Read the fine print!

We hear that advice all the time (a quick google search found it here and here). Yet, we didn’t see any resources out there that would actually develop the critical thinking skills required to navigate the complex world of financial products. So, today we launched a new product “The Fine Print,” mini-lessons to give students practice with the important forms, statements and agreements they will encounter in their financial lives. Given that our website is hitting records today, this product is clearly popular with teachers!

What are the features of “The Fine Print?”

• Thirteen mini-lessons that should take 20-25 minutes each
• Two resources provide background knowledge to aid students with interpreting the financial documents
• Authentic forms/statements/agreements from the real-world (we can’t afford to dumb it down since we know the world is complex).
• 10 challenging assessment questions, that go far beyond the typical multiple choice, to check for understanding
• Financial documents analyzed include pay stubs, checking account agreements, credit card statements and financial aid award letters

What are the benefits of bringing “The Fine Print” to your classroom?

• Empowers students with information about the terms and conditions of financial products BEFORE they make decisions
• Provides a way for students to apply their knowledge to real-life financial documents
• Teaches the importance of understanding the terms and conditions (and gotchas) of financial products
• Acts as a bridge between theory and practice
• Provide educators with maximum flexibility on how to use in the classroom; can be used on stand-alone basis, as extension or assigned as group work, to name just a few

We love feedback! Drop us a note to let us know how you use this resource in your classroom and any ideas you have about new forms/statements/agreements for us to develop. Thanks!

About the Author

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.