PACED Model
Income & Taxes
Careers & Earnings
Budgeting
Saving & Investing
100

What does the “P” in the PACED model stand for?

Problem (Identify the problem)

100

Income you receive from wages, salaries, tips, and commissions is known as what type of income?

Earned income

100

What factor most often increases a person’s future earning potential—education or luck?

Education

100

What is the formula for a basic budget?

Income – Expenses = Savings (or Debt)

100

What does the “S” in SMART goals stand for?

Specific

200

In the PACED model, what step involves comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each option?

List Alternatives

200

What type of income includes interest, dividends, and gifts?

Unearned income

200

Give one example of a career that may require advanced education or training.

Examples: Nurse, engineer, electrician, lawyer, teacher, IT technician

200

Money left over after expenses is called what?

Savings/Surplus

200

Is buying a house a short-term or long-term goal?

Long-term

300

This step identifies what is important to you and what you value when making a decision. Which PACED step is it?

Select Criteria

300

Name two types of taxes taken out of a paycheck.

Examples: Federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare

300

When comparing two cities, which major factor determines how far your salary will go?

Cost of living

300

Name two common categories of expenses in a personal budget.

Housing, transportation, utilities, food, insurance, etc.

300

Give one example of a low-risk investment option.

Savings account, CD, money market account

400

What is the main purpose of the PACED model?

To help people make rational, well-informed decisions

400

How can employee benefits influence a person’s career decision?

Benefits like insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave add value and make certain jobs more attractive.

400

Explain why a person with more job skills may earn higher wages.

They offer more value to employers and are in higher demand.

400

If expenses are greater than income, what financial result occurs?

Debt/Deficit

400

Which investment option involves owning part of a company?

Stocks

500

List all five PACED steps in order.

Problem, Alternatives, Criteria, Evaluate, Decide

500

Explain how income can affect your long-term career plan.

Higher income can support education goals, lifestyle choices, and open opportunities for long-term financial stability.

500

Describe how the market value of labor affects wages for workers.

Wages rise when skills are in high demand and fall when many workers can perform the same job.

500

Why is creating a budget important when moving to a new city?

Costs vary by location; budgeting helps prevent overspending and prepares you for new expenses.

500

Explain the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA.

  • 401(k): Employer-sponsored retirement plan

  • IRA: Individual retirement account anyone can open

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