Credit Cards: Financial Literacy for Teens & Adults
By age 25, 73% of Americans have a credit card. With so many young adults using credit, they must develop financial literacy. That’s where this introduction to finance lesson comes in—helping your students develop the practical skills to make smart credit card choices and avoid financial pitfalls.
What You’ll Get with This Lesson
⭐Start with a Pre-Test: Quickly assess your students' financial literacy with a short pre-test in Google Slides.
⭐Key Vocabulary: Ensure everyone has a common language for discussing credit cards so you can tackle more complex topics.
⭐Credit Basics & Protection: Students learn what credit is, how to build and protect their credit score, and how to avoid fraud. For an added layer, the optional Credit Monitoring Workbook guides students through setting up accounts with the major credit bureaus, showing them how to check their scores and watch for fraud.
⭐Diving into Credit Cards: Students will explore credit limits, fees, and interest rates. They’ll practice real-world calculations using APRs, rewards, and payment timelines. Students will even review real credit card offers, helping them identify the best deals and learn how to read the fine print.
Why You’ll Love Teaching This Lesson
This lesson makes teaching financial literacy for students easy and engaging:
❤️Ready-to-Use: Fully prepped with print and digital options, so you can jump right in.
❤️No Expertise Required: Helpful speaker notes guide you through every slide. You don’t need to be a finance expert to explain key concepts, answer questions, and add extra resources.
❤️Flexible Formats: Use it all in one go or spread it out. Perfect for adding a bit of “financial literacy fun” during breaks or for that long Friday afternoon when you need something engaging.
❤️Real-World Skills in Action: This isn’t just another lesson—it’s a toolkit for real-world financial decisions. Students will:
Compare real credit card offers,
Uncover hidden fees, and
Learn to choose cards that work for them.
❤️Tried and Tested: I’ve taught this lesson to a wide range of students—teens, adults, students with disabilities, neurotypical students, English learners, and more! The feedback is always the same: every student needs this information! Everyone benefits from learning these important life skills. Credit card responsibility doesn’t have to be daunting. This lesson makes it clear and manageable for all students.
Contents
Google Slides Presentation: Features detailed speaker notes and links to supplemental resources for easy teaching.
Credit Card Vocabulary Activity: Available in print, digital, and differentiated versions to meet all learners' needs.
Credit Monitoring Workbook: A helpful guide for students to track and manage their credit scores.
Credit Card Comparison Activity: Students compare the features of three real credit cards to find the best deal.
Schumer Box Scavenger Hunt: An engaging activity that teaches students to read and understand the fine print of a real credit card offer.
Word Search & Crossword Activities: Fun and interactive ways to reinforce credit card vocabulary.
Answer Keys: To help you quickly check student work and ensure accuracy.
Still deciding? Check out a detailed preview! Or head to my store to get your copy of the credit card lesson now!
