Money Matters
What’s the difference between a fixed and variable expense?
Fixed = same amount every time (e.g., rent); Variable = changes (e.g., groceries).
What’s a budget?
A plan for how you earn, save, and spend your money.
What is a resume used for?
To show your skills, experience, and background to potential employers.
What does “stepping out of your comfort zone” mean?
Trying something new that feels challenging or unfamiliar.
DOUBLE POINTS!! What is a tax? & Who's in charge?
Money collected by the government to pay for public services. The government.
True or False: A phone bill is a variable expense.
True – It can change based on usage, unless it’s a fixed plan.
You want to buy a $100 pair of shoes in 4 weeks. How much should you save each week?
$25 per week.
Name one thing you should always bring to a job interview.
A resume, questions to ask, or a notebook and pen.
True or False: Asking for advice is a smart step in decision-making.
True.
Name ONE public service that is funded by your tax dollars.
Police, firefighters, public schools, roads, parks, or libraries.
If your meal costs $12, what is 10% of the cost?
$1.20
Rank these goals as short, medium, or long-term: buying a phone, saving for college, getting lunch.
Lunch = short, Phone = medium, College = long-term.
List two ways to make a good first impression in an interview.
Dress neatly, make eye contact, arrive early, speak clearly.
Name one action you can take to meet new people at a new school.
Join a club.
Which public service funded by taxes helps keep public parks clean and safe?
Parks and Recreation departments (or park maintenance crews).
You have a weekly allowance of $15. You want to buy a $60 video game. How many weeks will it take to save up without spending any money?
4 weeks (because $15 × 4 = $60)
If you go over budget one month, what is one smart thing you can do the next month?
Spend less, adjust your budget, or cut back on non-essentials.
What are two soft skills that are important in any job, and why do they matter?
Examples: Communication and teamwork – they help you work well with others and avoid misunderstandings.
Which term describes setting goals you want to achieve in the next 6 months to 1 year?
Medium-term goals.
Taxes help fund schools. Name one way public schools use tax money.
Paying teachers’ salaries, buying books and supplies, or maintaining school buildings.
You earn $50 a week. You spend $15 on snacks, $10 on streaming, and save the rest. How much will you have saved after 4 weeks?
$100 saved
Explanation: $50 - $15 - $10 = $25 saved per week → $25 × 4 = $100
You have $250 for back-to-school shopping. You need shoes, supplies, and clothes.
Shoes cost $70, supplies cost $40, and clothes cost $110. You want to buy a $50 hoodie too.
Can you afford it all? If not, what would you cut or change to stay within budget?
Total cost: $70 + $40 + $110 + $50 = $270
You’re $20 over budget, so you’d need to:
Skip the hoodie, or
Find cheaper options (e.g., spend $90 on clothes or $60 on shoes)
You’re writing your first resume but don’t have job experience. What are three things you can include to still make it strong?
Volunteer work
School projects or clubs
Personal skills (like time management, creativity, leadership)
What strategy involves questioning your own assumptions to improve decision-making?
Self-reflection or self-questioning.
Taxes fund infrastructure projects. Name one major type of infrastructure that benefits communities and is paid for by taxes.
Roads, bridges, public transportation, or water systems.