Managing debt loads can be very difficult and overwhelming at times. Hiding from debt and avoiding the problem, will only make the situation worse. This activity includes mini case studies on how to handle various debt problems so that the students can take control of their debt and move forward to a better financial future.

Students will understand vehicle loan guidelines and calculate a 48 and 60 month loan for monthly and total payment costs. Students will rationalize which loan would best suit them based on personal circumstances.

Students will be able to
Utilize knowledge and strategies to get the best possible financing terms (that meet their individual needs and budget) for a new or used car
Explain the difference between a car loan and lease as well as advantages and disadvantages of each
Have a backup plan if they find themselves unable to afford their car payments

Cards, Cars and Currency is a curriculum unit that challenges students to become involved in three specific areas of personal finance: credit cards, debit cards and purchasing a car.

Cards, Cars and Currency is a set of personal finance programs that encourages participants to learn about three areas of personal finance: credit cards, debit cards and purchasing a car. Cards, Cars and Currency includes five individual programs that can be used together or individually to enhance personal finance learning.

What do you need to know before buying a car? Aside from knowing what you want in a vehicle, you’ll need to know about budgeting and credit before you start shopping. Learn some car-buying basics in the February 2019 Page One Economics: Focus on Finance essay.

Payday loans are convenient and provide FAST cash to cover emergency situations or help pay a borrower’s expenses from one paycheck to the next. But the fee-based structure of payday lending is quite different from a traditional loan, and laws vary among the states. The April 2019 edition of Page One Economics®: Focus on Finance takes a look at the structure and fees that make these loans costly.

The idea of taking out loans can seem intimidating or counterproductive. But there are plenty of times when loans can come in handy. We’re not talking mortgage size loans here – loans don’t have to be for large amounts and they don’t have to be for tuition payments. Read on to learn how and when to use loans, and what may be the best options for you!

It's Your Paycheck! is designed for use in high school personal finance classes. The curriculum contains three sections: "Know Your Dough," "KaChing!" and "All About Credit." The lessons in each of these sections employ various teaching strategies to engage students so that they have opportunities to apply the concepts being taught. Each lesson includes black-line masters of the handouts and visuals needed to teach the lesson.

It's Your Paycheck! is designed to introduce personal finance content. Course participants learn about a variety of personal finance topics including the link between education and income, budgeting, the benefits of saving, and credit reports. These learning modules will help participants make sense of W-2s, W-4s, pay -day Loans and APRs in an interactive online format. It's Your Paycheck! consists of nine individual programs that can be used together or individually to enhance personal finance learning.

Students will demonstrate the ability to explain five potential ways to pay for school, including detailing the four outcomes of the FAFSA and the 529 Plan.

Class Time Needed: Approx 45 min.

Students learn credit terminology and analyze an actual loan application from a family member.

This is a three-credit course which covers topics that enhance the students’ problem solving abilities, knowledge of the basic principles of probability/statistics, and guides students to master critical thinking/logic skills, geometric principles, personal finance skills. This course requires that students apply their knowledge to real-world problems. A TI-84 or comparable calculator is required. The course has four main units: Thinking Algebraically, Thinking Logically and Geometrically, Thinking Statistically, and Making Connections. This course is paired with a course in MyOpenMath which contains the instructor materials (including answer keys) and online homework system with immediate feedback. All course materials are licensed by CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.

The project is designed to help students better understand budgeting. They will also learn about the real-life options and challenges to managing money. Students will learn about gross and net salaries, renting and buying a home, credit scores, savings, loans, and time value of money. 

Estimated Lesson Time: 95 Minutes

Students will be able to:
-Understand how down payment, interest rate, term, loan type, and amortization table work together to impact overall mortgage payments
-Recognize the pros and cons of fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages
-Determine whether a home equity loan or line of credit is a viable loan option
-Decide whether renting or buying makes the most sense

Students will comprehend essential credit concepts, emphasizing the purpose and role of credit, the significance of maintaining a healthy credit rating, and key terms including APR, grace period, late fees, finance charges, default rates, interest, and closing costs.

Students learn the definition of entrepreneurship and are introduced to the characteristics of entrepreneurs. Students are asked to apply these characteristics to themselves and people in their own communities by completing a story pyramid and then writing a short story that demonstrates how entrepreneurial activity can contribute to higher standards of living.

Where can borrowers get loans when banks and credit unions aren't an option? Maybe a low credit score, lack of collateral, or small loan amount don't fit with large lending sources. The November 2015 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance describes a growing trend—peer-to-peer lending—as an alternative for borrowers and potential investment opportunity for lenders.

Students will be able to explore credit-related concepts and tools, delving into key terms including credit, credit cards, installment loans, revolving credit, student loans, mortgage, payday loans, predatory lenders, and simple interest in this lesson.

Class Time Needed: 75-83 minutes (block schedule class-time)