Before Personal Finance: Review
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a commission if you visit a link and purchase something from an ad or sponsored link shared. Purchasing via an affiliate link does not cost you any extra. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see our full disclosure if you’d like more information. The Art Kit is a participant in the Target Affiliate Marketing Program, an affiliate advertising and marketing program that pays commissions to affiliates, like me, that advertise and link to Target if you buy products from Target through my link.
Looking for a personal finance curriculum for tweens or teens?
Look no further!
“Before Personal Finance” is built for late elementary students and serves as a fun, practical introduction to money smarts—covering topics like budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, and spending wisely.
Whether you’re homeschooling or in a school setting, this program works beautifully in both environments.
Across 10 interactive lessons, students follow the life of their own personal avatar—Future You—making choices about earning, spending, giving, and saving as they grow from age 13 to 22. From snack splurges to saving for a car, students learn by doing, and each lesson includes a surprise twist via a spin-the-wheel activity that keeps things fresh and full of teachable moments.
The program includes a 150-page, full-color workbook with everything your student needs—no video instruction required. For educators, there’s a quick-start “how-to” video, answer keys, and additional activities—all available for free on their class website.
To see photos of the inside and hear more of our thoughts on this book, please continue reading below.
Each lesson includes
- A teaching section
- An activity
- People who have made a difference
- A quiz
- A space to reflect
- And more!
Throughout the book, your child will learn about:
- Budgeting
- Earning money
- Smart spending
- Investing
- And more!
Lesson two, for example, was all about budgeting. The chapter started with helpful information about budgeting. Then, for the activity, the student puts their budgeting skills to the test by planning a party.
Your student is given the prices of the different items they will need, with choices to be made along the way. For example, will you choose to make the food yourself (at a cost of $75) or have someone else make the food for you (at a cost of $200)?
A party budget form is included so you can keep track of the budget. I love that it gave a real-world example.
Plus, fun activities are included in each lesson, such as a word search, crossword puzzle, and so on.
In addition, quizzes throughout help reinforce key concepts and check your student’s understanding along the way.
Another aspect I loved was the reflect section. This is great to help your student think about their actions and build a firm foundation.
Plus, key terms were included which was very helpful!
Before Personal Finance is a fun, smart, and practical introduction to money management that’s well-suited for upper elementary homeschoolers or classroom students.
Where can I purchase Before Personal Finance? Click here to purchase it.