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Lesson

2 of 8 in Unit 10: Career Design

Startup Costs of Independence

10-12th Grades
45 min

Summary

Moving out isn't just about rent—it's a financial minefield where hidden costs ambush the unprepared. This lesson maps the true startup costs of independence and builds a plan for the riskiest 90 days of a young adult's financial life.

Activities

Bellringer: Moving Out Tomorrow

  • Students brainstorm every cost of their first month out.
  • Share out and compare to expert list.
7 min

Instruction

  • Frame the first 90 days as the riskiest financial window.
  • Walk through six "what could go wrong" scenarios, then define direct vs. hidden costs and the Emergency Launch Fund.
10 min

Activity: Cost of Living Research

  • Students research real expenses for a chosen city.
  • Calculate one month of expenses, then triple for Launch Fund.
15 min

Discussion: Funding the Launch Fund

  • Discuss strategies to save three months of expenses.
  • Cover naming the account, auto-drafts, starting early, and lowering monthly costs.
8 min

Wrap-Up & Assessment

  • List 3 problems you can predict for your first 90 days of financial independence.
  • Write 2-3 sentences about your plan to create an Emergency Launch Fund.
5 min

Lesson Prep

Cost of Living Worksheet thumbnail

Cost of Living Worksheet

Students compare cost of living across U.S. cities.

Cost of Living Calculator thumbnail

Cost of Living Calculator

Students can compare the cost of living between major cities across the US.

Class Presentation

Includes a 23-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.

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  • Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout

Unit 10: Career Design

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