As illustrated in the Bloomberg graph above, student loans are the fastest growing area of household debt. And they just keep growing. In the Tampa Bay Times article below, the title reads: Student loan default can gut your paycheck. What do you think that means?  Read the article and discuss the consequences of defaulting on a debt. Discuss the costs and benefits of taking out student loans. For more information, check out the information on student loans from the US Department of Education (DOE) ​.
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Financial Literacy Standards
SS.8.FL.1.6 Identify the opportunity costs that education, training, and development of job skills have in the terms of time, effort, and money.
SS.912.FL.1.3 Evaluate ways people can make more informed education, job, or career decisions by evaluating the benefits and costs of different choices.

This photo from the Tampa Bay Times shows a scene from a charity event hosted by the SPCA where they sold dog wedding packages to raise money for a pet shelter in Largo. Why would people be more willing to spend money on a dog wedding if they knew the money was going to charity? Read the article to learn more about the event.  Then think of a creative way you could raise money for a favorite charity.

Financial Literacy Standards
SS.912.FL.2.6 Explain that people may choose to donate money to charitable organizations and other not-for-profits because they gain satisfaction from donating.
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You have probably heard about the growing economy in the news. Does that mean that all families are doing better? Check out the article below from the Tampa Bay Times, entitled: In a Good Economy Report Reveals Grim News for Florida Families. Based on the title, what do you think this article will be about? Why do you think there is "grim news" for some Florida Families? Now read the article. What are some of the problems families are facing? Think about your financial future. Conduct some online research to help prepare for a better financial future. Chances are, you will not have the same job for your entire life. In addition, skills will change over time. What are some decisions people can make to improve their future income? 

Financial Literacy Standards
SS.8.FL.1.2 Identify the many decisions people must make over a lifetime about their education, jobs, and careers that affect their incomes and job opportunities.
SS.8.FL.1.4 Examine the fact that people with less education and fewer job skills tend to earn lower incomes than people with more education and greater job skills.
SS.912.FL.1.3 Evaluate ways people can make more informed education, job, or career decisions by evaluating the benefits and costs of different choices.
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