Consumer Fundamentals

It pays to be a smart consumer. This lesson introduces comparison shopping skills, discusses time vs. money tradeoffs, and externalities that go beyond a price tag.

Every receipt tells a story about where your money actually went. This lesson breaks down the components of a real purchase—from subtotals and sales tax to fees and payment methods—so students can read any receipt like a financial document.

The sticker price of an item is rarely the final price. This lesson breaks down how sales tax is calculated, why rates differ across states and cities, and how tax impacts real purchasing decisions.

Marketing influences impact spending whether you realize it or not. Students learn to identify marketing influences, such as urgency, social proof, scarcity, freebies, and more.

Whether it's native advertising, sponsored content, or in-timeline advertising, social media often influences spending. This lesson discusses data tracking, FOMO, and deceptive social media tactics that can influence online purchases.

Some businesses use questionable strategies to get customers and increase sales. Consumer contracts are notorious for pressuring users into a predatory contract with hidden features. Learn how to identify and protect against deceptive practices as a consumer.

A Social Security number isn't a secret. For most people, it's likely been shared dozens of times during everyday life. This lesson defines identity theft, exposes everyday red flags, and equips students with internet safety habits to protect their financial future.

The friendliest message in your inbox could also be the most dangerous one. This lesson trains students to spot the psychological tricks behind P2P scams, phishing, fake prizes, and impersonation before the money disappears.