Summary
Total cash flow isn't about how much you earn. Cash flow is about when the money moves. This lesson explores inflows, outflows, and the mid-month crash that leaves even smart earners broke.
Bellringer: The Mid-Month Crash
- Present Jordan's $100/$80 paradox and cold-call for theories.
- Steer answers toward timing, not spending amount.
Instruction
- Define cash flow vs. budget, referencing back to the bellringer's timeline example.
- Break down inflows/outflows and the three management tips across slides.
Discussion: Paycheck to Paycheck
- Pair-share on why high earners still overdraft.
- Push back on "just earn more" — timing beats income.
Activity: Finance Summer Camp Vocab & Posttest
- Finish gameplay, watching when bills hit each account.
- Complete vocab review and posttest.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- What's the difference between income and cash flow?
- Name one real-world inflow and one real-world outflow that a typical middle school student encounters.
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7 min | Bellringer: The Mid-Month Crash |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 6 min | Discussion: Paycheck to Paycheck |
|
| 20 min | Activity: Finance Summer Camp Vocab & Posttest |
|
| 2 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
Finance Summer Camp
Students manage income, expenses, and savings at a simulated summer camp.
Finance Summer Camp Vocab
Review the vocab terms from Finance Summer Camp.
Finance Summer Camp Posttest
Assess student learning after completing Finance Summer Camp.
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 4: Budget Basics
Categorizing Expenses Part 2
Housing and transportation aren't just line items—they swallow 50% to 70% of a typical budget. This lesson digs into the hidden costs of renting and the true cost of owning a car.
Tracking Money
Total cash flow isn't about how much you earn. Cash flow is about when the money moves. This lesson explores inflows, outflows, and the mid-month crash that leaves even smart earners broke.
Building Emergency Funds
An emergency fund isn't a savings account for the next big purchase—it's self-insurance against life's surprises. This lesson teaches middle schoolers how to size a true emergency fund, distinguish needs from wants, and understand why liquidity is the secret ingredient.
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