Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
How do you know if an email or call is a scam?
Urgent or threatening language
Asking for personal info or money
Too good to be true
Weird email address or phone number
Grammar/spelling errors
You’ve been using the same toothbrush for… way too long. How often should you actually replace it?
Every 3-4 months or after you’ve been sick.
You get a text from an unknown number saying your bank account is locked. What should you do?
Do not click any links—log in to your bank’s official website or call their customer service directly.
What’s the 50/30/20 budgeting rule?
50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings & debt payments.
You did some cooking and have left over grease. What is the best way to dispose of it?
Let it cool, pour it into a bottle/container and throw it away. Don't pour it down the drain!
What is confirmation bias?
The tendency to seek out information that confirms preexisting beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.
What is a good rule of thumb for how long you can safely keep leftovers in the fridge?
3-4 days max.
You find out your kitchen has fruit flies.. what's the best way to get rid of them?
Use a vinegar trap.
You just finished eating at a restaurant, but you’re unsure how much to tip. What’s the standard amount?
15-20% of the bill
How long can you safely leave perishable food out before it goes bad?
Two hours—one hour if it’s hot outside.
Your smoke detector keeps beeping but there isn't any emergency. What's going on?
The batteries are dying and need to be replaced.
How long should you use a sponge before throwing it away or disinfecting it?
Sponges collect bacteria quickly and should be replaced every 1-2 weeks or microwaved to kill germs.
You wake up to a power outage in your apartment, and you have food in the fridge. How long can it last before it goes bad?
About 4 hours in the fridge and 24-48 hours in a full freezer, as long as you keep the doors closed.
Your friend asks you to be a co-signer on their car loan. What are the risks?
If they don’t pay, you’re legally responsible for the debt and it could hurt your credit.
Why should you avoid only paying the minimum payment on your credit card?
Interest builds up, costing you more in the long run.
You receive a text from a random number saying, "Your package couldn't be delivered, click this link to reschedule." What’s your best response?
Ignore it—this is likely a phishing scam. Check directly with the delivery service.
At what point should you stop disinfecting a cutting board and just get a new one?
When it develops deep cuts, grooves, cracks, or excessive warping, as these can harbor bacteria and make cleaning difficult, even with disinfection.
You start hydroplaning in your car, what do you do?
Remain calm, ease off the accelerator, steer straight, and gently brake if needed. Avoid sudden movements and allow the car to slow down naturally.
You’re at the doctor’s office, and they ask for your “copay.” What does that mean?
It’s the fixed amount you pay out of pocket for a medical visit, separate from your insurance coverage.
What happens if you don't show for a jury summons?
Failing to appear for jury duty can lead to serious consequences, including fines and potential jail time, as it's considered a violation of civic duty and can be viewed as contempt of court.
Your chemist friend tells you to be careful when using cleaners and to never mix bleach and ammonia. Why?
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) + Ammonia = Chloramine gas (toxic gas)
Chloramine gas can cause:
How often should you replace the air filters in your home?
Standard 1-inch filters → Every 1 to 3 months
While your friend was cooking in the kitchen a fire broke out. What’s the safest way to put out a grease fire?
1) Throw salt and or baking soda on it.
or
2) Smother the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet.
What is a Roth IRA?
A Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a retirement savings account where you contribute after-tax money and your investments grow tax-free. When you withdraw the money in retirement (after age 59½), you don’t pay taxes on it, as long as you follow the rules.
You forgot to pay your credit card bill. What three things can happen as a result?
1. Late Fees (Immediately After the Due Date)
2. Interest Charges (After the Grace Period)
3. Damage to Your Credit Score (Usually After 30+ Days)