One of the underlying reasons that I became a teacher is to help students be successful in all aspects of their lives both during and after high school. Personal Finance is the perfect example of this. Every topic covered is a topic that all adults have to deal with at some point in their lives and having some background knowledge about these topics is essential in making good financial decisions.
During the nine week quarter students learn about time management, banking, investing, credit, insurance, taxes, budgeting, and college and/or career planning. Interspersed in all these topics students learn consumer skills related to shopping and making major purchases, like buying a car. Students also learn how to make financial decisions about what to invest in or should I rent or buy a house. Lastly, they learn the effects financial stress can have on their lives.
Some of these topics are pretty straightforward and others are complex and confusing. Some affirm the need to learn math and others affirm the need to learn how to think critically. Underlying all of these topics is the need to develop self-discipline, planning skills and effectively setting goals. All skills our students need to be successful.