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:
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Budgeting and saving
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Credit and borrowing
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Investing basics
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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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | — |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
