1 Occupational or Elective credit

This course gives students a consistent framework for thinking through financial choices in order to improve their well‐being. Students who take charge of their finances are better prepared to invest in themselves and cope with the financial ups and downs that life will bring.

Course Overview:

Throughout this course, students will learn:

• Personal goals and values are the foundation of personal finance.
• Invest in yourself (human capital).
• There is an ongoing association between your present‐self and your future self.
• The value of money changes over time.
• Compound interest makes savings work for you, and borrowing work against you.
• Opportunity costs and trade-offs are inherent in every decision you make.
• Risk and return are inherent in financial investing.
• Take steps to protect yourself from the unexpected (fraud, insurance, etc.).
• What you look like on paper (credit report, spending plan, etc).

Course Assessment:

Course Assessment Various assessment tools including worksheets, learning activities, reflection writing assignments and quizzes will be utilized to assess student knowledge. “Life In...” is a family spending plan simulation that emulates the constraints typical American households encounter when managing their finances which will be used as a final assessment. Students will then present their "Life In..." simulation at the annual STEM/CTE Showcase.

College Credit:

Consumer Economics is eligible for 5 credits through Yakima Valley College if class is successfully completed with a B or higher (83%). Can be obtained through Financial Algebra as well.

*Class is offered every other year (alternates with Financial Algebra)