Financial Literacy Program Topics Covered - Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Tools

Financial Literacy Curriculum Topics Covered

Explore Financial Literacy Program Topics for All Ages

Our financial literacy program topics teach essential skills such as budgeting, investing, and managing debt. These lessons are designed for students, educators, and parents, helping everyone make smarter money choices. In addition, they build financial confidence and early competence. As a result, whether you’re learning at home or in school, these topics offer valuable real-world knowledge.

For more information, visit The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s resources.

Tailored Lessons for Every Age Group

We provide financial literacy topics specifically designed for elementary, middle, and high school students. In the same way, each topic builds on the last, using age-appropriate examples to reinforce learning. For example, younger students might explore needs vs. wants, while high schoolers learn about credit and interest. This gradual approach ensures students develop a strong, lasting foundation.

As a result, learners grow more confident with real financial decisions.

Aligned with National Standards

Our comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of subjects including budgeting, saving, credit, and investing. Every lesson aligns with national financial literacy standards, ensuring both quality and consistency.

Moreover, these resources are easy to integrate into classroom settings or home learning environments. Teachers and parents value the clarity and adaptability of the materials, which help maintain student engagement through hands-on activities and relevant examples.

What’s Inside the Curriculum?

Our program covers key financial concepts, including:

Budgeting and saving
Credit and borrowing
Investing basics
Managing debt

Because of this, all lessons are aligned with national standards, making them ideal for classroom or home use. Additionally, lessons include real-life examples, interactive activities, and clear instructions, keeping students engaged from start to finish.

Tools to Track Growth and Success

To help track progress, each unit includes assessments and feedback tools. These resources help educators and parents identify what students understand, and where they may need support.

In turn, this helps personalize learning and make instruction more effective. Plus, the materials are flexible enough to adapt to different teaching styles and learning environments.

Beyond Financial Literacy: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Beyond money management, we also offer a robust Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program. SEL topics focus on developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, communication, and goal-setting. With more than 50 SEL lessons, students can strengthen the personal and social skills that support both academic and life success.

Click here to learn more about our SEL curriculum!

Try it For Free

Ready to explore the full experience? Sign up today and try our financial literacy program topics for free. Click here to sign up and explore the curriculum with a free trial!

Grade 12

Week	Topic	Activity	Materials Needed	Assessment	Corresponding Standard
1	Mortgage Basics	Compare 15yr vs. 30yr loans + points.	Bankrate.com, Zillow listings	Infographic	FL.3.9
2	Down Payments	FHA vs. conventional with PMI simulation	NerdWallet, FHA.gov	Podcast episode	FL.3.9
3	Property Taxes	Calculate homestead exemptions.	SmartAsset, county tax records	Debate	FL.1.1
4	Home Warranties	Compare appliance vs. structural coverage.	ConsumerAffairs.com	Cost-benefit chart	FL.4.2
5	House Flipping	Budget renovation + calculate break-even.	HomeAdvisor, Excel	Pitch presentation	FL.4.2
6	Credit Scores	Simulate mortgage shopping impact.	CreditKarma, FICO simulator	Line graph	FL.3.10
7	Closing Costs	Lender credits vs rate buy-downs.	Realtor.com, closing cost calculator	Fee audit	FL.3.9
8	Rent vs. Buy	10-year cost projection	NYT Calculator, Zillow	TikTok video	FL.3.9
9	Tiny Homes	Equity growth analysis	HGTV clips, RV loan terms	Comparative essay	FL.3.9
10	Stock Portfolios	Build 60/30/10 portfolio	Morningstar, MarketWatch	Quarterly report	FL.4.5 – FL.4.6
11	Retirement Plans	Compare 401(k)/pensions/IRAs.	Investor.gov, pension calculators	Comparison table	FL.4.3
12	Crypto Investing	Analyze BTC/ETH/stables.	CoinMarketCap, Coinbase	Risk matrix	FL.4.6

Grade 11

Week	Topic	Activity	Materials Needed	Assessment	Corresponding Standard
1	Career ROI	Compare salaries vs. education costs.	BLS.gov data	Infographic	FL.2.2
2	Net Worth	Calculate startup business net worth.	Google Sheets template	Balance sheet	FL.2.1
3	FAFSA Scavenger Hunt	Find obscure scholarships.	FastWeb.com	Checklist	FL.3.7
4	Student Loans	Compare loan types.	StudentAid.gov	Loan chart	FL.3.7
5	Loan Repayment	Model 10-year payoff plan.	LoanSimulator.org	Payment plan	FL.3.2
6	Gig Taxes	Complete mock 1099 return.	TurboTax.com	Tax filing	FL.2.6
7	Paycheck Analysis	Decode $15/hr paycheck.	PaycheckCity.com	Annotation	FL.2.5
8	Salary Negotiation	Role-play job offers.	Glassdoor.com data	Video	FL.2.5
9	Project: Debt-free Degree	4-year funding plan.	Canva	Presentation	FL.3.7
10	Enhanced: Compound Interest	Compare continuous vs. quarterly compounding.	Investor.gov calculator	Growth Chart	FL.3.1
11	Stock Market	$10K virtual portfolio	MarketWatch	Report	FL.4.6
12	Index Funds	S&P 500 vs. individual stocks.	Morningstar	Comparison	FL.4.6
13	Retirement Accounts	401(k) growth modeling	Investor.gov	Graph	FL.4.3
14	Crypto	Track Bitcoin volatility.	CoinMarketCap	Risk memo	FL.4.6
15	Diversification	Build 60/40 stock/bond portfolio.	Yahoo Finance	Allocation plan	FL.4.5
16	REITs	Analyze vs. physical property.	Fundrise	Pros/Cons chart	FL.4.6
17	Project: FIRE Movement	Early retirement plan	FireCalc.com	Blog	FL.4.3
18	Scams	Investigate Ponzi schemes.	SEC.gov	Warning poster	FL.3.6
19	Credit Scores	Simulate late payments.	CreditKarma	Timeline	FL.3.10
20	Auto Loans	48 vs. 60-months loans	Bankrate.com	Cost analysis	FL.3.8
21	Rent vs. Buy	5-year cost comparison	NYT Calculator	Debate	FL.3.9
22	Insurance	Compare HMO/PPO plans.	Healthcare.gov	Plan selection	FL.4.1
23	W-4 Optimization	Maximize take-home pay.	PaycheckCity	Paycheck.com	FL.2.6
24	Side Hustles	Model Etsy vs. tutoring.	Income Reports	Profit calculator	FL.2.2
25	Tax Credits	Research EITC/AOTC	IRS.gov	Eligibility quiz	FL.2.6
26	Trade Deficit	Analyze US-China trade data.	FRED Graphs	News segment	FL.2.3
27	Project: Financial Escape Room	Solve tax/budget puzzles.	Google Forms	Time trial	FL.1-4
28	Wedding Budget	Plan $5k vs. $30k plans.	WeddingWire	Budget Comparison	FL.2.5
29	Prenups	Analyze financial clauses.	LegalTemplates	Doc review	FL.3.10
30	Social Security	Estimate benefits.	SSA.gov	Statement	FL.4.3
31	Estate Planning	Create simple will.	FreeWill.com	Document	FL..4.1
32	Warranties	Compare electronics protection plans.	Consumer reports	Cost-benefit	FL.4.2
33	Recession Prep	6-month emergency fund	Budget tools	Savings plan	FL.2.5
34	Capstone: 10-Year Plan	Present financial roadmap	Notion	Expo	FL.1-4
35	Final: Adulting License	Demonstrate competency.	DIY certificate	Panel Q&A	FL.1-4

Grade 10

Week	Topic	Activity	Materials Needed	Assessment	Corresponding Standard
1	Decimals in Money	Calculate discounts using store circulars.	Target/Walmart ads	Quiz: “Best Deal”	FL.1.1
2	Net Worth	Calculate personal net worth (assets — liabilities).	Google Sheets template	Net worth statement	FL.2.1
3	Banking Services	Compare student accounts at 3 banks.	Chase & Bank of America websites	Infographic	FL.2.5
4	Simple Interest	Compare savings account (Ally vs. Discover).	Bankrate.com	“Double Your Money” worksheet	FL.1.3
5	Paychecks	Decode Starbucks paycheck stub.	Paycheck generator	Annotation Activity	FL.2.5
6	Business Profits	Run mock coffee stand (cost/revenue)	Google Sheets	Profit/Losses statement	FL.2.2
7	Taxes & Tips	Calculate meal costs with tax/tip.	Restaurant menus	Role-play	FL.1.1
8	Needs vs. Wants	Categorize Gen Z spending habits.	TikTok spending trends	Debate	FL.2.5
9	Project: No-Spend Challenge	Track spending with reflection.	Journal app	Podcast reflection	FL.2.5
10	Part-Time Jobs	Analyze pay rates at local businesses.	Indeed.com	Resume + Cover Letter	FL.2.5
11	Gig Economy	Compare DoorDash vs. TaskRabbit earnings.	Gig economy reports	Income comparison	FL.2.2
12	Sales Tax	Calculate total costs for back-to-school shopping.	Amazon/Best Buy	Receipt Analysis	FL.1.1
13	Credit Cards	Compare student cards (APR/rewards).	NerdWallet	“Card shark” pitch	FL.3.5
14	Mortgage Loans	Compare 15yr vs. 30yr mortgages.	Zillow + mortgage calculator	Cost analysis	FL.3.9
15	Car Costs	Analyze used car loans (48 vs. 60 months).	CarGurus	Loan comparison	FL.3.8
16	Scams	Investigate phishing emails.	FTC scam alerts	Create warning poster	FL.3.6
17	Charity	Research local charity impact.	CharityNavigator	Donation proposal	FL.2.5
18	Project: Biz Pitch	Develop teen business plan.	Canva	Shark Tank presentation	FL.2.2
19	Stock Market	$10K virtual portfolio challenge.	MarketWatch	Quarterly report	FL.4.6
20	Compound Interest	“Interest Island” game (now with continuous compounding).	DIY game board	Growth chart	FL.3.1
21	Portfolio Diversification	Build 60/40 stock/bond portfolio	Yahoo Finance	Risk Analysis	FL.4.5
22	Insurance	Compare phone vs. car insurance.	PolicyGenius	Cost-benefit chart	FL.4.1
23	Identity Theft	Freeze “credit reports” (simulated).	Experian demo	Step-by-step guide	FL.3.11
24	Global Money	Convert USD to EUR/JPY/GBP.	XE.com	Travel budget	FL.2.4
25	Crypto Basics	Track Bitcoin volatility.	CoinMarketCap	Risk memo	FL.4.6
26	Trade Deficit	Analyze US-China trade data.	FRED Graphs	News segment	FL.2.3
27	Project: Import Biz	Source Alibaba product with fees.	Alibaba	Profit/Losses Statement	FL.2.2
28	Rent vs. Buy	5-year cost comparison.	Zillow/Apartments.com	TikTok video	FL.3.9
29	Credit Scores	Simulate score impact of late payments.	CreditKarma	Timeline graph	FL.3.1.0
30	Taxes	File mock 1099 return.	TurboTax Free Edition	Completed return	FL.2.6
31	Student Loans	Compare subsidized vs. unsubsidized.	StudentAid.gov	Loan chart	FL.3.7
32	Wedding Budget	Plan $5k vs. $30k wedding.	WeddingWire	Budget Comparison	FL.2.5
33	Side Hustles	Model Etsy vs. YouTube income.	Creator earnings reports	Income projection	FL.2.2
34	Capstone: Financial Escape Room	Solve tax/budget puzzles.	Google Forms	Time trial	FL.1-4
35	Final Project: 5-year Plan	Present financial roadmap.	Notion template	Expo presentation	FL.1-4

Grade 9

Week	Topic	Activity	Materials Needed	Assessment	Corresponding Standard
1	Decimals & Percentages	Calculate discounts (e.g. 30% off $50 sneakers).	Store ads, Google Sheets	Quiz: “Best Deal”	FL.1.1
2	Taxes & Tips	Simulate dining out: Calculate tip + sales tax.	Restaurant receipts	Role-play: “Ethical Tipping”	FL.1.1
3	Budgeting 101	Track weekly spending (allowance/gifts).	Google Sheets template	Journal Reflection	FL.2.5
4	Needs vs. Wants	Sort items (e.g. Netflix vs. school supplies).	Magazine cutouts	Debate	FL.2.5
5	Simple Interest	Compare savings accounts (Ally vs. Chase).	Bank websites	Infographic	FL.1.3
6	Net Worth	Calculate personal net worth (assets/liabilities).	Spreadsheet template	Net worth statement	FL.2.1
7	Digital Payments	Pros/cons of Venmo vs. cash.	FTC.gov articles	PSA video	FL.3.5
8	Project : No-Spend Week	Avoid non-essential purchases.	Reflection worksheet	Class showcase	FL.2.5
9	Part-Time Jobs	Research local teen job pay rates.	Website: Indeed.com	Resume Draft	FL.2.5
10	Paycheck Math	Decode gross vs. net pay.	Pay stub generator	Quiz	FL.2.5
11	Gig Economy	Compare DoorDash vs. babysitting earnings.	Gig calculators	Poster	FL.2.2
12	Exchange Rates	Convert $100 to EUR/GBP (fees included).	XE.com	Travel budget	FL.2.4
13	Compound Interest	“Interest Island” game (5-year savings.)	DIY game board	Worksheet	FL.3.1
14	Stock Market	Invest $1K virtual cash (MarketWatch).	MarketWatch Simulator	Portfolio report	FL.4.6
15	Avoiding Scams	Analyze TikTok scams.	FTC.gov videos	Skit	FL.3.6
16	Project: Biz Pitch	Design a teen business plan.	Canva	Shark Tank Pitch	FL.2.2
17	Credit Cards	Compare APR/rewards.	NerdWallet	Quiz	FL.3.5
18	Credit Scores	Simulate late payment impact.	CreditKarma	Graph	Fl.3.1.0
19	Loans 101	Calculate bike loan payback.	Loan calculators	Role-play	FL.3.2
20	Rent-to-Own	Compare PS5 rental vs. purchase	Rent-A-Center ads	Debate	FL.3.8
21	Car Financing	Analyze used car loans.	Bankrate.com	Brochure	FL.3.9
22	Peer Pressure Spending	Social media influence.	TikTok case studies	Diary	FL.3.5
23	Student Loans	Compare subsidized vs. unsubsidized.	StudentAid.gov	Chart	FL.3.7
24	Project: Credit Hero Comic	Navigate credit pitfalls.	Pixton.com	Gallery Walk	FL.3.1.0
25	Emergency Funds	Save for 3 months of expenses.	MIT Living Wage Calculator	Quiz	FL.2.5
26	Insurance Basics	Phone vs car insurance.	PolicyGenius	Infographic	FL.4.1
27	Retirement Accounts	Compare Roth IRA vs 401(k).	Investor.gov	Meme	FL.4.3
28	Identity Theft	Spot phishing emails.	FTC Identity Theft Kit	Quiz	FL.3.11
29	Project: Auditing 101	Budget on $25K salary.	Spreadsheet	Poster	FL.2.5
30	Capstone: Money Quest	Choose-your-own-adventure-game.	Google Forms	Peer Review	FL.1-4
31	Stock Portfolio	Track gains/losses over 4 weeks.	Yahoo Finance	Report	FL.4.6
32	Global Trade	Analyze US-China trade deficit.	FRED Graphs	News segment	FL.2.3
33	Review & Catch-Up	Address gaps from assessments.	Custom worksheets	Quiz	—
34	Final Project Expo	Present 10-year financial plan.	Tri-fold boards	Panel Q&A	FL.1-4
35	Celebration	“Financial Literacy Fair’ with projects.	N/A	Self-evaluation	—

Grade 8

Month	Topic	Activity	Materials Needed	Assessment	Standard(s)
1	Budgeting with Percents	Calculate discounts/markups on back-to-school supplies using spreadsheets.	Store ads, Excel/Google Sheets.	Submit a spreadsheet with calculations.	MA.912.FL.1; SS.68.FL.2
2	Net Worth	Track personal “assets” (e.g., gaming console, bike) vs. “liabilities” (e.g., phone plan).	Net worth worksheets, calculators.	Create a personal net worth statement.	MA.912.FL.2
3	Compound Interest	Compare growth of $100 at 3% vs. 5% interest over 5 years using formulas.	Compound interest calculator, graph paper.	Graph results + short reflection.	MA.912.FL.3
4	Credit & APR	Simulate credit card payments (minimum vs. full) to see interest costs.	Credit card statements (sample), calculators.	Written analysis of payment strategies.	MA.912.FL.3.6; SS.68.FL.4
5	Tax Basics	Complete a simplified 1040 form using a $5,000 part-time job scenario.	IRS Form 1040 (simplified), pay stub templates.	Completed tax form + quiz on deductions.	MA.912.FL.2.6
6	Stock Market Simulation	Track 1-2 stocks for 4 weeks; calculate gains/losses.	Stock market websites, spreadsheet	Presentation on stock performance.	MA.912.FL.4.6
7	Insurance Math	Compare auto insurance deductibles ($500 vs. $1,000) and monthly costs.	Insurance quotes (sample), cost charts.	Role-play: “Convince a parent which to choose.”	MA.912.FL..4.1
8	Break-Even Analysis	Calculate how many lemonades to sell to cover costs ($2/cup, $50 startup).	Business plan templates, calculators.	Infographic showing break-even point(s).	MA.912.FL.3.12
9	Capstone Project	Design a 5-year financial plan (college, car, or career savings).	Canva/Poster board, budget templates.	Peer review + presentation.	All of MA.912.FL & SS..68.FL

Grade 7

Month	Topic	Activity	Materials Needed	Assessment	Standard(s)
1	Earning Income	“Job Salary Calculation” – Convert hourly wages to weekly/monthly income.	Pay stub templates, calculators.	Quiz on wage calculations.	SS.68.FL.1; MA.912.FL.1
2	Needs vs. Wants	“Survival Budget Challenge” – Allocate $500 to needs (food, rent) vs. wants.	Budget cards, scenario prompts.	Written justification of choices.	SS.68.FL.2
3	Banking Basics	“Virtual Bank Tour” – Compare savings/checking accounts; calculate fees.	Bank websites, fee charts.	Compare 2 accounts in a Venn Diagram.	SS.68.FL.3
4	Simple Interest	“Interest Scavenger Hunt” – Find real-world examples (e.g., savings accounts).	Bank brochures, online rate tables.	Worksheet calculating interest earned.	MA.912.FL.3.1
5	Introduction to Taxes	“Sales Tax Calculator” – Add 7% FL tax to purchases (e.g., $50 sneakers).	Receipts, tax rate cards.	Create a taxed shopping list.	MA.912.FL.1.1
6	Smart Shopping	“Unit Price Showdown” – Compare costs per ounce/unit at a “grocery store.”	Product labels, calculators.	Presentation on the best deals.	SS.68.FL.2
7	Saving for Goals	“Dream Vacation Plan” – Calculate savings needed for a trip in 2 years.	Travel brochures, savings tracker.	Savings timeline with milestones.	SS.68.FL.3
8	Avoiding Scams	“Scam Detective” – Analyze phishing emails/fake ads; identify red flags.	FTC scam examples, screenshots.	Design a “Scam Alert” poster.	SS.68.FL.5
9	Capstone: Financial Plan	“My Money Story” – Create a comic/poster summarizing key lessons.	Art supplies, digital tools (Canva)	Peer gallery walk + reflection	All SS..68.FL

Grade 6

Month	Topic	Activity	Materials Needed	Assessment	Standard
1	What is Money?	“Money Timeline” – Create a poster showing the history of currency (barter → digital).	Printed images, art supplies.	Presentation to class.	SS.68.FL.1
2	Earning Money	“Classroom Economy” – Earn “class bucks” for jobs (e.g., librarian, tech helper).	Fake currency, job charts.	Weekly “paycheck” tracking.	SS.68.FL.1
3	Needs vs. Wants	“Survival Island” – Choose 5 items to “buy” for a deserted island.	Item cards, budget sheet ($20 limit)	Group discussion on choices.	SS.68.FL.2
4	Basic Budgeting	“Allowance Planner” – Allocate $10/week to spending, saving, and giving.	Budget templates, calculators.	Submit a 4-week plan.	SS.68.FL.2
5	Introduction to Banks	“Bank Field Trip” (Virtual or In-Person) – Tour a bank; learn about ATMs, accounts.	Permission slips, bank website.	Draw a diagram of bank services.	SS.68.FL.3
6	Saving Goals	“Dream Purchase Plan” – Calculate how long to save for a bike/game (50-50-100)	Savings charts, goal trackers.	Illustrate goal progress.	SS.68.FL.3
7	Smart Shopping	“Grocery Store Math” – Compare prices of 3 cereal brands; pick the best deal.	Grocery ads, calculators.	Worksheet with calculations.	MA.912.FL.1 (Percents)
8	Charity & Giving	“Community Helpers” – Research local charities; vote on one to “donate” to.	Charity websites, voting slips.	Persuasive paragraph on their choice.	SS.68.FL.2
9	Capstone: Money Fair	“Financial Literacy Booth” – Design a Booth teaching one topic to peers; “Financial Superhero” – Create a character who solves money problems.	Posters, props, presentation guides; constume props, poster boards.	Peer feedback forms; class presentations.	All SS..68.FL