We compared our learning materials and the core financial literacy concepts that are covered in our Budget and Stock Games to the personal finance course level expectations for the state of Missouri.
Students will learn through playing the interactive online games, as well as completing the self-graded lessons that were designed to keep young learners engaged.
When you order PersonalFinanceLab® for your class, you’ll also get access to course outlines, lesson plans, student activities and grading rubrics that tie everything together.
Check out our course outlines, we’ll walk you through every step of the way!
We’re here to help engage your students to learn how to manage their money responsibly. Learn more about each of the main features and see how we can help transform your class.
Build your students confidence in the financial markets as they learn how to invest their money wisely.
Learn more
Discover how the fully customizable platform can be tailored to fit the needs of your class by talking to a member of our team. Our curriculum specialists can guide you on how to integrate our lessons and games into your existing curriculum.
Schedule a callFind out which of our lessons or games reinforce the individual
knowledge statements from the Missouri Personal Finance Course Level Expectations for Grades 9-12
Legend:
Long-Term Game
Comprehensive Chapter
Short Lesson
Interactive Calculator
Includes Automatically-Graded Assessment
| Standard | Activity | Long-Term Game | Comprehensive Chapter | Short Lesson | Interactive Calculator | Graded Assessment |
| Financial Decision Making | ||||||
| Evaluate the role of choice in decision making |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Pay Yourself First Lesson – Opportunity Cost | |||||
| Apply a rational decision making process to satisfy wants. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Pay Yourself First Lesson – Opportunity Cost | |||||
| Explain how today’s choices have future consequences. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Pay Yourself First Activity – Use the Investment Return Calculator Activity – Use the Compound Interest Calculator Activity – Use the Saving to be a Millionaire Calculator | |||||
| Explain the causal relationship between choice and opportunity cost. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Opportunity Cost | |||||
| Analyze how choices can result in unintended consequences. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Good Debt, Bad Debt Lesson – Bankruptcy Lesson – Managing Debt | |||||
| Income | Activity | Long-Term Game | Comprehensive Chapter | Short Lesson | Interactive Calculator | Graded Assessment |
| Evaluate how career choices impact income and quality of life. |
Lesson – Career Development Lesson – Income and Compensation | |||||
| Analyze the relationship between education, skill development and earning potential. |
Lesson – Career Development Lesson – Income and Compensation Lesson – Work or Study Lesson – Labor and Productivity | |||||
| Describe how wages and salaries are determined in labor markets. |
Lesson – Income and Compensation Lesson – Supply and Demand Examples in the Stock Market Lesson – Labor and Productivity | |||||
| Analyze how changes in economic conditions and/or in labor markets can cause changes in a person’s income or employment status. |
Lesson – The Business Cycle Lesson – Unemployment Lesson – Labor and Productivity Lesson – Importance of Interest Rates Lesson – Inflation | |||||
| Describe how entrepreneurs see problems as opportunities for creating new or innovative goods or services. |
Lesson – What is Entrepreneurship? Lesson – Starting a Business | |||||
| Examine how workers are paid through wages, salaries and commissions. | Lesson – Income and Compensation | |||||
| Analyze why benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, retirement plan, family leave, tuition reimbursement and flexible scheduling are considered forms of compensation. |
Lesson – Income and Compensation Lesson – Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities | |||||
| Identify sources for earning income in addition to wages and salaries such as rent, interest, gifts, dividends, profits and capital gains. |
Lesson – Income and Compensation Lesson – What is Money? | |||||
| Compare gross and net income. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Income Tax Filing and the Form 1040 | |||||
| Explain the purpose of standard deductions such as income taxes, social security (FICA), Medicare, deductions for health care and retirement savings plans. | Lesson – Payroll Best Practices | |||||
| Explain how taxes provide public goods and services. | Lesson – Taxation Overview | |||||
| Buying Goods and Services | Activity | Long-Term Game | Comprehensive Chapter | Short Lesson | Interactive Calculator | Graded Assessment |
| Differentiate between income and expenses. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Pay Yourself First | |||||
| Analyze spending habits to recognize current spending and saving trends. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Pay Yourself First Lesson – Spending and Savings Plans Lesson – Budgeting and Spending Strategies | |||||
| Create a budget that includes savings goals, emergency funds, fixed expenses and variable expenses. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Pay Yourself First Lesson – Spending and Savings Plans Lesson – Budgeting and Spending Strategies | |||||
| Explain how budgeting for charitable giving may have tax benefits. | Lesson – Charitable Giving | |||||
| Prioritize expenses and payment due dates. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Spending and Savings Plans | |||||
| Conduct research on product options to plan future purchases such as phone, car, home or vacation. |
Lesson – Researching Spending Lesson – Buying a Car Lesson – Mortgages Lesson – Planning for Long Term Purchases Activity – Use the Car Loans Calculator Activity – Use the Buy vs Lease Calculator Activity – Use the Home Budgeting Calculator | |||||
| Evaluate product information for price, quality, service and features. | Lesson – Researching Spending | |||||
| Describe effective responses to deceptive or fraudulent sales practices. | Lesson – Protecting Against Fraud | |||||
| Identify payment methods. |
Lesson – Debit Cards Lesson – Credit Cards Lesson – Short-Term Financing Lesson Mortgages Lesson – Automatic Payments | |||||
| Analyze the costs and benefits of different payment options. | Lesson – Debit Cards Lesson – Credit Cards Lesson – Short-Term Financing Lesson Mortgages Lesson – Automatic Payments | |||||
| Evaluate substitutes when the price of goods or services exceeds your budget. |
Lesson – Researching Spending Lesson – Budgeting and Spending Strategies Lesson – Pay Yourself First | |||||
| Compare the features, durability and maintenance costs of goods. | Lesson – Researching Spending | |||||
| Compare the services, service fees and requirements of various financial institutions such as banks, savings and loans, credit unions and virtual banks. |
Lesson – Banks, Credit Unions, and Savings and Loans Lesson – Debit Cards Lesson – Credit Cards | |||||
| Calculate an account balance by recording deposits, withdrawals and debit transactions. | Lesson – Reconciling Accounts | |||||
| Analyze the costs and benefits of using or not using financial institutions and virtual exchanges. |
Investing101 Certification Stock Game – Core Component Lesson – Banks, Credit Unions, and Savings and Loans Lesson – Debit Cards Lesson – Credit Cards | |||||
| Explain the importance of FDIC, NCUA and other security regulations to protect one’s wealth in financial institutions. | Investing101 Certification | |||||
| Saving | Activity | Long-Term Game | Comprehensive Chapter | Short Lesson | Interactive Calculator | Graded Assessment |
| Identify short, medium and long-term savings goals including saving for high value purchases, postsecondary education/training and retirement. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Pay Yourself First Lesson – Work or Study Lesson – Building Wealth Lesson – Preparing For Retirement Lesson – Planning Long Term Purchases Lesson – Family Planning Lesson – Buying a Car | |||||
| Develop a savings plan. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Pay Yourself First Lesson – Spending and Savings Plans | |||||
| Explain the importance of a rainy day fund for unexpected expenses. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Budgeting Lesson – Pay Yourself First Lesson – Spending and Savings Plans | |||||
| Compare retirement savings options. |
Lesson – Income and Compensation Lesson – Preparing for Retirement Lesson – Building Wealth | |||||
| Compare simple and compound interest. |
Lesson – Importance of Interest Rates Activity – Use the Compound Interest Calculator | |||||
| Explain how the time value of money, i.e. money in hand today, is worth more than money promised in the future, influences financial decision making. |
Lesson – Time Value of Money Lesson – Inflation Activity – Use the Net Present Value Calculator | |||||
| Identify saving instruments such as certificates of deposit and savings accounts. |
Investing101 Certification Lesson – Investing Strategies Lesson – Building a Diversified Portfolio Lesson – Building Wealth | |||||
| Compare the liquidity, interest payment or penalty of various savings instruments. |
Investing101 Certification Stock Game – Core Component Lesson – Investing Strategies Lesson – Building a Diversified Portfolio Activity – Use the Investment Return Calculator | |||||
| Using Credit | Activity | Long-Term Game | Comprehensive Chapter | Short Lesson | Interactive Calculator | Graded Assessment |
| Analyze the difference between a credit and a debit account |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Debit Cards Lesson – Credit Cards | |||||
| Compare sources of consumer credit such as credit cards, consumer loans, rent-to own, title and payday loans. |
Lesson – Short-Term Financing Lesson – Good Debt, Bad debt | |||||
| Evaluate the options for financing higher education. |
Lesson – Work or Study Lesson – Student Loans | |||||
| Analyze various terms and conditions of credit cards and consumer loans. |
Lesson – Credit Cards Lesson – Short-Term Financing Lesson – Using Credit | |||||
| Explain the purpose, functions and costs of a mortgage. | Lesson – Mortgages | |||||
| Compare the cost of credit between financial institutions based on the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), initial fees charged and fees for late or missed payment. |
Lesson – Credit Cards Lesson – Short-Term Financing Lesson – Using Credit | |||||
| Calculate the total purchase price of a good or service including interest paid. | Activity – Use the Credit Card Payments Calculator | |||||
| Explain the relationship between risk and interest including credit worthiness and down payment. |
Lesson – Credit Cards Lesson – Using Credit Lesson – Credit Reports | |||||
| Differentiate between secured and unsecured loans. | Lesson – Short-Term Financing | |||||
| Evaluate factors that affect creditworthiness including paying on time and payment history. |
Budget Game – Core Component Lesson – Credit Reports | |||||
| Explain the purpose and components of credit records and credit history as provided by credit bureaus. | Lesson – Credit Reports | |||||
| Identify ways to avoid and/or correct credit problems. |
Lesson – Good Debt, Bad Debt Lesson – Managing Debt | |||||
| Analyze why credit scores may be used by entities such as employers, landlords and insurance companies. | Lesson – Credit Reports | |||||
| Evaluate a credit report to verify accuracy. | Lesson – Credit Reports | |||||
| Explain the importance of annually verifying one’s credit report. | Lesson – Credit Reports | |||||
| Explain the value of consumer credit protection laws. | Lesson – Credit Reports | |||||
| Explain responsibilities associated with the use of credit. |
Lesson – Using Credit Lesson – Credit Cards Lesson – Managing Debt | |||||
| Protecting and Insuring | Activity | Long-Term Game | Comprehensive Chapter | Short Lesson | Interactive Calculator | Graded Assessment |
| Analyze the personal financial risks that can occur when unexpected events damage health, home, property, wealth or future opportunities. |
Lesson – Renter’s Insurance Lesson – Home Owner’s Insurance Lesson – Car Insurance Lesson – Health Insurance Lesson – Life Insurance | |||||
| Explain how and why insurance companies create policies and determine premiums. |
Lesson – Renter’s Insurance Lesson – Home Owner’s Insurance Lesson – Car Insurance Lesson – Health Insurance Lesson – Life Insurance | |||||
| Analyze factors people use to choose insurance coverage. |
Lesson – Renter’s Insurance Lesson – Home Owner’s Insurance Lesson – Car Insurance Lesson – Health Insurance Lesson – Life Insurance | |||||
| Explain how personal behavior and risk impact insurance premiums. | Lesson – Car Insurance | |||||
| Analyze health insurance options to provide funds in the event of illness and/or to pay for the cost of preventive care. | Lesson – Health Insurance | |||||
| Analyze federal and state regulations which provide some remedies and assistance for identity theft. | Lesson – Protecting Against Fraud | |||||
| Analyze how individuals can protect themselves from others misusing personal information and from identity theft while online. | Lesson – Protecting Against Fraud | |||||
| Discuss current ways to counter cyber-attacks and protect personal information. | Lesson – Protecting Against Fraud | |||||
| Financial Investing | Activity | Long-Term Game | Comprehensive Chapter | Short Lesson | Interactive Calculator | Graded Assessment |
| Compare various financial assets for their risk and rewards such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate and commodities. |
Stock Game – Core Component Investing101 Certification Lesson – Building a Diversified Portfolio Lesson – What is a Stock? Lesson – Why invest in Stocks? Lesson – What is an ETF? Lesson – What is a Mutual Fund? Lesson – What are Bonds Activity – Use the Investment Return Calculator | |||||
| Explain the impact of capital gains, dividends, risk and stock value on corporate stock ownership. | Lesson – Dividends and Changes of Ownership | |||||
| Explain how the price of a financial asset is determined by the interaction of buyers and sellers in a financial market. |
Lesson – Supply and Demand Examples in the Stock Market Lesson – Understanding Price Movements | |||||
| Explain how the rate of return earned from investments will vary according to the amount of risk. |
Stock Game – Core Component Investing101 Certification Lesson – Building a Diversified Portfolio Activity – Use the Investment Return Calculator | |||||
| Explain how the rates of return on financial assets are influenced by buyers and sellers in financial markets. |
Lesson – Supply and Demand Examples in the Stock Market Lesson – Understanding Price Movements | |||||
| Explain why an investment with greater risk, such as a penny stock, will commonly have a lower market price, but an uncertain rate of return. |
Stock Game – Core Component Investing101 Certification Lesson – Building a Diversified Portfolio Activity – Use the Investment Return Calculator | |||||
| Explain the risks and rewards of short term and long-term investments. |
Lesson – Preparing for Retirement Lesson – Building Wealth Lesson – Investing Strategies Lesson – Building a Diversified Portfolio | |||||
| Describe how diversification can lower investment risk. | Lesson – Building a Diversified Portfolio |
If you would like to learn more about PersonalFinanceLab, schedule a personalized demo, or get a Test Drive account to preview our games and lessons for yourself, please fill out the form below.
