve your score: make consistent, on-time payments. If you are more than 30 days late even once, that record remains on your credit report for 7 years and could result in a drop of 90 points or more in your credit score.
• Amount of Debt (30%)  How much debt you have relative to your available credit makes up the second largest factor in your score. A good rule of thumb is to keep your debt utilization ratio ( amounts owed/total credit limit ) below 30%. Pretend you have two credit cards and both have a limit of $500. To stay within 30% you would spend no more than $300 between the two cards.
• Length of Credit History (15%)  Lenders like to see long relationships with other lenders. One easy thing you can do to build credit history is open a no-annual-fee credit card, charge a few dollars each month, and pay it in full each month when the bill comes. 
• New Credit (10%)  Anytime you apply for a line of credit and a lender does what is called a "hard pull" on your credit score, your score can drop by a few points. This isn’t a big deal as new credit only makes up 10% of your score, but if you do this often enough it can substantially impact your score and ability to secure new credit. This information remains on your report for 2 years.
• Credit Mix (10%)  Lenders like to see a variety of credit accounts in good standing because it signals that you are a responsible borrower. A person who is making on-time monthly payments on a credit card, an auto loan, and a student loan is considered less risky. Your access to different types of credit may be limited as a student, and most lenders realize this.

U.S. News and World Report Student Credit Card Survey

Each year, U.S. News and World Report conducts a survey of students who own a credit card. From the results, they identify and address common credit topics such as credit scores, costs of credit, and providing tools that help guide students with credit card best practices. View the survey and guide here .

Helpful Reads

For more information on effective credit building as a student, the following articles are useful.

• CreditCards.com Presents: 10 Ways Students Can Build Good Credit
• A College Student’s Guide to Building Credit

Saving and Investing

Figuring out how to secure your financial well being is one of the most important things you can do. 

For many people, the path to financial security is with saving and investing. As a student, these topics may not yet be on your radar, but saving is a key concept for financial well-being. If you make saving a regular habit, even a small amount, you are building a foundation for financial success.

Tips on getting started with saving and investing

• Pay yourself first:  This means that for every paycheck you receive, commit to putting an amount (even a small amount) aside in a savings account. An effective way of doing this is to have a set amount of your paycheck directly deposited into a savings account, separate from what you use for everyday expenses. You will be surprised how quickly your savings can grow.
• Keep track of your saving:  People who track their savings tend to save more because it is on their mind. With online and mobile banking, there should be no excuse not to know exactly how much money you have.
• Set Goals:  Setting financial goals is crucial. As a student, you may only have a few financial goals, but this is the perfect opportunity to hone your skills. Think of this scenario: You want to pay off a student loan before graduation, how will you accomplish this? How much do you need to work? To save? The better you do now, the easier accomplishing future goals will become.

Thinking ahead

Even now there may be long range financial goals that you start saving for. Here are some tips for investing in your long term financial goals.

• Plan ahead:  As with any endeavor, advance planning is a way to figure out what you want, when you want it, and what you can do to achieve it. The sooner you start planning, the sooner you start accomplishing.
• Understand the time value of money /compound interest:  This is the principle that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future, because the dollar received today can earn interest up until the time the future dollar is received. The longer the time frame for investment, the more you can increase the income potential of your investment. On the flip side, waiting to invest can make it more difficult to achieve your financial goals. Discover how much waiting to save could cost you with the SEC  compound interest calculator .
• Understand your objectives:  As a general rule, the shorter your time frame for investing, the more conservative you should be. For example if you are in your twenties and trying save for a down payment on a house, you are going to want to put your money in a vehicle that ensures the least risk of losing your principle investment. When your time frame for investing is long, you can consider less conservative options. Retirement savings are an example. Starting young allows you to save for a longer period and allows time to make up for potential loses in a less conservative environment.

Do you need to file taxes? Are you aware of the tax benefits for Education? Find out the answers to these important tax related questions.

U.S. Federal Taxes: Overview

If you are planning to work in the US, then navigating the tax code is going to be a large part of your financial well being. Gathered here are aspects of the tax code that deal with education and college related expenses. While the information here is a good start, it is only a broad overview and not a complete guide to filing taxes. For specific questions or additional information, you may wish to visit the  IRS website  or consult a tax professional. International students should consult the  Taxes & Social Security  page of the Harvard International Office website.

Do I need to file taxes?

Determining whether or not you need to file taxes depends on two things: how much money you earned and how much was taken out (aka “withheld”) for taxes.

If your earned income is over a certain limit as determined by the IRS, you may be required to file taxes regardless of how much was withheld from your paycheck.

• As an example, a typical Harvard undergraduate was required to file (2018) taxes if their income (including  taxable scholarships ) was equal to or greater than $12,000.
• The IRS strongly suggests that you file taxes, even if you are not required to do so. By filing your taxes, you may be eligible for a refund of some or all of the income withheld.

Types of tax benefits for education

The information provided here is intended only to get you started to learn about potential tax benefits related to higher education. It is important to note that there are eligibility restrictions and we strongly suggest visiting the  IRS website  directly for the most comprehensive information about tax benefits for higher education.

American Opportunity Credit

• This is a credit of up to $2,500 per eligible student based on Qualified Education Expenses paid during the tax year. The American Opportunity Credit can only be used for up to four years per eligible student.

Lifetime Learning Credit

• This is a credit of up to $2,000 per eligible student based on Qualified Education Expenses paid during the tax year. The Lifetime Learning Credit does not have a limit on the number of years it can be used per eligible student.

Tuition and Fees Deduction

• This is a deduction of up to $4,000 from your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) based on amounts paid for Qualified Education Expenses. This deduction can be claimed for multiple students and the maximum deduction in a tax year is $4,000.

Student Loan Interest Deduction

• If you are a student making payments on an education loan that is accruing interest, you may be able to deduct some or all of the interest you paid that year from your taxes.
• Your parents may be able to deduct some or all of the interest they paid on their loans, taken on your behalf, if they still claim you as a dependent. The current limit is $2,500 per year, subject to income restrictions.

Important questions to consider

What are Qualified Education Expenses?

When filing taxes, you should know what counts as “qualified” and what doesn’t. This can be confusing because the definition of “qualified” is contextual. For example, the IRS may have a different definition of “qualified” than a 529 plan or other education savings plan provider.

What does the IRS count as Qualified Education Expenses?

• Per IRS guidelines, the expenses that you paid directly (or with a loan) for tuition, fees, and other related expenses count as qualified education expenses.
• The IRS website states that the following expenses do not qualify: room, board, insurance, medical expenses (including student health fees), transportation, and personal/living/family expenses.

What are Credits and Deductions?

Credits and deductions are two different ways to reduce your tax liability.

A  deduction  reduces the amount of income you have that is subject to tax. The actual benefit is tied to your tax bracket. In other words, if you are in the 25% tax bracket and have a Deduction of $1,000, your benefit is a $250 reduction in your taxes (25% of $1,000.)

A  credit  on the other hand reduces the amount of income tax you have to pay in a 1:1 ratio. In other words, if you have a $1,000 Credit, then your benefit is a $1,000 reduction in your taxes.

As a general rule, you should seek out credits before deductions, since the benefit is usually larger (i.e. to your advantage).

Additional Resources and Information

The information provided here is taken from the IRS website and is intended solely as a guideline. Because tax laws are constantly changing, information found here may change. For the most up to date and comprehensive information, we strongly suggest visiting the  IRS website , or consult a tax professional should you have specific questions. 

http://sfs.harvard.edu/taxes

http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Education-Credits

IRS Publication 970 (Tax Benefits for Education)

http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Qualified-Ed-Expenses

Throughout the year, we offer events on a wide range of financial literacy topics. Some events are in person and some are virtual, but all are geared toward helping you understand, manage, and move forward with your financial life. 

• First-Year Finance - A session delivered in the fall of your first year which provides an overview of all things Financial Aid. We also cover credit, budgeting, and the various financial literacy programs that we have available. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Harvard’s generous financial aid offerings.(This session has been cancelled for fall 2020).
• Money Management 201  – You’re getting ready to graduate and you have borrowed to help cover the cost of education. Is your financial health in order? Join us at one of our Spring semester sessions where we explain debt, loan repayment, and a host of other financial literacy topics. Regardless of whether you’re joining the work force, taking time off to travel, or prepping for grad school, these sessions are invaluable as you start your life post-Harvard.
• University Efforts  - In June 2011 the Directors of Financial Aid at each Harvard School as well as the University Financial Aid Liason’s Office decided to work on Financial Literacy as a University wide endeavor. One result of this collaboration was a university resource on financial wellness .

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Introduction to Financial Literacy 1.1 Objectives By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: Define “Financial Literacy” Relate financial literacy.

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Presentation on theme: "Introduction to Financial Literacy 1.1 Objectives By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: Define “Financial Literacy” Relate financial literacy."— Presentation transcript:

Money & Banking Chapter 10 Section 1 Money.

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Do Now What do the following terms have to do with money? Goods

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Filling the financial literacy gap through positive youth development.

By Darcy Cole

• 88% of adults said that high school did not leave them "fully-prepared" to handle money.
• 74% of adults said they would have made fewer money mistakes if they had learned about personal finances in high school.
• 76% of adults said they would have felt less money-related stress if they had learned about personal finances in high school.
• Threats to individual and family well-being (especially for underserved and low-income populations).
• Being more susceptible to predatory lending.
• Costly errors in managing debts and expenses.
• Lifelong financial inequity.
• Missed wealth-building opportunities.
• Reduced access to higher education and professional development.
• Being trapped in cycles of poverty and debt.

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Financial Literacy

Oct 29, 2019

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Financial Literacy. Financial Literacy Vocabulary Assignment. Directions: Using the vocabulary we will go over, you are to pick two words. After picking your 2 words you are to create a “poster” for each word on a separate pieces of computer paper. Your poster needs to include the following:

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Presentation Transcript

Financial Literacy Vocabulary Assignment • Directions: Using the vocabulary we will go over, you are to pick two words. • After picking your 2 words you are to create a “poster” for each word on a separate pieces of computer paper. Your poster needs to include the following: • The word • The definition • A picture or symbol clearly showing what the word means • A sentence clearly showing an understanding of the word's meaning with the vocab word included in the sentence. • Color and creativity

Where does money come from? One things for sure, it doesn’t grow on trees! Even though we wish it did. How money is printed

Introduction

Complete the questionnaire on your notes. We will discus your Reponses in a few minutes.

Survey • Do you currently have a savings account? • Do you currently have a checking account? • Do you plan on owning or currently own a car? • What is a good interest rate for a car loan? • Do you plan on owning a house one day? • What would you do to finance your house? • What is a down payment? • Can you purchase a house without a down payment? • Do you currently have a credit card or loan? • What is a co-signer? • What happens if you have a co-signer on a loan and you neglect your payments?

Basic Vocabulary • Revenue—what you earn • Expenses—what you spend • Net Profit—total revenues minus total expenses • Net Income—same as net profit • Depreciation—reduction in value over time • Appreciation—increase in value over time • Equity—ownership in a company

More Vocabulary • Vesting—earning equity over time instead of all at once • Asset—something you own that has value • Liability—something you owe for • Balance—the difference between credits and debits in an account • Bond—debt instrument through which companies and governments can raise money

Why study financial literacy? • The state says we need to! • The number of foreclosures and bankruptcies are increasing. • Unemployment continues to be unstable. • Credit card use has gotten out of control. • You have the chance to be smart with your finances from the very beginning!

Vocabulary Assignment • Using the definitions just given to you, you need to create a sentence (that includes the vocab word!) and picture that represents the vocabulary word. This is your LAST vocab assignment for the year!!!

Spending Money & Debt

Do you never have enough money? Some spending is inevitable and important, while others could be kept in check • Housing/Utilities • Food • Transportation • Retirement • Education • Health Care • Insurance • Household Supplies • Savings • Entertainment • Personal Care Products • Charitable Donations • Taxes • Miscellaneous

What do I do? • Mortgage: $900 • Utilities: $175-$225 • Groceries: $500 • Transportation: $200 for gas a month • Car Payment: $180 • Retirement: $400 • Education: $200 for my student loan • Health Care: $200 • Insurance: $175 a month • Household Supplies: varies--$200 a month • Savings: $400 a month • Entertainment: $150 • Donations: $500 • Other - $1,500 • Internet • Credit Cards • Shopping • Gifts

What do others do? • Food is a huge expense for people! • 81% of consumers are spending more or the same on groceries as they were 2 years ago • How can people save money on food? • How can you cut back on other expenses?

Paying Taxes

How We’re Taxed • We are taxed when we work, and often taxed when we make a purchase • On April 15th each year, we mail in forms showing what we’ve paid in local, state, and federal taxes. • Sometimes we get a refund (because we’ve overpaid) • Sometimes we owe more (because we didn’t pay enough)

Why We’re Taxed • What kinds of goods and services does the government provide? • Education • Defense • Welfare • Where does it get the money to do this? • From Taxes! • Consumer Rights • Disability • Environment • And now Health Insurance

The U.S. History of Taxation • Remember the Colonists were not thrilled to be taxed—hence the Boston Tea Party • The Revolutionists were upset! No taxation without representation!

Why They Can Tax • After the Revolutionary War, we were in debt! We needed taxes to pay that debt off • Article I, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution gave Congress the right to tax • The 16th Amendment added an income tax

Can We Skip Taxes? • Failure to pay your taxes legally due is called Tax Evasion. • Some don’t report all income • Some don’t file at all • The penalty can be financial or even jail • We can legally try to decrease our taxes through Tax Avoidance. • We claim as many deductions as possible to lower the amount we owe

Filing Taxes • All the forms you’ll need can be found at the IRS website. • You need the forms • You need your W-2 and proof of income • You need any investment and banking papers • Any education expenses or charity donations • If you haven’t received your W-2s by February 15th, you can report your employer to the IRS • You CAN file your taxes on your own!

Credit Cards

Credit • The definition of credit is the borrowing capacity of an individual or company • You cannot borrow money without a credit history; sometimes a lender will require a co-signer • You build your credit history by • borrowing money and paying it off • paying bills on time

Credit Scores • Most lenders use the FICO method • The numbers range from 300 to 850 • The higher the score, the better your credit • Your score is based on • Your payment history (35%)—higher if you pay on time • Outstanding debt (30%)—an if you owe more than you earn • Length of credit history (15%)—how long you’ve been borrowing money • New credit (10%)—getting a new card or loan • Types of credit (10%)—are you diverse?

Warning: Careful How You Spend • Keeping your credit score healthy allows you to take out loans with a lower interest rate • Lower Interest Rate = Lower Payment! • Your credit limit = The amount you are approved for on a credit card • You cannot go over your limit! • Make sure to only use 30% of your credit limit, to keep your score healthy and high • i.e. $100 Credit Limit = Spending no more than $30 a month • i.e. $7,000 Credit Limit = Spending no more than $2,100 a month

Credit Card Use Positives Negatives • You can buy something when you don’t have the cash for it • Safer than carrying cash • Easier to use than a check • Helps establish credit • Easier to spend money you don’t have • Need to pay interest—and rates vary • Can charge an annual fee • Penalties for late or missed payments

How do I Get a Credit Report • Free Credit Reports—don’t trust the commercials! • Online: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com     (This is the ONLY site that's truly free! Don't be fooled by ads saying otherwise.) • Due to the passage of the 2003 Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA), all Americans are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—upon request every 12 months.

Purpose • To protect yourself or your family against the financial impact of a tragedy

Different Types • Health: can cover everything or just hospitalization • Life: to help your family after you die; should help with the lost income of the insured • Auto: required by law; helps when a car is severely damaged • Home Owners: protects against natural disasters, fires, or someone who is injured at your home • Renters: protects the items inside the house • Product: on a specific purchase

Important Tips • Carry a high deductible to keep premiums low—hopefully you won’t ever need the insurance • Don’t over-insure old cars—you won’t get enough money for a brand new car • Keep careful records so replacement isn’t an issue

Insurance Vocabulary • Complete the crossword puzzle using the following words:

Banking & Savings Accounts

There are five different types of accounts that are available at most banks.

Checking Account • Uses a check as the primary manner of withdrawing money • Can also use a check to make purchases • Most have ATM/Debit cards attached to them

Writing a Check • Date • Who you’re paying • Dollar amount in numbers • Dollar amount in words • Optional memo • Signature • Name/Address/Phone • Check Number • Codes for the bank • Codes for the branch • Routing number

Savings Account • Keeping your money “in the bank” • Often limits the number of deposits and withdraws per month • Need to keep a minimum amount • Earns interest • Insured by the federal government

Money Market Account • Money is deposited, just like in a savings account • Instead of just sitting in the bank, the money is invested • Also insured by the government • A very safe investment, but lower returns

Time Deposits • Also known as Certificates of Deposit (CDs) • Money is held in an account for a fixed period of time • There’s an agreed upon rate of return prior to the deposit • Advanced notice must be given to withdraw the money

No-Frills Bank Account • An account with no bells or whistles • Will not require a lot of fees • In other words, it’s a cheap alternative (like shopping at Aldi’s instead of Heinen’s)

Deposit Slips 1 5 2 • Date • Name on the Account • Account Number • Bank Information • Cash you are putting • into the account • 6. Amount of money you • are putting into the account via checks • 7. Subtotal: The total amount on the slip, of both money and checks • 8. Less Cash: If you want to keep money out of the subtotal. i.e. If you put • $1,000 on the deposit slip but want $50.00 cash back you would only be • putting $950 in the account. • 9. Total: The total amount you are putting into the account. Subtotal, minus • less cash. 6 3 7 4 8 9

Definition • Investing is the act of committing money or capital to an endeavor with the expectation of obtaining an additional income or profit. • In other words, making money off the money you already have!

Stocks • A portion of an ownership in a corporation • If you own stock, you own a share in the company • Buy and sell through a broker who trades on the Stock Exchange

Bonds • Issued by some large entity—a bank, the government, or a company • Pay out a specific amount at a specified time • Pays out less prior to that specified date

Mutual Funds • Operated by an investment company • Takes money from investors and buys a number of stocks, bonds, etc. • Have a portfolio of accounts, not a lot of one type

Let Me Introduce… • Mint • What is it: A personal finance, budgeting money management website and app

Writing a check 101 5/13/15 Ford Auto 592.89 Five Hundred Ninety-Two & 89/100 Shayla Greer Acct #: 321876004 Bill for: Ford Auto Price: $592.89 Account Number: 321876004

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• Our Mission

Teaching Kids to Manage Money Yields Big Returns, Research Says

A 2023 study shows that when teens receive financial literacy lessons in school, they manage their money more effectively well into adulthood.

Walk into Tamekia Davis’s 11th-grade classroom and you may see students’ desks covered in beans—but it’s not a cooking class. “The beans will represent your salary,” announces Davis, a teacher at Parkdale High School in Maryland , causing a few heads to turn. “And you’re going to have to decide where you are going to spend this money.”

With this unusual task in hand, students huddle together in pairs to make difficult decisions. Should they spend one bean to ride the bus or three beans to buy a used car? And what about food—cook at home for two beans or eat out for four? This bean-based crash course in budgeting not only is fun; it’s also an example of a relatively simple lesson that introduces students to key concepts in personal finance.

But how effective are finance lessons, really ? When kids are introduced to complicated financial topics like compounding interest rates, savings accounts, or personal and business taxes, does the information just go in one ear and out the other?

New research from Vermont’s Champlain College is unequivocal: Financial literacy lessons have an “overwhelmingly” positive impact on students’ future financial habits, from budgeting and saving to avoiding predatory loans, according to their 2023 report on nationwide high school financial literacy. In fact, the effects on students’ financial well-being are detectable over a decade after graduation.

Research Points to Robust Benefits

In their report, Champlain College’s researchers assigned U.S. states letter grades based on their commitment to high school financial literacy. An A meant that the state required “personal finance instruction as a graduation requirement that is equal to a one-semester, half-year course” at the high school level. An F, meanwhile, indicated that the state had “virtually no requirements for personal finance education in high school.”

Only seven states received an A. A plurality received Bs, while five states—including California, home to one of every eight high school students in America—got an F.

Many states are in the process of implementing new personal finance laws, though, so the researchers project that 23 states will reach an A grade by 2028. That’s a welcome trend, the authors write—not simply because the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the financially precarious situations of many American families, but also because high school personal finance courses have a robust impact on students’ future financial habits.

“Overwhelmingly, high school financial education improves credit and debt behaviors,” the report says. “Requiring financial education improves credit scores, reduces delinquency rates, reduces the use of alternative financial services (e.g., payday lending), and shifts students from high-interest to low-interest methods of financing a college education.” 

A 2020 study they cite, for example, found that 18-to-21-year-olds were at least 40 percent less likely to fall a month behind on payments to credit accounts if they had three years of financial literacy education in high school; these recent high school graduates also had credit scores roughly 25 points higher than those of their peers. 

These advantages last, too: Research shows that the benefits of high school finance lessons—from increased savings to speedier loan repayments—were still detectable 12 years after graduation.

Surprisingly, the benefits can also be spread among generations. Parents of the students receiving financial instruction tend to end up with higher credit scores and a lower chance of defaulting on loans, and educators who teach financial literacy often see an increase in their own savings balances .

FINANCIAL LITERACY ACTIVITIES TO TRY

Given the widespread benefits of financial literacy, it seems worthwhile to integrate more finance-related lessons into class—even if your state doesn’t mandate it, and even if it isn’t a subject you’re responsible for. 

There are a variety of simple personal finance lessons that can slot into subject-area classes like math and English language arts. Here are a few to consider trying:

Play the bean game: To try the bean game from Davis’s class, check out this embedded worksheet—as well as the accompanying lesson plan from Next Gen Personal Finance. The worksheet lists various housing, food, insurance, clothing, and transportation options, ranging from 0 to 4 beans in price. (You can use any small object for the currency.) In her classes, Davis includes an optional element of chance: A digital wheel determines whether a random financial event will affect the whole class. If the wheel lands on “broken leg,” for instance, groups must remove three beans from their paper if they didn’t include health insurance in their original budget.

Evaluate credit cards and tax forms: At San Marcos High School in California, personal finance teacher Tara Razi “literally brought her wallet into class and showed us her different credit cards,” one of her students told KQED . Having kids compare different credit cards—their interest rates, late fees, cash-back policies, and benefits—is a fun and informative activity that could be integrated into a math lesson. For another math-related finance activity, Mission Hills High School’s Jeff Montooth has his students fill out tax forms using either fake pay stubs or real ones from their part-time jobs; kids are surprisingly engaged by filing mock taxes, often competing to get the biggest tax refund, Montooth told KQED.

Budget-based PBL: Middle school teacher Pamela Kranz designed a monthlong project-based learning (PBL) unit that she integrated into her math classes. Students choose a career from a list of options, then receive a “salary” for the month based on the actual median salary for that career, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Over the course of the month, students must choose between apartments (from actual online listings), transportation options, groceries, and more. During each activity , they calculate their expenditures to make sure they’re staying within budget.

Play financial Jenga: Family and consumer sciences teacher Kailen Stover has students play a game of Credit Score Jenga, where each Jenga block that a student pulls out has a number corresponding to one of 50 different credit-related events. If a student pulls a seven, for example, it means they “paid [their] $350 car loan payment on time” and should add 10 points to their credit score; pulling a 33 means they were a victim of identity theft, and they must subtract 70 points.

If you’re looking for more specific finance-related curricular resources, check out free online lesson plans offered by Next Gen Personal Finance or class activities from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau .