Financial decision-making

Pause, compare options, and make a decision that fits a goal.

Beginner · Ages 10+

Start with the idea

Good decisions often start with a pause: identify the goal, compare choices, check information, and consider what is being given up. Be cautious about pressure to act fast, guaranteed rewards, or requests for passwords and codes. Ask a trusted person when something feels wrong.

Key takeaways

Every choice has an opportunity cost — what you give up.
Pausing before buying helps separate impulses from goals.
Scams use urgency, secrecy, and unusual payment requests (gift cards, wire, crypto).
Never share passwords or verification codes.

By the end you can…

Name the tradeoffs in a decision
Compare alternatives with reliable information
Identify pressure tactics and scams

Source: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer advice; consumer.ftc.gov/.

Vocabulary flashcards

Card 1 of 5

Interactive tool

Opportunity cost calculator

See what a regular purchase could grow to if saved instead.

Cost of the purchase

e.g. a drink, snack, or app purchase

Times per week

Savings rate if saved instead

Years

Per year$936

Spent over 10 years$9,360

If saved and earning interest$12,112

This doesn't mean you should never treat yourself — it shows the tradeoff so the choice is intentional.

Check your understanding

Question 1 of 3

A message says you won a prize but must pay a fee today and share a verification code. What is the safest next step? Pause and verify through an official channel Send the code to avoid losing the prize Pay first and check later

Printable activity

Use this with the physical kit, in a group, or on your own.

Use a decision path to compare two fictional purchases.
Spot pressure and information requests in fictional messages.

Try it this week: Try a 24-hour pause rule on your next non-essential purchase and note whether you still want it.

Reflection: What would you want to know before making this choice in real life?

Practice questions

A message says you won a prize but must pay a fee today and share a verification code. What is the safest next step?
- Pause and verify through an official channel
- Send the code to avoid losing the prize
- Pay first and check later
Which is a red flag that a message might be a scam?
- It asks you to pay with gift cards right away
- It comes from a known contact about a planned meeting
- It is a receipt for something you bought
You choose a $60 video game instead of saving that $60. What is the opportunity cost?
- Nothing
- The $60 and what it could have grown to in savings
- Only the sales tax