Lesson
401(k), 403(b), and IRA
Summary
Skipping an employer 401(k) match is like turning down a raise — yet many workers do exactly that. This lesson unpacks 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, and the magic of free money through employer matching.
Bellringer: Free Money Math
- Pose the $40,000 salary + 5% match scenario.
- Students calculate the match value before revealing $2,000.
Instruction
- Define 401(k), 403(b), IRA, and employer match.
- Cover pre-tax benefits, vesting, and rollover basics.
Discussion: Raise vs. Match
- Pose the 4% raise vs. 4% match dilemma.
- Surface trade-offs around taxes, brackets, and long-term growth.
Activity: Retirement Game & Posttest
- Students play The Elephant in the Room.
- Finish with posttest and vocab review.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- Why is an employer matching your 401(k) contribution considered "free money"?
- What is the difference between a 401(k) and a 403(b)?
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Bellringer: Free Money Math |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 8 min | Discussion: Raise vs. Match |
|
| 17 min | Activity: Retirement Game & Posttest |
|
| 5 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
Retirement: The Elephant in the Room
Students practice saving for retirement over 40 years.
Retirement: The Elephant in the Room Vocab Practice
Quiz students on vocab from the game.
Retirement: The Elephant in the Room Posttest
See what students learned in Retirement: The Elephant in the Room.
Class Presentation
Includes a 16-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Unit 8: Retirement
Risk, Reward, & Diversification
Higher returns demand higher risk — there's no shortcut around that tradeoff. This lesson explores how diversification, risk tolerance, and time horizon shape smart investing decisions for beginners.
401(k), 403(b), and IRA
Skipping an employer 401(k) match is like turning down a raise — yet many workers do exactly that. This lesson unpacks 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, and the magic of free money through employer matching.
Traditional vs. Roth
Pay taxes on the seeds now or on the harvest later? That single choice determines thousands of dollars in retirement income. This lesson unpacks tax-deferred versus tax-free retirement accounts and helps students decide when a Roth beats a Traditional IRA.
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