What's included
9 live meetings
6 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Each week I will post an enrichment activity for the learner to do!Assessment
If learners do the enrichment activities, I will provide written and video feedback. If a formal assessment is desired at the end of the course, please send me a message.Letter Grade
If a formal assessment/grade report is desired at the end of the course, please send me a message. Requirement: All enrichment activities assigned are completed.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Personal finance is a must-have for all children in order for them to be successful as adults. In addition to basic money management essentials, students will also learn how to manage the risks and distractions this world will throw at their plans. Teens will learn the essentials of managing their money responsibly and effectively. We'll explore critical topics to help equip students with skills to manage their money and make smart consumer choices, arming them with the knowledge they need for a secure financial future. I include an enrichment activity each week learners can do outside of class for extra practice, and some of them are some pretty fun games :) Here is an outline of the course: Week 1: Credit Scores *What a credit score is, how it's calculated, and why it's important *The impact of good and bad credit scores on a person’s future ability to borrow money or rent a house *Teach ways to build a good credit score and how to maintain it Week 2: Banking Basics: Savings, Checking, and Online Banking *Introduce the different types of bank accounts and their uses *Explain how to open and manage accounts, including deposits, withdrawals, and transfers *Discuss the benefits and potential risks of online banking and use an online banking simulator Week 3: Reconciling Bank Accounts *Explain what it means to reconcile a bank account and why it's important *Teach learners how to compare their bank statements with their own records *Discuss strategies to manage and correct discrepancies Weeks 4 & 5: Apartment Shopping *Teach learners how to search for an apartment, considering factors like cost, location, size, and amenities *Budget for apartment life *Introduce concepts like security deposits and monthly rent payments Week 6: Renter’s Insurance *Explain what renter's insurance is, what it covers, and why it's important *Discuss how to compare renter's insurance policies and choose the right one Week 7: Loans *Discuss different types of loans (e.g., personal loans, car loans, student loans) and their uses *Explain the concepts of principal, interest, and repayment schedules *Teach learners about the potential risks and benefits of taking out loans Week 8: Career and Cost of Living *Discuss the relationship between career choices and earning potential *Teach learners about the cost of living in different areas and how it affects personal finance *Introduce the concept of budgeting based on income and living expenses Week 9: Financial Scams *Discuss common types of financial scams, including online scams, identity theft, and fraudulent investments *Teach learners how to recognize the signs of a scam *Discuss strategies for protecting themselves from scams
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of personal finance and how it directly relates to them now or in the future and apply that knowledge.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum9 Lessons
over 9 WeeksLesson 1:
Credit Scores
*What a credit score is, how it's calculated, and why it's important
*The impact of good and bad credit scores on a person’s future ability to borrow money or rent a house
*Teach ways to build a good credit score and how to maintain it
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Banking Basics: Savings, Checking, and Online Banking
*Introduce the different types of bank accounts and their uses
*Explain how to open and manage accounts, including deposits, withdrawals, and transfers
*Discuss the benefits and potential risks of online banking and use an online banking simulator
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Reconciling Bank Accounts
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Apartment Shopping
*Teach learners how to search for an apartment, considering factors like cost, location, size, and amenities
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
A copy of the guided semester notes (will be posted in the classroom prior to the course starting), writing utensil, and calculator are required for this class. All enrichment activities will be posted in the classroom.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
North Dakota Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
5 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from College of St. Scholastica
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Jamestown College
Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from Jamestown College
Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Jamestown College
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Jamestown College
I have been teaching teens for over 25 years and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance in addition to degrees in English, Writing, Music, and a Master’s Degree in Education. My courses are designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world financial skills, addressing the lack of practical resources available to prepare teens for their financial futures.
Throughout my teaching career, I have developed courses focused on equipping learners with essential skills such as budgeting, understanding credit, managing debt, navigating taxes, and planning for major life milestones like renting an apartment or buying a car. My approach emphasizes real-life applications, ensuring that learners not only understand the concepts but also feel confident applying them in everyday situations!
I am passionate about empowering teens to make informed financial decisions and take charge of their futures. My teaching style is patient and encouraging, with a focus on simplifying complex topics into manageable, actionable steps. These courses are designed for all types of learners and abilities, offering a supportive environment where learners can gain practical knowledge and build confidence in their financial skills.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$180
for 9 classes1x per week, 9 weeks
45 min
Completed by 111 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
4-10 learners per class