Dylan Smith

Students learn the basics of budgeting by exploring how money flows in and out of a household. They will identify the difference between needs and wants, understand fixed, variable, and periodic expenses, and discover budgeting tools that help track spending and achieve financial goals.

Students explore career options based on their interests, skills, and future goals. They learn about different types of income, how paychecks work, common payroll deductions, and the importance of resumes and interview skills in securing employment.

Students examine housing choices by comparing renting and homeownership. They learn about housing costs, application processes, mortgage preapproval, credit score requirements, and how housing decisions impact a monthly budget.

Students investigate the true cost of vehicle ownership, including car payments, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and registration fees. They compare leasing versus owning, new versus used vehicles, and learn how credit scores and APR affect borrowing costs.

Students explore how personal habits and money personalities influence spending decisions. They analyze variable expenses and identify spending patterns that can support or hinder financial success.

Students develop an understanding of credit reports, credit scores, and the factors that influence creditworthiness. They learn responsible credit card use, different types of credit, credit utilization, and strategies for building and maintaining healthy credit.

Students learn the importance of saving for both short-term and long-term goals. They explore different savings account options, emergency funds, automated saving techniques, and practical strategies for building financial security.

Students examine how debt works and evaluate effective repayment strategies, including the Snowball and Avalanche methods. They learn about debt-to-income ratios, avoiding debt traps, and managing debt responsibly to maintain financial health.

Students learn how to effectively create goals based on personal values and future aspirations. They will learn how to track and adjust their progress toward achieving meaningful financial objectives.

Students will receive a final financial evaluation that tests the decisions they made throughout the course. Through random life events and financial evaluations, they assess their cash flow, savings, debt management, credit use, and overall financial resilience while reflecting on lessons learned.