Lesson
Solving Financial Crises
Summary
Financial crises don't announce themselves—they ambush you mid-month with a busted transmission or a surprise medical bill. This lesson equips students with a problem-solving framework and concrete safeguards to weather emergencies without spiraling into debt.
Bellringer: Shattered Screen, Empty Wallet
- Pose the scenario: phone screen shattered, $150 repair, only $50 in spending account.
- Whip-around — students shout gut-reaction first moves (friend loan, credit card, payday loan, wait it out).
- Surface which instincts could backfire.
Instruction
- Define financial crisis vs. inconvenience.
- Introduce the 3-step problem-solving framework and key safeguards (emergency fund, insurance, support network, avoiding debt traps).
Discussion: Credit Card vs. The Grind
- Walk groups through the $400 alternator scenario.
- Debate Option 1 (credit card) vs. Option 2 (bus pass + delayed repair).
- Close with: how does a $400 emergency fund erase the dilemma entirely?
Activity: Problem-Solving Worksheet
- Pairs work the Banzai Problem-Solving worksheet through Brainstorm → Evaluate → Act.
- Require at least one "terrible" idea on the brainstorm list.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- Identify a potential $150 emergency in your life.
- What is step 1 of your action plan to prepare for that?
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Bellringer: Shattered Screen, Empty Wallet |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 18 min | Discussion: Credit Card vs. The Grind |
|
| 8 min | Activity: Problem-Solving Worksheet |
|
| 4 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
Problem Solving Worksheet
Work through the problem-solving process by brainstorming solutions and considering possible outcomes.
Class Presentation
Includes a 24-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 6: Credit & Debt
Debt Traps & Repayment
Borrowing 'just a little' at 400% APR can wreck a budget faster than any credit card. This lesson exposes predatory debt traps and equips students with two proven debt repayment strategies—snowball and avalanche.
Solving Financial Crises
Financial crises don't announce themselves—they ambush you mid-month with a busted transmission or a surprise medical bill. This lesson equips students with a problem-solving framework and concrete safeguards to weather emergencies without spiraling into debt.
Net Worth
A flashy lifestyle and a fat paycheck don't equal wealth. Net worth is the real scoreboard. This lesson explores how assets and liabilities determine true financial health.
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