| Topic 1: Banking Basics | | | | | | |
| T01-LO1. Compare features of checking, savings, and online-only bank accounts, and explain key differences between banks and credit unions, including interest rates, fees, accessibility, and digital tools such as mobile banking and peer-to-peer payment platforms. | Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
Lesson – How Debit Cards Work | | | | | |
| T01-LO2. Demonstrate how to open a bank account, set up direct deposit, and responsibly use digital financial tools such as budgeting apps, payment apps, and digital wallets. | Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
Lesson – How Debit Cards Work
Lesson – Automatic Payments: Convenience vs. Risk | | | | | |
| T01-LO3. Explain how being unbanked (living without a savings or checking account) affects access to credit and long-term financial security. | Lesson – Choosing the Best Banking Option for You
Lesson – What to Do When You Need Money Fast | | | | | |
| T01-LO4. Describe how emerging digital financial products, including cryptocurrency, function in personal banking and payments, and evaluate their benefits, limitations, and consumer risks. | Lesson – What are Cryptocurrencies?
Lesson – What is Money? | | | | | |
| Topic 2: Budgeting for Independent Living | | | | | | |
| T02-LO1. Create and revise a monthly budget that includes fixed, variable, and periodic expenses—such as rent, utilities, and groceries. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget
Lesson – Achieve Financial Goals with a Spending Plan
Lesson – Find Out Your Monthly Home Budget | | | | | |
| T02-LO2. Analyze personal or sample spending patterns using digital tools or case studies (e.g., preparing to rent an apartment). | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – Find Out Your Monthly Home Budget
Lesson – Rules for Renters & Homeowners
Lesson – Should You Rent or Should You Buy?
Lesson – Rent or Buy: Use the calculator to explore your options | | | | | |
| T02-LO3. Identify needs vs. wants and apply strategies to reduce overspending or adjust for large, fixed costs. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – Proven Techniques to Stop Overspending
Lesson – How Do You Stop Impulse Purchases?
Lesson – Discretionary Expenses – Understanding Central Tendency | | | | | |
| T02-LO4. Plan for irregular income, security deposits, and move-in expenses. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – How to Prepare for Unexpected Expenses
Lesson – Financial Resilience and Life Transitions
Lesson – Find Out Your Monthly Home Budget
Lesson – Rules for Renters & Homeowners | | | | | |
| T02-LO5. Use budgeting apps or templates to track progress over time and stay within rental affordability guidelines. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – Find Out Your Monthly Home Budget
Lesson – Should You Rent or Should You Buy?
Lesson – Rent or Buy: Use the calculator to explore your options | | | | | |
| Topic 3: Employment and Net Income | | | | | | |
| T03-LO1. Interpret pay stubs and calculate net income from gross wages. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – Paycheck Variation Simulator
Lesson – What's in Your Compensation Package? | | | | | |
| T03-LO2. Analyze how deductions (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, union dues, health insurance premiums, retirement plan contributions) impact take-home pay. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – Paycheck Variation Simulator
Lesson – What's in Your Compensation Package?
Lesson – What Benefits to Look for in a Job Offer | | | | | |
| T03-LO3. Compare various forms of employment (e.g., hourly, salaried, freelance, gig work) and compensation structures. | Lesson – What's in Your Compensation Package?
Lesson – What Benefits to Look for in a Job Offer
Lesson – Paycheck Variation Simulator
Lesson – Financial Resilience and Life Transitions | | | | | |
| T03-LO4. Understand the role of education, job training, and credentials in shaping long-term earning potential. | Lesson – Career Development & Pathway Planning
Lesson – Why Do Some Jobs Pay More Than Others?
Lesson – Are Internships Worth It?
Lesson – Go to College or Start Working? | | | | | |
| T03-LO5. Identify employee rights related to wages, hours, and working conditions. | Lesson – Workplace Success, Safety & Employee Rights
Lesson – The Ultimate Employee Guide | | | | | |
| T03-LO6. Practice job readiness skills such as resume development and interview preparation. | Lesson – Career Development & Pathway Planning
Lesson – Career Readiness & Workplace Relationships
Lesson – Acing Job Interviews
Lesson – How to Get Past Resume Software | | | | | |
| Topic 4: Credit Management and Debt | | | | | | |
| T04-LO1. Explain how credit scores are calculated, how they can be maintained or improved, and how they impact access to credit. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
Lesson – A Beginner's Guide to Borrowing Wisely | | | | | |
| T04-LO2. Compare various types of credit and lending options, including credit cards, loans, “buy now, pay later” services, and vehicle financing, and describe the fundamental aspects of credit cards, including interest, minimum payment structures, credit limits, and associated fees. | Lesson – Credit Cards: Terms, Fees, and More
Lesson – What to Do When You Need Money Fast
Lesson – The Car Buying Checklist
Lesson – Buy vs. Lease a Car Calculator
Lesson – Calculate Your Car Loan Payments
Lesson – Find Your Best Car Loan Deal | | | | | |
| T04-LO3. Analyze how interest rates, repayment terms, and borrowing behavior affect the total cost of credit and long-term financial health. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – Calculate the True Cost of Credit Card Debt
Lesson – Demystifying the Impact of Interest Rates
Lesson – A Beginner's Guide to Borrowing Wisely | | | | | |
| T04-LO4. Identify predatory lending practices and develop strategies for avoiding high-risk credit products. | Lesson – What to Do When You Need Money Fast
Lesson – The Art of Juggling Many Bills in a Pinch | | | | | |
| T04-LO5. Evaluate how credit and debt decisions influence future opportunities, such as housing, employment, and access to additional credit. | Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
Lesson – How to Use Debt to Your Advantage | | | | | |
| Topic 5: Understanding Loans | | | | | | |
| T05-LO1. Identify common types of loans, including home loans, auto loans, student loans, and personal loans, and explain their typical terms and uses. | Lesson – A Beginner's Guide to Borrowing Wisely
Lesson – Mortgage Options for First-Time Homebuyers
Lesson – Calculate Your Car Loan Payments
Lesson – Financing Your Education | | | | | |
| T05-LO2. Compare interest rates, repayment terms, and total borrowing costs across different loan products and identify signs of predatory lending practices. | Lesson – Calculate Your Car Loan Payments
Lesson – Getting Out of Debt: Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche
Lesson – Find Your Best Car Loan Deal
Lesson – Student Loan Repayment Calculator
Lesson – Mortgage Math and Ratios
Lesson – What to Do When You Need Money Fast | | | | | |
| T05-LO3. Analyze how credit history, loan type, and lender practices affect loan approval and pricing. | Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You
Lesson – Mortgage Options for First-Time Homebuyers
Lesson – Find Your Best Car Loan Deal | | | | | |
| T05-LO4. Understand repayment strategies, including early repayment, refinancing, and income-driven repayment plans (for student loans). | Lesson – Student Loan Repayment Calculator
Lesson – Getting Out of Debt: Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche
Lesson – Financing Your Education | | | | | |
| T05-LO5. Evaluate long-term financial impacts of taking on debt and determine when borrowing is or is not appropriate. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – How to Use Debt to Your Advantage
Lesson – A Beginner's Guide to Borrowing Wisely | | | | | |
| Topic 6: Insurance Types and Costs | | | | | | |
| T06-LO1. Identify and describe major types of insurance: health, auto, life, disability, and renters/homeowners. | Lesson – Types of Insurance | | | | | |
| T06-LO2. Evaluate policy terms including premiums, deductibles, copays, coverage limits, and exclusions. | Lesson – Car Insurance: How to Lower Your Rates
Lesson – What's Not Covered in Renter's Insurance?
Lesson – What Damage Does Home Insurance Cover?
Lesson – Why Health Insurance is So Expensive
Lesson – Auto Insurance Quote Builder
Lesson – Property Insurance Quote Builder
Lesson – Cost of Healthcare Calculator | | | | | |
| T06-LO3. Compare different insurance products and providers based on cost, coverage, and personal needs. | Lesson – Car Insurance: How to Lower Your Rates
Lesson – Life Insurance: The Ultimate Safety Net
Lesson – Auto Insurance Quote Builder
Lesson – Property Insurance Quote Builder
Lesson – Don't Let Disability Derail Your Finances | | | | | |
| T06-LO4. Understand California-specific insurance laws and programs (e.g., minimum auto coverage, Medi-Cal eligibility, earthquake insurance). | Lesson – Car Insurance: How to Lower Your Rates
Lesson – Why Health Insurance is So Expensive
Lesson – What's Not Covered in Renter's Insurance? | | | | | |
| T06-LO5. Analyze how insurance fits into a broader personal budget and long-term financial planning. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – Types of Insurance
Lesson – Income Protection Insurance Calculator
Lesson – Cost of Healthcare Calculator
Lesson – Is an Annuity Right for You? | | | | | |
| Topic 7: Tax System Overview | | | | | | |
| T07-LO1. Explain how income taxes are calculated, withheld, and used to fund public services. | Lesson – Tax Basics You Need to Know
Lesson – Paycheck Variation Simulator | | | | | |
| T07-LO2. Identify the purpose of key tax documents such as W-2, 1099, and 1040 forms. | Lesson – Income Tax Filing Tips & Tricks
Lesson – Get Practice Filling a Sample 1040 Tax Return
Lesson – Uncovering Hidden Income Taxes You Owe | | | | | |
| T07-LO3. Complete a basic individual tax return using sample materials (evaluate the differences between filing as a dependent vs. independent). | Lesson – Get Practice Filling a Sample 1040 Tax Return
Lesson – Income Tax Filing Tips & Tricks | | | | | |
| T07-LO4. Recognize common deductions, credits, and filing requirements. | Lesson – Tax Credits & Deductions You Need to Know | | | | | |
| T07-LO5. Evaluate the benefits of tax-advantaged savings accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s. | Lesson – Understanding 401(k) Plans
Lesson – Understanding Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRA)
Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement | | | | | |
| Topic 8: Investing and Wealth-Building Strategies | | | | | | |
| T08-LO1. Compare investment options including stocks, bonds, index funds, mutual funds, and real estate (e.g., homeownership). | Stock Game – Core Component
Lesson – A Beginner's Guide to Investing in Stocks
Lesson – Getting Started with Bond Investing
Lesson – A Simple Explanation of ETFs
Lesson – The Pros and Cons of Mutual Funds
Lesson – Should You Rent or Should You Buy? | | | | | |
| T08-LO2. Explain how compound interest, time, and risk tolerance affect investment returns. | Stock Game – Core Component
Lesson – Watch How Your Savings Could Grow (A lesson in compound interest)
Lesson – The Magic of Compound Interest
Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance
Lesson – Why Invest in Stocks vs. Keeping in Savings?
Lesson – How to Develop an Investing Strategy | | | | | |
| T08-LO3. Evaluate the features and benefits of tax-advantaged accounts such as IRAs, Roth IRAs, pensions, and 401(k)s. | Lesson – Understanding 401(k) Plans
Lesson – Understanding Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRA)
Lesson – The Secret to a Comfortable Retirement | | | | | |
| T08-LO4. Understand the financial considerations and long-term implications of homeownership, including down payments, mortgages, and property value appreciation. | Lesson – Mortgage Options for First-Time Homebuyers
Lesson – Mortgage Math and Ratios
Lesson – Should You Rent or Should You Buy?
Lesson – Rent or Buy: Use the calculator to explore your options | | | | | |
| T08-LO5. Apply decision-making strategies to set personal investment goals based on timeline, income, risk tolerance, and the principles of diversification to help manage risk and optimize returns. | Stock Game – Core Component
Lesson – How to Develop an Investing Strategy
Lesson – What is Diversification & How to Spread Your Risk
Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance
Lesson – Model Your Financial Future (A Lesson on Investment Growth) | | | | | |
| T08-LO6. Evaluate emerging speculative assets such as cryptocurrency, comparing their volatility and risks with traditional long-term wealth-building strategies. | Lesson – What are Cryptocurrencies?
Lesson – Why Invest in Stocks vs. Keeping in Savings?
Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance
Lesson – What is Diversification & How to Spread Your Risk | | | | | |
| Topic 9: Consumer Protection and Fraud Prevention | | | | | | |
| T09-LO1. Identify common forms of financial fraud, including phishing, identity theft, and online scams. | Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
Lesson – Protect Yourself as a Consumer | | | | | |
| T09-LO2. Recognize predatory financial products and lending practices. | Lesson – What to Do When You Need Money Fast
Lesson – The Art of Juggling Many Bills in a Pinch | | | | | |
| T09-LO3. Develop strategies for protecting personal information, digital assets, and financial records. | Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud
Lesson – Tame Your Financial Paperwork
Lesson – Receipts: What to Keep and Why | | | | | |
| T09-LO4. Understand basic consumer rights and how to take action when those rights are violated (e.g., filing complaints, freezing credit, seeking legal aid). | Lesson – Protect Yourself as a Consumer
Lesson – What Your Credit Report Says About You | | | | | |
| T09-LO5. Evaluate the credibility of financial offers, advertisements, and solicitations. | Lesson – Protect Yourself as a Consumer
Lesson – How to Avoid Identity Theft, Scams & Fraud | | | | | |
| Topic 10: College and Career Financing | | | | | | |
| T10-LO1. Compare financial aid sources, including FAFSA, Cal Grant, CA Dream Act, scholarships, and merit-based aid. | Lesson – Financing Your Education | | | | | |
| T10-LO2. Evaluate the cost and ROI of various postsecondary options, including community colleges, four-year universities, and career technical education. | Lesson – Go to College or Start Working?
Lesson – Financing Your Education
Lesson – Career Development & Pathway Planning | | | | | |
| T10-LO3. Understand eligibility and application processes for California-specific programs such as CalKIDS and Cal Grant, and the California Dream Act. | Lesson – Financing Your Education | | | | | |
| T10-LO4. Interpret award letters and assess the long-term implications of different aid packages. | Lesson – Financing Your Education | | | | | |
| T10-LO5. Develop a personalized postsecondary financing plan that balances educational aspirations with financial sustainability. | Lesson – Financing Your Education
Lesson – Go to College or Start Working?
Lesson – Planning Your Career Path | | | | | |
| Topic 11: Behavioral Finance and Psychology | | | | | | |
| T11-LO1. Identify and explain common behavioral biases (e.g., loss aversion, present bias, overconfidence) and how they affect money decisions. | Lesson – Knowing Your Risks & Risk Tolerance
Lesson – How Do You Stop Impulse Purchases?
Lesson – Why You Buy What You Buy | | | | | |
| T11-LO2. Analyze how advertising, peer influence, and emotional triggers can impact financial choices. | Lesson – Why You Buy What You Buy
Lesson – How Do You Stop Impulse Purchases?
Lesson – Analyzing Consumer Behavior | | | | | |
| T11-LO3. Apply strategies (such as setting default savings options or using visual goal setting) to build healthy financial habits. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – Pay Yourself First: a Simple yet Powerful Way to Build Wealth
Lesson – Achieve Financial Goals with a Spending Plan
Lesson – Watch How Your Savings Could Grow (A lesson in compound interest) | | | | | |
| T11-LO4. Reflect on the connection between financial behavior and mental health, including stress, avoidance, or guilt. | Lesson – Financial Resilience and Life Transitions | | | | | |
| T11-LO5. Develop personal financial goals that align with long-term well-being rather than short-term gratification. | Lesson – Financial Resilience and Life Transitions
Lesson – Achieve Financial Goals with a Spending Plan
Lesson – Pay Yourself First: a Simple yet Powerful Way to Build Wealth
Lesson – A Strategy to Build Wealth, Not Debt
Lesson – Planning Your Career Path | | | | | |
| Topic 12: Charitable Giving | | | | | | |
| T12-LO1. Differentiate between types of financial charitable giving, including one-time gifts, recurring donations, and legacy contributions. | Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations | | | | | |
| T12-LO2. Evaluate nonprofit organizations for transparency, mission alignment, and community impact. | Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations | | | | | |
| T12-LO3. Understand the tax implications and financial benefits of charitable donations, including documentation and deduction eligibility. | Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations
Lesson – Tax Credits & Deductions You Need to Know | | | | | |
| T12-LO4. Develop a personal giving plan that incorporates charitable goals within a realistic budget. | Budget Game – Core Component
Lesson – A Guide to Effective Charitable Donations
Lesson – Break Free From Money Stress with a Budget | | | | | |
| Topic 13: Other Topics Directly Relevant to Personal Finance |
| Education Code Section 51284.5 identifies Topic 13 as other topics directly and specifically relevant to personal finance, including purchasing versus leasing a vehicle, renting an apartment, buying a home, digital finance, predatory lending, and California-specific financial information. The Personal Finance Curriculum Guide states that these concepts may already be addressed within Topics 1–12. The lessons that cover them have been assigned and are referenced in Topics 1 through 12 above. |
