Money Smarts

Course Description

Ready to take control of your money and your future? Money Smarts is a 12-week online course designed to give high school students the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial decisions—now and for years to come. Through engaging, project-based learning, students will explore real-world financial topics that every young adult should know.

Meeting twice a week, students will build critical money management skills through hands-on activities, simulations, and personal finance projects covering:

• Budgeting Basics – Tracking income, expenses, and setting savings goals
• Banking & Credit – Understanding checking accounts, credit cards, and credit scores
• Saving & Investing – Exploring savings accounts, interest, and the power of compound growth
• Paychecks & Taxes – Reading pay stubs, calculating taxes, and understanding deductions
• Smart Spending – Making thoughtful decisions about wants vs. needs
• Loans & Debt – Understanding student loans, car loans, and how to avoid debt traps
• Financial Goal-Setting – Creating a personal financial plan and vision board
• Stock Market & Investment Basics – Introduction to investing and building wealth

Students will apply what they learn by creating a personal budget, analyzing spending habits, and even simulating real-life scenarios like planning a trip or buying a first car. The course ends with a capstone project: a personalized financial plan and presentation that students can carry with them into college, career, and life.

Whether saving for a new phone or planning for college, Money Smarts equips students with the tools to make informed, confident financial choices—and avoid costly mistakes.

What You'll Learn

• Create and manage personal budgets and track spending habits
• Understand banking, credit, and how to build good credit scores
• Develop saving strategies and understand compound interest
• Read and understand paychecks, taxes, and deductions
• Make smart spending decisions and distinguish wants from needs
• Navigate loans, debt management, and financial pitfalls
• Set and achieve realistic financial goals
• Understand investment basics and wealth-building strategies

Course Features

• Real-world financial simulations and scenarios
• Personal budget creation and spending analysis
• Interactive banking and credit activities
• Investment and savings goal planning projects
• Tax preparation and paycheck analysis exercises
• Financial goal-setting and vision board creation
• Capstone financial plan presentation
• Practical tools for immediate financial application

Materials Needed

• Calculator and budgeting tools (spreadsheet or apps)
• Digital access for online sessions and financial simulations
• Notebook or digital tool for financial planning
• Access to family financial documents for learning (optional)
• Financial planning templates and worksheets (provided)

Prerequisites

No previous financial knowledge required. This course is designed for high school students (grades 9-12) who want to learn essential money management skills. Students should be comfortable with basic math and willing to engage in practical financial exercises and simulations. The course is perfect for students getting their first job, preparing for college, or simply wanting to be more financially responsible.