Most adults will gladly tell you that they want to learn more about money management while still in school. Creating and following a plan for savings and spending, having short, medium, and long-term financial goals, and knowing how to budget are the most important “adult” skills that many adults want them to do better. Keep your students on the path to success with these meaning math games. Each one helps students understand a different aspect of their financial future planning in an engaging, easy-to-use way.
1. “It’s on the budget!”
Game overview:
Nike needs to save $ 140 in 10 weeks. It’s up to your students to figure out how to do it on time! Can they devise a plan that will help him reach his goal while still be able to afford some of the necessary expenses?
Mathematical skills / concepts include:
Goal setting, budget, income, expenditure
“It’s on the budget!” Drink
2. “But I really want it!”
Game overview:
Marcus is graduating from high school and getting ready to go to culinary school. Before leaving, she has a lot of things she wants to buy and some things she needs. It is up to your students to decide which ones they need to buy and which ones they really need. Although there are no “math problems” in this math game, it introduces students to an important skill when working with money. By understanding the difference between “demand” and “need”, students will be able to better understand how to create budgets, create savings plans, and create long-term savings goals.
Mathematical skills / concepts include:
Decision making, demand versus demand
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3. “Plan your party”
Game overview:
Nicky, Marcus and their sister, April, each contributed $ 25 to their parents’ 30th anniversary party for an amazing donation. Will they be able to carry the food, drink, decorations and gifts they need to make the party a success? To do this, they need to be intelligent planners and buyers. In other words, they will need the help of your students!
Mathematical skills / concepts include:
Decision making, demand versus demand, budget, comparison shopping
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4. “How interesting!”
Game overview:
How much you actually pay for something you buy using a credit card or bank loan is one of the most important financial lessons we can teach our students. In this activity, students are given the opportunity to see how much more they have to pay based on different annual percentage rates.
Mathematical skills / concepts include:
Decision making, credit, interest, annual percentage rate
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5. “Is it covered?”
Game overview:
Buying a car can be the biggest purchase our students ever consider making. After spending so much money, many young people may be tempted to avoid buying insurance immediately in a deceptive attempt to save some money. This simulation tells them to “roll the dice” and take the opportunity to drive without insurance. Some may spend less on insurance for years. Many more, however, will find out how expensive it can be to drive without insurance.
Mathematical skills / concepts include:
Decision making, insurance, payment, liability
Get “Is it covered?”
6. “When prices go up”
Game overview:
Nikki has a long-term goal – to buy a home. She has an amount that she thinks she can afford to spend on housing every month, but she has just learned about inflation and is nervous. Will it be enough? This game tells students to learn about inflation – what it is, how it affects your ability to spend, and how to calculate it. If inflation makes it too expensive, it will help your students determine if Nikki can own a home.
Mathematical skills / concepts include:
Inflation, decision making, budgeting
Get “If the price goes up”
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