General Instructions:  My Financial Future

Entries should be typed and then attached to a piece of colored card stock or colored poster board (limit the size of the poster board or card stock to 14 inches x 22 inches or smaller).  You may use the front and back of the poster board.

My Financial Future:  Beginner

Division 247

*Class C247001  Three SMART Financial Goals  Write three SMART financial goals for yourself (one should be short term, one intermediate, and one long term.)  Explain how you intend to reach each goal you set.

*Class C247002  Income Inventory  Using page 13 as a guideline, list sources and amounts of income you earn/receive over a six month period. 

      Answer the following questions:

  • What were your income sources?
  • Were there any steady income sources?
  • What did you do with the income you received?
  • Include your income inventory in the exhibit.

*Class C247003  Tracking Expenses Use an app or chart like the one on page 17 to track your spending over two months. 

      Answer the following questions:

  • What did you spend most of your money on?
  • What did you learn about your spending habits?
  • Will you make any changes in your spending based upon what you learned?  Why or why not?
  • Include a chart in your exhibit.

*Class C247004  Money Personality Profile  Complete the money personality profile found on pages 21-22.

      Answer the following questions:

  • What is your money spending personality?
  • How does your money personality affect the way you spend/save money?
  • Have a friend or family member complete the money personality profile.  Compare and contrast (how are you alike how are you different) you money personality profile with theirs.

*Class C247005  What Does It Really Cost?  Complete Activity 8 on pages 39-40.

*Class C247006  My Work; My Future  Interview three adults in your life about their careers or jobs using the questions on page 51 and record these answers.  In addition, answer the following questions on your display.

  • What did you find most interesting about these jobs?
  • Were there any positions you might want to pursue as your career?  Why/Why not?
  • What careers interest you at this point in your life?
  • What are three steps you need to do now to prepare for this career?

My Financial Future:  Advanced

Division 247

*Class C247007  Interview Interview someone who is paid a salary; someone who is paid a commission; and someone who is paid an hourly wage. Have them answer the following questions plus any additional questions you may have.

  • What are some benefits of receiving your pay the way you do (salary, commission, or hourly wage)?
  • What are some negative outcomes for getting paid the way you do?
  • Does you pay keep pace with inflation?  Why do you think this?
  • Summarize: Based upon your interviews which payment method would suit you the best?  Discuss your answer.

*Class C247008  The Cost of Not Banking  Type your answers to the questions about Elliot on page 50.

*Class C247009  Evaluating Investment Alternatives  Complete the case study of Jorge on page 64.  Answer all three questions found at the bottom of the page.

*Class C247010  Understanding Credit Scores  Watch the video and read the resource listed on page 71. 

      Answer the following questions:

  • Name three prudent actions that can reduce a credit card balance.
  • What are the main factors that drive the cost of credit?
  • List one personal financial goal that you could use credit or collateral to purchase. Discuss possible consequences that might happen with improper use of credit for your purchase

*Class C247011  You Be the Teacher  Create an activity, story board, game or display that would teach another youth about “Key Terms” listed on page 62.  Activity/display must include at least five of the terms.