Budget Basics
This is the amount of money you earn before taxes are taken out.
gross income
Buying something because it is necessary rather than wanted is called this.
need
Rising tensions in this Middle Eastern country recently caused concerns about oil prices and world markets.
Iran
This branch of government creates laws.
legislative
Lives in a pineapple under the sea.
SpongeBob Squarepants
This monthly expense helps protect your belongings and apartment from damage or theft.
renters insurance
Comparing prices, reviews, and quality before purchasing is called this.
consumer research
This industry has recently struggled with high equipment costs, labor shortages, and concerns about foreign ownership of farmland.
agriculture
A civic responsibility all citizens may be called to perform in court is this.
jury duty
This cartoon family lives in Springfield.
The Simpsons
This is the amount you pay before insurance starts covering damages.
deductible
This happens when prices rise over time and money buys less than before.
inflation
Concert ticket prices rising because many fans are willing to pay higher prices is an example of this economic principle.
supply & demand
This document guarantees freedoms like speech, religion, and press in the United States.
Bill of Rights
This mystery-solving cartoon group travels in the Mystery Machine with their dog
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
This utility usually costs more during hot summers or cold winters because of heating and cooling.
heat or electricity
Paying for college, housing, and transportation before spending on entertainment shows this financial skill.
prioritizing
When investors quickly buy or sell shares because of major world news, it affects this financial market.
stock market
Researching issues, volunteering, or participating in community projects are examples of this.
civic engagement
This cartoon cat and mouse are famous for chasing each other with almost no talking.
Tom & Jerry
If your monthly expenses are greater than your monthly income, you are operating with this kind of budget.
deficit
This type of payment is borrowed money that must be paid back with interest over time.
loan
This economic policy has remained a major debate in 2026 because critics say it raises prices for consumers while supporters argue it protects American industries.
tariffs
This term describes the balance between rights and responsibilities in a democracy.
citizenship
This long-running animated TV show features a cynical fourth grader named Eric Cartman.
South Park