Self-Paced - Smart Money: A 15 Week Journey to Financial Planning (Ages 11-14)
What's included
15 pre-recorded lessons
15 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per weekProjects
7 or more throughout the classAssessment
7 or more throughout the classCertificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner Level
What Will Be Taught? Students will learn essential financial literacy skills, including budgeting, saving, investing, managing debt, and understanding credit and taxes. The course aims to equip teens with the knowledge and tools to set and achieve their financial goals. Topics Covered: Basics of Financial Literacy Setting SMART Financial Goals Creating and Managing a Budget Differentiating Needs vs. Wants Saving Strategies Introduction to Banking Understanding Credit Investing Basics Managing Debt Planning for Major Life Events How is the Class Structured? The class is structured into 15 weekly lessons, each focusing on a specific financial topic. Lessons include a mix of instruction, interactive activities, and projects to reinforce learning. The final two lessons feature significant projects and a celebratory wrap-up. How Will You Teach? Teaching will be a blend of direct instruction and interactive methods. Each lesson will include: Lecture: Brief, focused presentations on key concepts. Slides: Visual aids to support and enhance understanding. Video Clips: Short videos to illustrate concepts and real-life applications. Discussion: Opportunities for learners to ask questions and engage in conversation about the material. Games and Activities: Interactive exercises to reinforce learning and make the content engaging. Teaching Style: The teaching style is student-centered, emphasizing engagement and practical application of financial concepts. Lessons are designed to be dynamic and interactive, catering to different learning styles through a variety of methods. Interaction with Learners: Students will interact with the instructor through: Live Lectures: Direct instruction with opportunities for questions and immediate feedback. Interactive Activities: Hands-on exercises and games to apply concepts in a fun way. Discussion: Regular class discussions to explore topics in-depth and share insights. Projects: Midway and final projects that involve creating and presenting personal financial plans and portfolios.
Learning Goals
Develop a Personal Budget: Students will learn how to create and manage a personal budget by tracking income, expenses, and setting spending limits to maintain financial control and achieve savings goals.
Set and Achieve SMART Financial Goals: Students will understand how to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) financial goals, and will develop actionable plans to achieve these goals effectively.
Syllabus
15 Lessons
over 15 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Financial Literacy
Discover the basics of financial literacy, including key terms like income, expenses, and saving. Learn why understanding money is important for your future.
2 assignments
22 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Setting SMART Financial Goals
Learn how to create Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for your money. This lesson will help you set realistic financial goals and plan to achieve them.
2 assignments
26 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Creating a Budget
Understand the basics of budgeting by learning how to track your income and expenses. This lesson will introduce a simple method for creating and sticking to a budget.
2 assignments
23 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Needs vs. Wants
Learn how to differentiate between needs and wants when managing money. This lesson will help you prioritize spending and make smarter financial decisions.
2 assignments
Other Details
Learning Needs
This course is designed to support diverse learning needs, including ADHD, Dyslexia, and ASD, by offering a self-paced structure with engaging, interactive content that caters to various learning styles. Lessons include clear instructions.
Parental Guidance
This course does not contain content that is generally upsetting or scary. The material is designed to be educational and engaging, focusing on practical financial skills.
Media Content:
Any video clips or media used in the course will be rated G or PG, ensuring they are appropriate for high school students.
Third-Party Tools:
If third-party tools or platforms are used, such as budgeting software or interactive apps, families will be informed in advance. No additional accounts are required beyond what is needed for course participation.
Safety Precautions:
No specific safety precautions are necessary beyond standard online learning practices. All tools and resources are selected for their educational value and appropriateness for the age group.
Families will be notified of any specific tools or content updates as they arise.
Pre-Requisites
No specific prerequisites are required for this course. However, learners will benefit from having basic math skills and an interest in managing their finances. Previous exposure to basic math concepts and a willingness to engage with peers
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
The following sources provide the foundational material for the course and may be referenced throughout the curriculum:
Books:
"The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness" by Dave Ramsey
"Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets About Money—That You Don’t Learn in School!" by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Articles:
“Understanding Credit Scores” - Investopedia
“The Basics of Budgeting” - NerdWallet
Websites:
Khan Academy: Personal Finance
YouTube: Finance Related Videos for Teens
Online Tools:
Investopedia Simulator - For understanding investing basics.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Mathematics from Colorado State University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Park University
Bachelors degree in education
Masters degree in finance and global studies
Financial Education Experience:
Extensive experience in teaching financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and investing, to high school students and adults.
Certification in Personal Financial Planning (CFP) and experience developing financial literacy curricula.
Relevant Training:
Completed professional development in teaching financial literacy through recognized programs.
Ongoing education in financial trends and tools to ensure up-to-date and relevant content for students.
Practical Experience:
Practical experience in personal finance management, including budgeting, investing, and credit management, which provides real-world insights and examples to students.
Hands-on experience in creating and implementing financial plans and strategies, which will be used to guide students in their projects and assignments.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$19
weekly15 pre-recorded lessons
15 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 11-14