TEKS Financial Mathematics is a hands-on, project-based course that teaches students how to apply math to real financial decisions. Unit 1 launches the course’s capstone project, Funding Your Desired Life, where students begin building a personalized financial plan they will update throughout all eight units.
In this first unit, students learn the basics of budgeting, explore career pathways, and calculate the true cost—and return on investment (ROI)—of postsecondary education. Using data from the Budget Game and real job postings, they connect everyday money choices to long-term lifestyle goals.
What Students Do in Unit 1:
- Build a monthly budget from their Budget Game data
- Practice identifying needs vs. wants and fixed vs. variable expenses
- Explore careers and evaluate whether salaries align with desired living standards
- Calculate education costs, compare training options, and determine expected ROI
- Set initial income targets based on their desired lifestyle
Unit 1 gives students a realistic starting point for understanding how their choices today shape the financial future they want tomorrow.