The FYE 105: Financial Literacy Curriculum Unit was developed for use in a First-Year Experience course to provide students with an understanding of: the relationship between human capital development and potential income and the chances of staying employed; budgeting; credit cards; and credit rights and responsibilities. The curriculum was implemented in an urban community college FYE course and was successful. We provide the curriculum for others who may wish to use it in a similar course.

Payday loans are convenient and provide FAST cash to cover emergency situations or help pay a borrower’s expenses from one paycheck to the next. But the fee-based structure of payday lending is quite different from a traditional loan, and laws vary among the states. The April 2019 edition of Page One Economics®: Focus on Finance takes a look at the structure and fees that make these loans costly.

This course about financial technology, or FinTech, is for students wishing to explore the ways in which new technologies are disrupting the financial services industry—driving material change in business models, products, applications and customer user interface. Amongst the significant technological trends affecting financial services into the 2020’s, the class will explore AI, deep learning, blockchain technology and open APIs. Students will gain an understanding of the key technologies, market structure, participants, regulation and the dynamics of change being brought about by FinTech.

Using some form of credit is a necessity for most adults. Unfortunately, some misuse credit, and the consequences can be devastating. The earlier young people learn about credit, the more likely they are to use it responsibly as adults. In this short course from our Ella’s Adventures series, your students will learn what credit is, why people use credit, and how interest can affect the final cost of a good or service when bought on credit.

It's Your Paycheck! is designed for use in high school personal finance classes. The curriculum contains three sections: "Know Your Dough," "KaChing!" and "All About Credit." The lessons in each of these sections employ various teaching strategies to engage students so that they have opportunities to apply the concepts being taught. Each lesson includes black-line masters of the handouts and visuals needed to teach the lesson.

Students learn and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using credit. They read a scenario about a young person's use of a credit card and answer questions regarding repayment. They learn about credit history, credit reports and credit-reporting agencies.

It's Your Paycheck! is designed to introduce personal finance content. Course participants learn about a variety of personal finance topics including the link between education and income, budgeting, the benefits of saving, and credit reports. These learning modules will help participants make sense of W-2s, W-4s, pay -day Loans and APRs in an interactive online format. It's Your Paycheck! consists of nine individual programs that can be used together or individually to enhance personal finance learning.

Students learn credit terminology and analyze an actual loan application from a family member.

Estimated Lesson Time: 95 Minutes

Students will be able to:
-Understand how down payment, interest rate, term, loan type, and amortization table work together to impact overall mortgage payments
-Recognize the pros and cons of fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages
-Determine whether a home equity loan or line of credit is a viable loan option
-Decide whether renting or buying makes the most sense

Students will comprehend essential credit concepts, emphasizing the purpose and role of credit, the significance of maintaining a healthy credit rating, and key terms including APR, grace period, late fees, finance charges, default rates, interest, and closing costs.

Students will comprehend essential credit concepts, emphasizing the purpose and role of credit, the significance of maintaining a healthy credit rating, and key terms including APR, grace period, late fees, finance charges, default rates, interest, and closing costs.

Students learn the definition of entrepreneurship and are introduced to the characteristics of entrepreneurs. Students are asked to apply these characteristics to themselves and people in their own communities by completing a story pyramid and then writing a short story that demonstrates how entrepreneurial activity can contribute to higher standards of living.

The February 2018 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance focuses on an important milestone in transitioning to adulthood—getting your own place. The article discusses important topics related to renting, including careful preparation and effective planning, a realistic budget, weighing options against important criteria to make the best choice, and understanding a lease.

Where can borrowers get loans when banks and credit unions aren't an option? Maybe a low credit score, lack of collateral, or small loan amount don't fit with large lending sources. The November 2015 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance describes a growing trend—peer-to-peer lending—as an alternative for borrowers and potential investment opportunity for lenders.

The familiar magnetic stripe credit cards used for decades in the United States are being phased out. Read about the new smart-chip credit cards, designed to reduce fraud and improve security, in the March 2016 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance.

Students will be able to explore credit-related concepts and tools, delving into key terms including credit, credit cards, installment loans, revolving credit, student loans, mortgage, payday loans, predatory lenders, and simple interest in this lesson.

Class Time Needed: 75-83 minutes (block schedule class-time)

Spending patterns change over time because of changes in income, education, the structure of our families, and technology. The April 2018 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance addresses how phone technology has changed our lives and our budgets.

You have probably seen credit cards in use, or maybe even have one yourself. But do you really know how they work? Read on to learn more about credit cards, why you might want one, and what you should consider before applying.

Students and explores the fundamental concepts of credit, creditworthiness, and the long-term consequences of financial decisions.

Class Time Needed: 75-150 minutes depending on length of discussion, and time to complete notes and manipulatives

Episode 1 of the Continuing Feducation Video Series, Understanding How a FICO Credit Score is Determined, provides a short overview of credit scores—how they are determined and why they are important.