Connecticut Personal Finance Standards: Helpful Resources

Connecticut Personal Finance Curriculum Alignment

To support Connecticut educators in meeting the new graduation requirements mandated by Public Act 23-21 (graduating class of 2027), we have aligned our learning materials to the official Connecticut Standards for Personal Financial Management & Financial Literacy Performance Elements and Indicators.

Explore the table below to see exactly how our lessons, Budget Game, and Stock Game reinforce the specific learning standards your students need to master. Our Learning Library contains over 300 total lessons that can be customized for every class, so this may not include every lesson that may apply for each standard.

Legend:

Long-Term Game
Comprehensive Chapter
Short Lesson
Interactive Calculator
Includes Automatically-Graded Assessment

Standard	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
FI:058 Explain forms of financial exchange (cash, credit, debit, electronic funds transfer, etc.)
a. Define the following terms: cash, credit, debit, electronic funds transfer, negotiable instruments, promissory notes, holder in due course.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
b. Explain the need for forms of financial exchange.	Lesson – What is Money?
c. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of financial exchange.	Budget Game – Core Component
d. Discuss how credit and debit cards and checks are used as forms of financial exchange.	Lesson – What is Money? Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More Lesson – How Debit Cards Work
e. Discuss how negotiable instruments are used as forms of financial exchange.	Lesson – Mortgage Options for First-Time Homebuyers Lesson – The Car Buying Checklist Lesson – The 6 Elements of a Binding Contract
FI:059 Identify types of currency (paper money, coins, banknotes, government bonds, treasury notes, etc.) (PQ)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: currency, private currency, fiat currency, deposit money, representative money, commodity money, local currency, specie, and banknote.	Lesson – From Gold Bars to Bank Loans
b. Discuss the importance of currency in an economy.	Lesson – What is Money? Lesson – From Gold Bars to Bank Loans Lesson – How Global Trade Shapes Our Economy
c. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of fiat currency.	Lesson – From Gold Bars to Bank Loans
d. Differentiate between coins and paper money.	Lesson – From Gold Bars to Bank Loans
FI:060 Describe functions of money (medium of exchange, unit of measure, store of value) (PQ)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Explain why money is used as a medium of exchange.	Lesson – What is Money?
b. Discuss how money is used as a unit of measure.	Lesson – What is Money?
c. Describe how money is used as a store of value.	Lesson – What is Money?
d. Explain how money is used as an incentive.	Lesson – Carrots, Sticks, and Your Wallet
FI:061 Describe sources of income and compensation (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: wage, salary, interest, rent, dividends, and transfer payments.	Lesson – What’s in Your Compensation Package? Lesson – What is Wealth?
b. Distinguish between earned and unearned income.	Lesson – What is Wealth?
c. Explain the benefits and drawbacks of different sources of income.	Lesson – What’s in Your Compensation Package?
d. Discuss the use of benefits as a form of compensation. e. Describe the relationship between education and income.	Lesson – What’s in Your Compensation Package?
f. Discuss the influence of career choice on income.	Lesson – What’s in Your Compensation Package?
g. Explain the risks inherent in relying on receipt of inheritances.	Lesson – What is Wealth?
h. Discuss tax implications associated with sources of income.	Lesson – Tax Basics You Need to Know Lesson – Uncovering Hidden Income Taxes You Owe Activity – Practice Filing The Form 1040
FI:062 Explain the time value of money (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the terms time value of money, inflation, interest rate, present value, and compound interest.	Lesson – How to Harness Your Money’s Full Potential Lesson – The Impact of Inflation on Your Wallet Lesson – The Magic of Compound Interest Activity – Net Present Value (NPV) Calculator Activity – Watch How Your Savings Could Grow
b. Describe how time impacts the value of money.	Lesson – How to Harness Your Money’s Full Potential Activity – Net Present Value (NPV) Calculator Activity – Watch How Your Savings Could Grow Activity – Crack the Code to Becoming a Millionaire
c. Explain information that is needed when considering the time value of money (i.e., date at which the dollar amount is measured and the interest rate applied).	Lesson – How to Harness Your Money’s Full Potential Activity – Net Present Value (NPV) Calculator
d. Explain the impact of inflation on the value of money.	Lesson – The Impact of Inflation on Your Wallet
e. Discuss situations in which the present value is needed.	Lesson – How to Harness Your Money’s Full Potential
FI:002 Explain the purposes and importance of credit (CS) LAP-FI-002	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the term credit.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
b. Describe types of credit commonly extended to credit users (e.g., revolving credit, bank credit cards, consumer loans, etc.).	Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More Lesson – The Car Buying Checklist Lesson – Mortgage Options for First-Time Homebuyers
c. Identify sources of credit.	Lesson – How to Use Debt to Your Advantage Lesson – What to Do When You Need Money Fast Lesson – Financing Your Education
d. Explain costs associated with the use of credit (e.g., APR, late fees, service charges, etc.).	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
e. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of fixed- and adjustable-rate credit.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely Lesson – Mortgage Options for First-Time Homebuyers
f. Describe costs associated with the extension of credit.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
g. Explain reasons that businesses extend credit.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
h. Describe the types of benefits credit users may receive from the use of credit.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
i. Describe legislation affecting the extension of credit.	Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You Lesson – How to Negotiate With Creditors
FI:063 Explain legal responsibilities associated with consumer financial products and services (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Describe how consumers and financial institutions benefit from financial exchanges (i.e., both are legally protected at the time of the financial exchange as a result of the terms of the financial agreement).	Lesson – Protect Yourself as a Consumer
b. Explain legal responsibilities of borrowers and lenders in financial exchanges.	Lesson – Protect Yourself as a Consumer
c. Explain legal responsibilities of investors and brokers in financial exchanges.	Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account?
d. Identify regulations of consumer financial products and services (e.g., Truth in Lending Act, Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act).	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely Lesson – How to Negotiate With Creditors Lesson – Protect Yourself as a Consumer
e. Identify agencies that regulate consumer financial products and services (e.g., FDIC, SEC, CFPB, NCUA).	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account? Lesson – Protect Yourself as a Consumer
f. Describe legal responsibilities associated with electronic financial products and services.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
FI:270 Explain the need to save and invest (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: saving, investing, financial needs, and financial goals.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget
b. Identify types of financial needs (e.g., college, retirement, wills, insurance, etc.).	Lesson – A Strategy to Build Wealth, Not Debt
c. Discuss ways individuals meet financial needs.	Budget Game – Core Component
d. Discuss the importance of setting financial goals to meet financial needs.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget Lesson – A Simple Yet Powerful Way to Build Wealth Lesson – Evaluating Big-Ticket Purchases Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement
e. Explain the concept of using money to make money.	Lesson – A Simple Yet Powerful Way to Build Wealth Lesson – Why Invest in Stocks vs. Just Saving?
f. Distinguish between saving and investing.	Budget Game – Core Component Stock Game – Core Component
g. Compare the outcome of saving/investing early versus late in life.	Activity – Get a Snapshot of Your Financial Health Activity – Crack the Code to Becoming a Millionaire Lesson – The Magic of Compound Interest Lesson – A Strategy to Build Wealth, Not Debt
h. Describe ways individuals benefit from saving/investing.	Budget Game – Core Component Stock Game – Core Component
FI:065 Set financial goals (CS) Analyze financial needs and goals to determine financial requirements.	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Discuss the value of planning in meeting financial goals.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – A Strategic Way to Build Wealth, Not Debt Lesson – Achieve Financial Goals with a Spending Plan
b. Identify obstacles to meeting financial goals.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Achieve Financial Goals with a Spending Plan Lesson – Proven Techniques to Stop Overspending
c. Describe characteristics of useful financial goals.	Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget Lesson – A Strategy to Build Wealth, Not Debt
d. Explain a financial goal-setting process.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – A Simple Yet Powerful Way to Build Wealth Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget
e. Demonstrate procedures for setting financial goals.	Budget Game – Core Component
FI:066 Develop personal budget (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: personal budget, income, and expenses.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget
b. Identify common personal income and expenses.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget Lesson – A Simple Yet Powerful Way to Build Wealth
c. Distinguish between fixed and variable expenses.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget
d. Discuss the importance of developing a personal budget to manage spending and reach financial goals.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Proven Techniques to Stop Overspending
e. Explain steps for developing a personal budget.	Budget Game – Core Component
f. Explain the role of ongoing tracking and analysis when budgeting. g. Demonstrate steps for developing a personal budget.	Budget Game – Core Component
FI:562 Determine personal net worth (CS) Manage personal finances to achieve financial goals.	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the terms asset, liability, and net worth.	Activity – Get a Snapshot of Your Financial Health Lesson – A Strategy to Build Wealth, Not Debt
b. Identify personal assets.	Budget Game – Core Component
c. Identify personal liabilities.	Budget Game – Core Component
d. Explain the calculation of personal net worth.	Budget Game – Core Component Activity – Get a Snapshot of Your Financial Health
e. Discuss how knowing personal net worth can be beneficial.	Lesson – A Strategy to Build Wealth, Not Debt
f. Prepare personal net worth statement.	Activity – Get a Snapshot of Your Financial Health
FI:067 Explain the nature of tax liabilities (PQ)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the term tax liability.	Lesson – Tax Basics You Need to Know
b. Describe types of taxes (e.g., income, sales, property, excise, etc.).	Lesson – Tax Basics You Need to Know Lesson – Uncovering Hidden Income Taxes You Owe
c. Identify levels of government that collect taxes (i.e., federal, state, local).	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Income Tax Filing Tips & Tricks Activity – Get Practice Filing a Sample Tax Return
d. Explain the purpose of taxes.	Lesson – Tax Basics You Need to Know
e. Discuss who is required to pay taxes.	Lesson – Income Tax Filing Tips & Tricks
FI:068 Interpret a pay stub (PQ)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: pay period, gross income, net income, deduction, pension, 401(k), and FICA.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Why Is My Paycheck So Small?
b. Explain the components of a pay stub.	Budget Game – Core Component
c. Identify types of deductions that appear on pay stubs.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Why Is My Paycheck So Small?
d. Discuss reasons for interpreting a pay stub.	Lesson – The Ultimate Employee Guide
e. Explain procedures for interpreting a pay stub.	Lesson – The Ultimate Employee Guide
f. Demonstrate how to interpret a pay stub.	Lesson – The Ultimate Employee Guide
FI:560 Write checks (PQ)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Explain the information that must be provided on checks.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – What is Money?
b. Describe how to fill out checks correctly.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – What is Money?
c. Discuss the importance of legibility in filling out checks.	Lesson – What is Money?
d. Discuss how to place a stop payment on checks.	Lesson – What is Money?
e. Describe how to endorse checks.	Lesson – What is Money?
f. Demonstrate procedures for writing checks.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – What is Money?
FI:069 Maintain financial records (PQ)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: maintain, checkbook register, savings register, deposit, and withdrawal.	Lesson – Receipts: What to Keep and Why
b. Identify types of financial records that should be maintained (e.g., checkbook register, savings register).	Lesson – Tame Your Financial Paperwork Lesson – Balance Your Books in 10-Minutes Lesson – Receipts: What to Keep and Why
c. Discuss reasons to keep bank account records up to date.	Lesson – Tame Your Financial Paperwork Lesson – Balance Your Books in 10-Minutes Lesson – What Is a Tax Audit?
d. Discuss procedures used to maintain financial records.	Lesson – Tame Your Financial Paperwork Lesson – Balance Your Books in 10-Minutes
e. Demonstrate procedures used to maintain financial records.	Lesson – Tame Your Financial Paperwork Lesson – Balance Your Books in 10-Minutes
FI:070 Balance a bank account (PQ)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: reconcile, bank statement, transaction, transaction fee, balance, and overdraft protection.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
b. Explain the components of a bank statement.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
c. Identify problems that may occur when bank statements are not reconciled.	Lesson – Balance Your Books in 10-Minutes Lesson – The Art of Juggling Many Bills in a Pinch
d. Discuss actions to take if a bank statement is incorrect. e. Explain procedures for balancing a bank account.	Lesson – Balance Your Books in 10-Minutes
f. Demonstrate how to balance a bank account.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Balance Your Books in 10-Minutes
FI:567 Explain the nature of charitable giving (PQ)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Distinguish between the terms tax exempt and tax deductible.	Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations
b. Describe ways to give to charities.	Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations
c. Identify types of charitable-giving scams.	Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations
d. Discuss techniques for avoiding charitable-giving scams.	Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations
e. Explain criteria that can be used to evaluate a charitable organization.	Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations
f. Discuss how to check out a charity before contributing.	Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations
FI:782 Calculate the cost of credit (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: annual percentage rate, periodic interest rate, average daily balance, and cost of credit.	Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More
b. Explain how interest increases the cost of credit.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Demystifying the Impact of Interest Rates
c. Discuss reasons for calculating the cost of credit.	Lesson – Demystifying the Impact of Interest Rates
d. Demonstrate techniques for calculating the cost of credit.	Activity – Calculate the True Cost of Credit Card Debt Lesson – Getting Out of Debt: Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche
FI:071 Demonstrate the wise use of credit (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: annual fee and late fee.	Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More
b. Discuss reasons to use credit wisely.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely Lesson – How to Use Debt to Your Advantage
c. Describe possible consequences of using credit unwisely.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – How Borrowers Manage Personal Debt Lesson – What Is Bankruptcy? Lesson – Getting Help With Debt Repayment Lesson – Debt Relief: Is Consolidation the Answer? Lesson – Getting Out of Debt: Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche
d. Identify situations that result in credit-history problems.	Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
e. Discuss methods for selecting sources of credit.	Lesson – What to Do When You Need Money Fast Lesson – How to Use Debt to Your Advantage
f. Explain techniques to use credit wisely (e.g., limiting the number of credit cards, paying off credit balances, paying more than monthly minimum balance, and avoiding cash advances) .	Lesson – Getting Out of Debt: Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More Lesson – How Borrowers Manage Personal Debt
g. Monitor credit reports.	Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
h. Demonstrate ways to use credit wisely.	Budget Game – Core Component
FI:072 Validate credit history (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the terms credit report, credit score/rating, and credit reporting agency.	Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
b. Explain reasons to check one’s credit history.	Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
c. Discuss methods for obtaining one’s credit history.	Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
d. Explain information included in a credit report.	Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
e. Discuss techniques used to validate one’s credit history.	Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
f. Describe techniques for disputing information found in a credit report.	Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
g. Demonstrate methods to validate a personal credit history.	Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
FI:783 Make responsible financial decisions (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Discuss reasons for considering the consequences of financial decisions.	Budget Game – Core Component Stock Game – Core Component Lesson – The Door You Didn’t Open Lesson – How to Harness Your Money’s Full Potential
b. Explain the importance of saving and investing regularly.	Budget Game – Core Component Stock Game – Core Component Lesson – A Simple Yet Powerful Way to Build Wealth
c. Discuss the importance of reading and understanding financial terms and offers.	Lesson – The 6 Elements of a Binding Contract Lesson – Protect Yourself as a Consumer
d. Describe the benefits of comparison shopping.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – How Do You Stop Impulse Purchases?
e. Describe the impact of impulse spending.	Lesson – How Do You Stop Impulse Purchases? Lesson – Proven Techniques to Stop Overspending
f. Compare costs and benefits of buying vs. renting/leasing.	Activity – Rent or Buy: Which is Right for You? Activity – Find Out Your Monthly Home Budget Lesson – Find Your Best Car Loan Deal
g. Explain financial scams to avoid.	Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
h. Demonstrate how to make responsible financial decisions.	Budget Game – Core Component Activity – Model Your Financial Future Activity – Net Present Value (NPV) Calculator Activity – Find Out Your Monthly Home Budget
FI:073 Protect against identity theft (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: identity theft, phishing.	Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
b. Explain the importance of guarding against identity theft.	Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
c. Identify ways in which one’s identity may be stolen.	Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
d. Describe problems that may occur if a person becomes the victim of identity theft.	Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
e. Explain what an individual should do if they fall victim to identity theft.	Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
f. Discuss methods to protect against identity theft.	Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
g. Demonstrate methods to protect against identity theft.	Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
FI:565 Pay bills (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Identify frequently paid bills.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget Lesson – Achieve Financial Goals with a Spending Plan
b. Explain information usually found on bills.	Budget Game – Core Component
c. Discuss the importance of verifying charges identified on billing statements.	Lesson – Balance Your Books in 10-Minutes
d. Describe methods to contest incorrect bills.	Lesson – Balance Your Books in 10-Minutes
e. Describe ways that bills can be paid (e.g., manually, electronically, direct withdrawal, etc.).	Lesson – Automatic Payments: Convenience vs. Risk Lesson – The Art of Juggling Many Bills in a Pinch
f. Discuss the impact of failing to pay bills on time.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
g. Demonstrate procedures for paying bills.	Budget Game – Core Component
FI:625 Apply for a consumer loan (SP)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Explain factors that affect whether a person will be granted a loan (e.g., character, capacity, collateral).	Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
b. Discuss factors to consider in selecting a consumer loan to obtain.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
c. Describe how APR impacts choice of loans.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
d. Explain the role of cosigners when applying for a loan.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
e. Identify documentation that must be supplied when applying for a consumer loan.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
f. Identify information that must be provided on a consumer loan application.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely
g. Demonstrate procedures for applying for a consumer loan.	Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Borrowing Wisely Lesson – The Car Buying Checklist Lesson – Mortgage Options for First-Time Homebuyers
FI:568 Control debt (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the terms insolvent, total debt, total assets, bankruptcy, debt consolidation, secured debt, unsecured debt, forbearance, foreclosure, and bankruptcy.	Lesson – How Borrowers Manage Personal Debt Lesson – What Is Bankruptcy?
b. Identify causes of excessive debt.	Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More Lesson – How to Use Debt to Your Advantage
c. Explain how contacting creditors can help when excessive debt occurs.	Lesson – How to Negotiate With Creditors
d. Discuss options that delinquent borrowers can use to control debt (e.g., repayment plan, forbearance, loan modification, etc.).	Lesson – Getting Help With Debt Repayment Lesson – How Borrowers Manage Personal Debt Lesson – Debt Relief: Is Consolidation the Answer? Lesson – Getting Out of Debt: Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche
e. Discuss actions creditors can take when individuals fail to pay their loans (e.g., use of debt collectors, garnishment, repossession, foreclosure)	Lesson – What Is Bankruptcy?
f. Identify warning signs of debt crisis.	Lesson – How to Use Debt to Your Advantage Lesson – How Borrowers Manage Personal Debt
g. Explain the nature of bankruptcy.	Lesson – What Is Bankruptcy?
h. Discuss the impact of bankruptcy (e.g., on credit reports, future credit acquisition, employment, etc.). i. Demonstrate ways to control debt.	Lesson – What Is Bankruptcy?
i. Demonstrate ways to control debt.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Getting Out of Debt: Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche
FI:074 Prepare personal income tax forms (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the terms adjusted gross income, 1040 tax form, taxable income, exemptions, and deductions.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Income Tax Filing Tips & Tricks Activity – Get Practice Filing a Sample Tax Return
b. Identify criteria for filing personal income tax forms.	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Income Tax Filing Tips & Tricks Activity – Get Practice Filing a Sample Tax Return
c. Describe the information contained on a W-2 form.	Lesson – Income Tax Filing Tips & Tricks Activity – Get Practice Filing a Sample Tax Return
d. Explain an employer’s responsibility for providing employees with W-2 forms.	Lesson – Income Tax Filing Tips & Tricks Activity – Get Practice Filing a Sample Tax Return
e. Identify forms of income that must be reported on personal income tax forms.	Activity – Get Practice Filing a Sample Tax Return Lesson – Income Tax Filing Tips & Tricks Lesson – Uncovering Hidden Income Taxes You Owe
f. Demonstrate procedures for preparing a personal income tax form.	Budget Game – Core Component Activity – Get Practice Filing a Sample Tax Return
FI:831 Discuss options for financing a college education (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Identify different types of higher education (e.g., college, university, non-profit, for-profit, public, private, 4-year institution, 2-year institution).	Lesson – Planning Your Career Path Lesson – Go to College or Start Working?
b. Identify costs associated with attending a college/university.	Lesson – Planning Your Career Path Lesson – Go to College or Start Working? Lesson – Financing Your Education
c. Discuss methods to save for a college education (e.g., 529 plans, mutual funds).	Lesson – Financing Your Education Lesson – Planning Your Career Path Lesson – Go to College or Start Working?
d. Discuss aid sources for financing a college education (e.g., scholarships, grants, loans).	Lesson – Financing Your Education
e. Distinguish between scholarships and grants.	Lesson – Financing Your Education
f. Explain the role of financial aid in funding a college education.	Lesson – Financing Your Education
g. Discuss the federal student aid application and approval process.	Lesson – Financing Your Education
h. Describe the student loan repayment process.	Lesson – Financing Your Education
FI:569 Discuss the nature of retirement planning (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the term retirement planning, asset allocation, and vesting.	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement Lesson – What is Wealth? Lesson – Why You Should Diversify Your Portfolio
b. Explain the importance of starting early when planning for retirement.	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement Lesson – The Magic of Compound Interest Activity – Crack the Code to Becoming a Millionaire Activity – Watch How Your Savings Could Grow
c. Discuss factors to consider when planning for retirement (e.g., inflation rates, health care needs, housing needs/costs, desired retirement age, etc.)	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement
d. Distinguish between defined benefit retirement plans and defined contribution retirement plans.	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement
e. Cite an example of a defined benefit retirement plan (e.g., pension plan).	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement
f. Cite an example of a defined contribution retirement plan (e.g., 401(k), 403(b)).	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement
g. Distinguish between an individual retirement account (IRA) and a Roth IRA.	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement
h. Discuss protections that are in place to protect employees’ retirement plans.	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement
i. Explain the relationship between Social Security benefits and a benefit retirement plan.	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement Lesson – The Ultimate Employee Guide
j. Discuss how the amount of Social Security benefits received at retirement is determined.	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement
k. Discuss how the use of asset allocation protects savings and investments.	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement
l. Describe techniques that can be used to close the gap between retirement savings and retirement expenses.	Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement Lesson – The Magic of Compound Interest Activity – Crack the Code to Becoming a Millionaire Activity – Watch How Your Savings Could Grow
FI:075 Describe types of financial-services providers (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Identify types of financial-services providers.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account?
b. Describe banking services.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
c. Compare types of banking institutions.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
d. Discuss investment services.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account?
e. Explain services offered by insurance companies.	Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance
f. Describe intermediation or advisory services (e.g., stock brokers, discount brokers, etc.).	Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account? Lesson – Do You Need a Tax Professional? Lesson – Getting Help With Debt Repayment
g. Discuss online services provided by financial institutions.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account?
FI:076 Discuss considerations in selecting a financial-services provider (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Discuss situations requiring financial-services providers.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account?
b. Describe ways in which financial-services providers are paid.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account?
c. Explain obstacles in relying on the advice of financial-services providers.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account?
d. Explain factors used to evaluate financial-services providers.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You Lesson – How to Choose a Brokerage Account?
FI:077 Explain types of investments (CS) LAP-FI-077	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, bonds, lending investments, stocks, mutual funds, collectibles, ownership investments, securities.	Stock Game – Core Component Investing101 Course – Chapter 1: Introduction To Investing Lesson – How to Develop an Investing Strategy Lesson – A Simple Explanation of ETFs Lesson – The Pros and Cons of Mutual Funds Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Stocks
b. Explain the relationship between risk and return.	Stock Game – Core Component Lesson – Why You Should Diversify Your Portfolio
c. Distinguish between lending and ownership investments.	Stock Game – Core Component Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Stocks Lesson – Getting Started with Bond Investing Lesson – Decoding What Moves The Market
d. Identify types of lending investments (e.g., savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and bonds).	Investing101 Course – Chapter 1: Introduction To Investing Lesson – Getting Started with Bond Investing Video – How to Trade Bonds? Lesson – How to Develop an Investing Strategy
e. Describe the risks and returns associated with lending investments.	Stock Game – Core Component Lessons – Getting Started with Bond Investing Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance
f. Identify types of ownership investments (e.g., stocks, mutual funds, collectibles, and real estate).	Investing101 Course – Chapter 1: Introduction To Investing Lesson – How to Develop an Investing Strategy Lesson – A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Stocks Lesson – The Pros and Cons of Mutual Funds
g. Explain the risks and returns associated with ownership investments.	Stock Game – Core Component Investing101 Course – Chapter 2: How the Stock Market Works and Why It Moves Activity – Model Your Financial Future Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance Lesson – Why Invest in Stocks vs. Just Saving? Lesson – Why You Should Diversify Your Portfolio
FI:081 Describe the concept of insurance (CS)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Define the following terms: insurance, premium, deductible, coverage, and liability.	Lesson – Why Health Insurance is so Expensive
b. Discuss the relationship between risk and insurance.	Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance
c. Explain the purpose of insurance.	Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance
d. Identify common types of insurance (e.g., property, liability, health, disability, life).	Lesson – What’s Not Covered in Renter’s Insurance? Lesson – What Damage Does Home Insurance Cover? Lesson – Rules for Renters & Homeowners Lesson – Car Insurance: How to Lower Your Rates Lesson – Life Insurance: The Ultimate Safety Net Lesson – Don’t Let Disability Derail Your Finances Lesson – Why Health Insurance is So Expensive
e. Describe insurance needs at different stages in life.	Lesson – What’s in Your Compensation Package? Lesson – Is an Annuity Right for You? Lesson – Life Insurance: The Ultimate Safety Net
f. Discuss the consequences of not having insurance or being underinsured.	Lesson – What’s Not Covered in Renter’s Insurance? Lesson – What Damage Does Home Insurance Cover? Lesson – Rules for Renters & Homeowners Lesson – Car Insurance: How to Lower Your Rates Lesson – Life Insurance: The Ultimate Safety Net Lesson – Don’t Let Disability Derail Your Finances
g. Explain how insurance works.	Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance
FI:571 Determine insurance needs (SP)	Activity	Long-Term Game	Comprehensive Chapter	Short Lesson	Interactive Calculator	Graded Assessment
a. Explain how determining life insurance needs differs from determining other insurance needs.	Lesson – Life Insurance: The Ultimate Safety Net
b. Describe factors to consider when determining the amount of insurance needed.	Lesson – Life Insurance: The Ultimate Safety Net
c. Discuss information needed to calculate insurance needs.	Lesson – Life Insurance: The Ultimate Safety Net Lesson – What Damage Does Home Insurance Cover? Lesson – Why Health Insurance is So Expensive
d. Demonstrate procedures for determining insurance needs.	Lesson – Life Insurance: The Ultimate Safety Net Lesson – What Damage Does Home Insurance Cover? Lesson – Why Health Insurance is So Expensive
PD:154 Describe types of personal banking products and services (CS)
a. Define the following terms: overdraft protection, Automated Clearing House (ACH), asset management, and lockbox.	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
b. Discuss common types of lending products and services (e.g., mortgages, vehicle loans, lines of credit, credit cards, cash advances, debt consolidation, etc.).	Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More Lesson – How to Use Debt to Your Advantage
c. Explain deposit account products and services (e.g., checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit [CDs], debit/ATM cards, overdraft protection, etc.).	Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You Lesson – Building An Investing Strategy
d. Describe common electronic banking services (e.g., wire transfers, online banking, online bill pay, electronic funds transfer [EFT] payments, automated teller machines [ATMs], mobile banking, etc.).	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
e. Identify asset management services (e.g., trust services, safety deposit boxes, etc.).	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
f. Identify customer-service channels frequently used in personal banking (e.g., brick and mortar branches, call centers, mobile app, etc.).	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
g. Describe miscellaneous common personal banking products and services (e.g., cashier’s checks, certified checks, money orders, notary services, etc.).	Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You