Financial Literacy for Teens - Real Life Skills - Adulting 101 - Weekly Class
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekAssignments
1 hour per week. Students may be assigned additional activities and assignments for reinforcement of knowledge of the class topic.Assessment
Optional unit assessment will be offered to the parents and students.Grading
Grades may be given at the parents request.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
Embark on a comprehensive journey with our all-inclusive package! Dive into the world of finances, earning, saving, and investing while navigating through real-life adult scenarios in this engaging and interactive course. Financial literacy, the cornerstone of this program, empowers individuals with the essential skills to manage and invest money effectively. Throughout this weekly class, students will be immersed in practical money situations, mastering the intricacies of personal finance including saving, budgeting, bill payment, income generation, and investment strategies. In today's complex financial landscape, understanding both the opportunities and pitfalls is crucial. Our curriculum addresses this by equipping students with the tools to navigate financial systems, avoid scams, and make informed spending decisions. Through hands-on activities, students will simulate real-world financial scenarios, managing virtual checking, savings, and credit card accounts, practicing timely bill payment, and making wise spending choices. Reflecting on my own experience and that of many adults, I recognize the gap in financial education provided in traditional schooling. This program aims to bridge that gap, empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need for financial success. I am thrilled to introduce this transformative and interactive tool into our classroom, paving the way for a brighter, financially literate future for all our students. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the doors to financial empowerment!" We will begin each lesson with an introduction to the weekly topic, have a classroom discussion and then work within the simulation program. C L A S S S C H E D U L E FINANCIAL LITERACY UNITS Unit 1: Unit Introduction - Budgeting, Saving, and Spending Unit 2: Introduction to Investing Unit 3: Credit Cards and Debt Unit 4: Employment and Income Unit 5: Financial Risks and Insurance Supplement Topic: Starting your Own Business Supplement Topic: Bankruptcy C L A S S S T R U C T U R E Welcome to Class (5 minutes) Weekly Financial Report (5 minutes) Weekly Class Topic (20minutes) Financial Lab Simulation (15 minutes) 🌟S T A R T I N G S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4🌟 🚩 2024 - 2025 F U L L Y E A R C O U R S E T O P I C S S C H E D U L E 🚩 Topics rotate but students may join at anytime. G E T T I N G S T A R T E D (New enrolled students should complete these assignments in the simulation) Topic 1: Introduction of Budget Simulation - Budget Game Actions 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Budget Game Overview 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Credit Score Tutorial 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Net Worth 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Quality of Life 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Savings Goals 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Your Weekend Choice 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Study 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Transfer Money 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Earn More Money 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Household 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Socialize 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Credit Card Purchase 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Credit Card Payment 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Complete a Full Month Week of December 15: Budget Adjustments Week of December 22: Tracking Expenses & Emergency Funds Week of December 29: Financial Literacy Game Day SCHEDULE STARTING - 2025 JANUARY U N I T 2: I N V E S T I N G Week of January 5: Introduction to Investing and Understanding Financial Risks Week of January 12: Financial Planning, Investment Goals, and Investing Overview Week of January 19: How the Stock Market Works, Introduction to Stocks, and Understanding Stock Quotes Week of January 26: Financial Literacy Game Day Week of February 2: Stock Market Terms, Stock Market Games, and Researching Stocks Week of February 9: Company Research, Financial News, and Using Financial Reports Week of February 16: Evaluating Investment Strategies, Types of Securities, and Mutual Funds Week of February 23: Financial Literacy Game Day Week of March 1: Bonds, ETFs, and Real Estate Investments Week of March 8: Managing a Portfolio, Diversification, and Risk Management Week of March 15: Portfolio Review, Investment Tools, and Business Cycle Week of March 22: Economic Indicators, Impact on Investments, and Market Trends Week of March 29: Financial Literacy Game Day Week of April 6: Review of the Stock Market and Current World Events Week of April 13: What is Short Selling Week of April 20: No Class Easter Sunday Week of April 27: Review of Economic Events of the Stock Market and Investments UNIT 3: CREDIT CARDS AND DEBT Week of May 4 Introduction to Credit, Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards, and Credit Reports Week of May 11: Credit Scores, Building Credit, and Buying a Car Week of May 18: No Class Mother's Day Week of May 25: Car Loans, Loan Terms, and Comparing Car Prices Week of June 1: Budgeting for a Car, Types of Loans, and Loan Application Process Week of June 8: Interest Rates, Repayment Plans, and Loan Management Week of June 15: Using Credit Cards, Credit Card Fees, and Credit Card Rewards UNIT 4: EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME Week of June 22 Career Planning and Income Types Week of June 29: Employment Rights and Job Opportunities Financial Literacy Game Day Week of July 1: Earning Money and Using a Bank Week of July 8: Opening a Savings Account and Understanding Bank Fees Week of July 15: Bank Statements and Online Banking Week of July 22: Introduction to Taxes and Income Tax Week of July 29: Tax Deductions and Filing Taxes Financial Literacy Game Day UNIT 5: FINANCIAL RISKS AND INSURANCE Week of August 5: Introduction to Insurance, Health Insurance, and Life Insurance Week of August 12: Property Insurance, Insurance Terms, and Liability Insurance Week of August 19: Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, and Renters Insurance Week of August 26: Financial Literacy Game Day Week of September 2: Insurance Claims, Health Insurance Plans, and Life Insurance Policies 2025 - 2026 SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE G E T T I N G S T A R T E D (New enrolled students should complete these assignments in the simulation) Topic 1: Introduction of Budget Simulation - Budget Game Actions 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Budget Game Overview 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Credit Score Tutorial 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Net Worth 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Quality of Life 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Savings Goals 📝Assignment: Watch Video - Your Weekend Choice 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Study 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Transfer Money 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Earn More Money 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Household 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Socialize 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Credit Card Purchase 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Credit Card Payment 📝Assignment: Budget Game - Complete a Full Month We will begin each lesson with an introduction to the weekly topic, have a classroom discussion and then work within the simulation program. The schedule is flexible to support student learning. If any changes are needed, I will communicate updates to parents and students in advance. C L A S S S T R U C T U R E Welcome to Class (5 minutes) Weekly Financial Report (5 minutes) Weekly Class Topic (20minutes) Financial Lab Simulation (15 minutes) COURSE OUTLINE / SCHEDULE UNIT 1: BUDGETING, SAVING AND SPENDING (Weeks 1–8) Week of September 07 🌟 Course Overview + Pre-Test + Intro to Budgeting Week of September 14 🧠 Needs vs Wants + Jump$tart Reality Check + Budget Game Week of September 21 💰 Understanding Money & Wealth + Compound Interest Week of September 28 📊 Spending and Saving Plans + Pay Yourself First Week of October 05 🎨 Create a Savings Comic Strip + Budget Game Week of October 12 ⚡ Spending Shocks, Receipts, and Budgeting Apps Week of October 19 📱 Smart Purchasing: Phone Plans & Budgeting for a Trip Week of October 26 🏡 Long-Term Saving + Buying a Home UNIT 3: CREDIT CARDS AND DEBT (Weeks 9–15) Week of November 02 💳 Intro to Credit: Credit Cards, Interest Rates, Credit Reports Week of November 09 🔍 What Would You Do? (Scenarios) + Budget Game Week of November 16 🚗 Buying a Car + Good vs Bad Debt + Loan Calculators Week of November 23 – No Class (Thanksgiving Week) Week of November 30 💼 Other Loans: Student Loans, Mortgages, Short-Term Financing Week of December 07 🧾 Understanding Credit Card Statements + Predatory Lending Week of December 14 💡 Managing Debt: Consolidation, Negotiation, Debt Myths Week of December 21 – No Class (Winter Break) Week of December 28 – No Class (Winter Break) Week of January 04 ⚖️ Bankruptcy + Budget/Stock Game Midpoint Review UNIT 2: INTRODUCTION TO INVESTING (Weeks 16–22) Week of January 11 📈 What is a Stock? Ticker Symbols + Stock Game Launch Week of January 18 💸 Why Invest? + NYSE + Inflation + Team Portfolio Check-In Week of January 25 📊 How to Read Stock Quotes + Find Trading Ideas Week of February 01 🎯 Personal Investing Goals + Building a $100k Portfolio Week of February 08 💼 ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds + Compare Companies Week of February 15 🔄 Managing Your Portfolio: Diversification & Strategy Week of February 22 📉 The Business Cycle + Portfolio Report + Budget Game UNIT 4: EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME (Weeks 23–28) Week of March 01 💼 Career Development + Income Types + MyNextMove Week of March 08 🏦 Banks, Credit Unions, Automatic Payments, Pay Stubs Week of March 15 📄 Taxes: Tax Forms, Deductions, Sales Tax Week of March 22 🧑💼 Job Search: Resume, Interviews, Internships Week of March 29 – No Class (Spring Break) Week of April 05 🏆 Building Wealth + Retirement Planning Week of April 12 🤝 Responsible Income & Spending + Consumer Rights UNIT 5: FINANCIAL RISK AND INSURANCE(Weeks 29–34) Week of April 19 🛡️ Insurance Basics + Intro Video + Contracts + Risks Week of April 26 🏠 Liability Insurance: Homeowners, Renters, Auto Week of May 03 ❤️ Health & Life Insurance + Finish Investment Portfolios Week of May 10 🧠 Decision Making & Fraud Protection Week of May 17 📂 Managing Financial Records + Reconciliation Week of May 24 🎓 Life After Graduation: Business, Wills, Post-Test Week of May 31 & Week of June 7th Supplement Topics (Weeks 35–38) 🚀 Starting Your Own Business: Entrepreneurship 101 ⚠️ Bankruptcy Deep Dive + Course Wrap-Up Presentations By the end of this course, students will feel more confident managing money, making smart financial decisions, and planning for their futures. Our goal is to build real-life skills in a supportive environment where every learner can succeed! NOTE TO PARENTS: This is an interactive classroom, with guidance from teacher. Students will have the opportunity to interact, socialize while learning to becoming financial responsible with their choices. Notice: Educational Content Only This course is crafted purely for learning purposes and is not a source of financial, investment, tax, or legal guidance. Through lessons and a stock market simulation program, the instructor aims to teach students about market dynamics, investment concepts, and economic theories. No advice is given on specific investments or financial actions. Participation in the stock market simulation or any real-world trading with actual money is entirely the choice of students and their guardians. Success is not promised, and all financial activities carry inherent risks. Students are encouraged to investigate thoroughly and consult a certified financial advisor before pursuing any real investment opportunities. By joining this course, you recognize that the instructor and course organizers are not accountable for any financial consequences arising from decisions you make based on the educational material or simulation experience. Students will each start the simulation as a part-time employee, goiong to college full-time. Then the students will have to pay bills, like adults do in real life. With your left over money, you can purchase experiences or items. This class is highly interactive simulating real life as adults making financial decisions. Students will learn they are free to choose what to with the money they earn but not free from the consequences of their choice, whether it is positive or negative result. NOTE TO PARENTS: This is an interactive classroom, with guidance from teacher. Students will have the opportunity to interact, socialize while learning to becoming financial responsible with their choices. Additional Topics will be added. Notice: Educational Content Only This course is crafted purely for learning purposes and is not a source of financial, investment, tax, or legal guidance. Through lessons and a stock market simulation program, the instructor aims to teach students about market dynamics, investment concepts, and economic theories. No advice is given on specific investments or financial actions. Participation in the stock market simulation or any real-world trading with actual money is entirely the choice of students and their guardians. Success is not promised, and all financial activities carry inherent risks. Students are encouraged to investigate thoroughly and consult a certified financial advisor before pursuing any real investment opportunities. By joining this course, you recognize that the instructor and course organizers are not accountable for any financial consequences arising from decisions you make based on the educational material or simulation experience.
Learning Goals
Understand how to create and manage a personal budget using real-world income and expenses.
Recognize the difference between needs and wants and how they impact saving and spending decisions.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class uses Personal Finance Lab, Google Classroom, and Nearpod. Students will receive a code to join the teachers class for various interactive activities prior to the lesson. No actual money is being exchanged, this is a simulation only.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 teachers have teaching certificates
Arkansas Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Arkansas Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Arkansas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
3 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from Saint Peter's University
Master's Degree in Education from Arkansas State University
Master's Degree in Education from Arkansas State University
Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Arkansas State University
3 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Film/Cinema/Video Studies from Ithaca College
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Arkansas State University
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas State University
Apples2Zippers Learning Academy is dedicated to providing high-quality education for our learners. We are proud to offer Outschool-approved, trained, licensed, and certified educators with extensive experience in technology and education. Each teacher brings unique skills and expertise in technology instruction.
🍎 Apples2Zippers Learning Academy 🍏
Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 65 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
1-10 learners per class