General Financial Literacy
Educational Links

Strand 5

Students will understand principles of personal money management including budgeting, managing accounts, and the role of credit and impacts on personal finance.

Standard 2

Describe and discuss the impact of credit and debt on personal money management.

• Car Loan Project
  In this lesson students will use economic concepts and mathematical calculations in making hypothetical decisions about buying and financing a car, and work with their families in experiencing this real-life application.
• Credit Calculator
  This credit calculator can help you manage your money by showing you how long it could take to repay a credit card balance based on your monthly payment.
• Credit: Buy Now & Pay More Later
  Through a group activity, students analyze the costs and benefits of using credit cards to purchase goods and services.
• Getting and Using a Credit Card
  After reading the "Credit Counselor" guide students will complete the timed simulation activity. The player's objective is to maximize cash holdings, credit rating and value of purchased goods. In addition, they will discover the secrets to developing a good credit rating and learn how long it can take to pay off a credit card balance.
• How to Establish, Use, and Protect Your Credit
  This resource explains the importance of creating and maintaining good credit. Credit is an important financial tool, but it can also be dangerous, leading people into debt far beyond their ability to repay. That is why learning how to use credit wisely is one of the most valuable financial skills anyone can learn.
• Should I Use Cash or Credit?
  To use or not to use credit for a major purchase is an important decision. There is a nifty process in making such decisions-one that has been useful to many young people. They have used it not only for credit decisions but also for other major decisions, such as whether or not to take a particular job or what college to attend. In this lesson, we will look at this process and help you apply it. We'll also look at the pros and cons for using credit.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Breckon  Heywood and see the Financial Literacy website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.