Course Overview
This high school financial literacy course provides students with essential skills to manage money effectively and make smart financial decisions. The course is divided into six comprehensive units: Behavioral economics, Banking, Investing, Types of Credit, Managing Credit, and Paying for College. Each unit combines real-world scenarios with interactive lessons to promote financial confidence and lifelong money management habits.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
✅ Understand the psychological influences behind financial decisions (Behavioral Economics).
✅ Navigate the banking system, from choosing accounts to managing transactions (Banking).
✅ Explore investment options and strategies for building wealth (Investing).
✅ Identify and evaluate various forms of credit and their uses (Types of Credit).
✅ Develop strategies to manage debt responsibly and maintain good credit (Managing Credit).
✅ Plan and compare postsecondary education options, including financial aid (Paying for College).
Unit Summary
The course begins with Behavioral Economics, where students learn how cognitive biases and incentives influence financial choices. In the Banking unit, they explore account types, banking tools, security, and interest concepts. The Investing unit introduces fundamental strategies like diversification, risk management, and retirement planning. Types of Credit familiarizes students with different borrowing methods including credit cards, loans, and mortgages, while Managing Credit focuses on credit building, debt repayment, and consumer rights. The final unit, Paying for College, equips students with knowledge about college costs, financial aid, scholarships, and student loan management preparing them for informed decisions about higher education.
What Will Students Be Able to Do?
Students will be able to confidently manage personal finances, make informed financial choices, analyze real-world money scenarios, and create financial plans aligned with their goals and values.
Financial Literacy Practice / Homework Activities
Each unit includes short, practical assignments and linked financial literacy packets that reinforce key concepts through budgeting tasks, decision-making challenges, simulations, and real-world case studies.
Reflection
At the end of each unit, students will complete a brief reflection to assess their learning, set personal financial goals, and identify ways to apply their knowledge in daily life.