Lesson
The Cost of Banking
Summary
A $2 soda can cost $37 when you don't track your account balance. This lesson covers common banking fees, the difference between online balances and account statements, and how to reconcile accounts to avoid costly surprises.
Bellringer: The $37 Soda
- Present the overdraft scenario and give students 1–2 minutes to calculate the true cost of the soda before advancing to the discussion slide.
Instruction
- Overdraft vs. NSF fees, ATM fees, online balances vs. account statements, reconciliation, and other common fees
- Keep each slide to one concept — pause for on-slide questions before advancing
Discussion: Who Does Overdraft Protection Really Protect?
- Facilitate a class debate on whether overdraft fees are a service or a profit center for financial institutions.
- Prompt students to consider what they would do if they ran a bank.
Activity: Banking Simulation
- Students continue the Banking simulation from the Navigating Accounts lesson
- Allow 20–25 minutes of uninterrupted gameplay
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- Why is an NSF fee so damaging?
- Define reconciliation.
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Bellringer: The $37 Soda |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 7 min | Discussion: Who Does Overdraft Protection Really Protect? |
|
| 20 min | Activity: Banking Simulation |
|
| 3 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
Banking
Students run a small financial institution and learn about accounts, interest, and loans.
Class Presentation
Includes an 18-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Unit 5: Banking & Account Management
How CDs & Share Certificates Work
Locking your money away can actually pay you more than keeping it handy. This lesson explores how CDs and share certificates trade liquidity for higher interest, plus the difference between simple and compound growth.
The Cost of Banking
A $2 soda can cost $37 when you don't track your account balance. This lesson covers common banking fees, the difference between online balances and account statements, and how to reconcile accounts to avoid costly surprises.
Using P2P Payment Apps
P2P transfers are instant and irreversible—send $50 to the wrong John Smith and it's gone. This lesson explores how apps like Venmo and Cash App work, why they aren't banks, and how to dodge the scams that thrive on them.
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