Unit 4 of TEKS Financial Mathematics teaches students how to turn saving into a long-term habit and understand the math behind building wealth over time. Students explore different types of financial institutions and account options, compare payment methods, and learn how to choose the right tools for everyday banking.
The unit then moves into the core concepts that drive long-term financial growth—compound interest, the Rule of 72, and time value of money. Students begin translating small saving decisions into long-term outcomes, including the foundation of their future retirement planning.
What Students Do in Unit 4:
- Compare banks, credit unions, and savings account options
- Learn how checking, savings, money market accounts, and CDs work
- Analyze payment methods and understand safety, cost, and convenience
- Practice calculating compound interest and using the Rule of 72
- Explore how consistent contributions grow through time value of money
- Build early steps of a retirement savings plan
Unit 4 helps students see that saving isn’t just about setting money aside—it’s about using math strategically to grow wealth over a lifetime.