Lesson
Banking Deserts & Predatory Practices
Summary
Being unbanked often costs more than being banked, and predatory lenders are waiting to fill the gap. This lesson explores banking deserts, the true cost of going unbanked, and how to spot legal-but-predatory lending traps.
Bellringer: Check Cashing Math
- Pose check-cashing scenario: 5% fee on a $30,000 paycheck.
- Students calculate annual cost ($1,500) and react.
Instruction
- Define "predatory" and walk red flags of services and contracts.
- Introduce the debt trap, common predators, and the unbanked.
- Cover check-cashing math and prepaid debit card pitfalls.
Discussion: The Barrier Debate
- Pose three prompts on trust, immediacy, and access barriers.
- Reframe "bad" financial choices as least-bad survival choices.
Activity: Avoiding the Trap
- Students read 'How to Avoid Predatory Lending' article.
- Draft a plan for a friend tempted by a payday loan.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- Do you save money by being "unbanked?" Why or why not?
- List 3 red flags indicating a predatory lender.
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Bellringer: Check Cashing Math |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 12 min | Discussion: The Barrier Debate |
|
| 13 min | Activity: Avoiding the Trap |
|
| 5 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
How to Avoid Predatory Lending
Protect your financial future by learning to identify predatory and unfair practices.
Class Presentation
Includes a 23-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
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Fraudulent charge or merchant dispute? The distinction determines whether you get your money back. This lesson unpacks the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the 2-day liability rule, and the exact steps to dispute an unauthorized transaction.
Banking Deserts & Predatory Practices
Being unbanked often costs more than being banked, and predatory lenders are waiting to fill the gap. This lesson explores banking deserts, the true cost of going unbanked, and how to spot legal-but-predatory lending traps.
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