Teaching guide
Money After High School
The year after high school comes with a pile of new money decisions, often all at once. This course walks through each one in plain language, so your first lease, loan, or tax return isn't the first time you've thought about it.
- 11 lessons
- 13 class periods of 45 min
- Beginner
By the end of the unit
What students will be able to do
- Read a pay stub and explain every deduction
- Understand the basics of filing a tax return
- Compare the real costs of renting and owning a car
- Explain premiums, deductibles, and the insurance you'll need
- Compare college costs, financial aid, and student loan options
- Explain employer retirement plans and why starting early matters
Pacing guide
13 days, one lesson per class
Every lesson comes with a 45-minute plan, projector-ready slides, and a printable worksheet with an answer key.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Renting Your First Place
Apply the 30% rent guideline and the 3×-rent income rule
Activity: Can We Afford It?
Day 6
Day 7
Insurance Basics
Define premium, deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum
Activity: Split the Bill
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Saving and Investing on Your Own
Follow a common order of priorities for your money
Activity: Order of Operations
Day 11
Day 12
Open JeopardyReview day
Play Money Jeopardy with this course's questions, then review what teams missed.
Day 13
Open unit testUnit test
A printable test in short and full versions, with an answer key.
Classroom games
Games that fit this course
- Money JeopardyThe classic review game, built from each course's questions.20–30 min · 2–6 teams
- Four CornersGet students moving: every answer is a corner of the room.10–15 min · Whole class
- Life HappensSix months of paychecks and surprises. Who ends up ahead?20–30 min · 2–6 teams
- Higher or LowerTwo money scenarios. Which number is bigger? The math may surprise you.10–15 min · Whole class