| | 4th grade student can:
People make choices because they have limited financial resources and cannot have everything they want.
A first step toward reaching financial goals is to identify wants/needs and rank them in order of importance. Systematic decision making can help people make money choices. To make a decision, careful consumers compare the benefits and costs of spending alternatives. Information about goods and services comes from many sources. Every spending decision has an opportunity cost. | 8th grade student can: Financial choices that people make have benefits, costs, and future consequences. A key to financial well-being is to spend less than you earn. A consumer should not rely on advertising claims as the sole source of information about goods and services. Comparison shopping helps consumers get the best value for their money. | High school graduate can: Financially responsible individuals accept the fact that they are accountable for their financial futures. Attitudes and values affect financial decisions. Financial advice is available from a variety of sources, such as professional financial advisors, books, and the Internet. Many factors, such as role models and peer pressure, affect spending patterns. |