Unit 1

Goals and
Budgets
High-Intermediate and Advanced
Objectives
Identify goals, including personal, family, education and
material.
Identify income and expenses and create a budget.
Plan ways to make adjustments to income after expenses in
order to achieve goals.
Language and/or EFF skills practiced: plan; use math to
solve problems and communicate; solve problems and
make decisions; listen actively.
In this unit
Activity 1-1: What Aspirations Do You Have for the Future?
Activity 1-2: The New Restaurant Picture Story
Activity 1-3: Mohammed's Story and Comprehension
Activity 1-4: Monthly Income and Expenses and Vocabulary Check
Activity 1-5: Monthly Income and Expenses Listening Comprehension
Activity 1-6: How Can You Change Your Lifestyle to Reach Your Financial Goals?
Activity 1-7: How About You? What's Your Plan?
Final Activity: Reflection
Materials
Overhead 1-A: The New Restaurant Picture Story Worksheet 1-2: The New Restaurant
Picture Story
Worksheet 1-3: Mohammed's Story and Comprehension Questions
Worksheet 1-4: Monthly Income and Expenses and Vocabulary Check
Worksheet 1-5: Listening Comprehension
Worksheet 1-6: A New Plan
Worksheet 1-7: Your Plan

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Background Information for Teacher Reference

Literacy Level

Financial Literacy Gains Chart for Ongoing Assessment: chart that can be used throughout
Money Talks lessons to record student gains in financial literacy.
Using Picture Stories: Review Picture Story Technique: Letting the Pictures Tell the Story
in the Teachers Guide.

Goals and Budgets

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Warm-up: What Aspirations Do You Have for the Future?

1. Ask students to take another look at their "dream cloud" goals from the needs assessment
activity.
2. If some students were absent for the needs assessment, ask them what they want to
do/buy in the future.
3. Ask students how they think they will be able to save the money needed for the things
they want to buy or do. Ask questions like
Do you have extra money from your paycheck after paying all your bills?
What do you do with extra money?
If you don't have any money left, is there anything you can change to have some
money?
What can you do to save money for the future and not spend it?

Goals and Budgets

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

The New Restaurant Picture Story

Materials
Overhead 1-A: The New Restaurant Picture Story
Worksheet 1-2: The New Restaurant Picture Story
1. Let students know that today theyll talk about how to make
dreams into reality.
2. To generate vocabulary and concepts and to encourage
conversation show the first picture on Overhead 1-A, The New
Restaurant Picture Story. (Cover up the other pictures at this
point.)
3. Ask students to describe what they see -- a restaurant where two
busboys (you can call them Soo and Chen or have students name
them) are dreaming about having their own restaurant someday.
4. Ask students questions like:
a. What are they dreaming about?
b. Do you have a dream like this?
c. What do you need to do to open a restaurant?
d. How long does it take to open a restaurant?

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5. Uncover the rest of the picture story and tell students they will work with a partner to
develop a story of what happened next in their own words.
6. Before they begin, show students how Chen's story continues on the left and Soo's story
continues on the right. Show the times in the middle (year 1, 2, 3). Point out the piggy
banks. Ask students to talk about what is happening in each picture and to compare and
contrast what happens to Chen and to Soo over the three-year period.
7. Let students know there is no need to write out the story as this is a conversation activity.
Students, however, are encouraged to write down a word or phrase for each picture to
remember their versions of the story.
8. Put students into pairs, and distribute Worksheet 1-2, one per pair.
9. Conclude by having volunteers retell the story to another pair. Volunteers can also retell
their story to the class.
10. Extension: students can write out the story in class or as homework.

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Goals and Budgets

Mohammed's Story and Comprehension

Materials
Worksheet 1-3: Mohammed's Story and Comprehension Questions
Warm-up:
Before students read the story, ask these questions to the class:
o How old were you when you came to the United States?
o What are you doing now?
o What do you want to be doing in 5 years?
Reading:
1. Distribute Worksheet 1-3, Mohammed's Story and
Comprehension Questions, and define any new vocabulary that
students will need to understand the story.
2. Ask students to read the story to themselves.
3. After they've finished, have students answer the yes/no questions
on their own. When complete, have them compare answers with
a partner.
4. As a class, discuss the answers.

Answers:
1. no

2. yes

3. no

4. yes

5. yes

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Goals and Budgets

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Monthly Income and Expenses and Vocabulary Check

Materials
Worksheet 1-4: Monthly Income and Expenses and Vocabulary Check
Warm-up:
Talk about income and expenses students have. Ask some warm up questions such as
o Do you have a job? More than one job?
o How often do you get paid?
o Do you make the same amount every month?
Explain that this money is called income.
Then discuss
o What are some things you have to pay for each month? (i.e., rent, car loan, food,
etc.)
o Are there any other things you buy/need to pay for? (i.e., cell phone, video rental,
coffee)
Explain that these are expenses.
Reading:
1. Read the paragraph that follows and clarify the words in
italics if your students are unfamiliar with the vocabulary. In
small groups, have students make a list of Mohammeds
possible expenses (rent, cell phone, etc.).
2. Say Now that Mohammed has identified his goals, he wants to know the
next step. He goes back to the career counselor for more advice. They read his
goals together and agree that he will need money to achieve many of his goals.
She gives him a form that will help him see how he spends his money right now.
Figuring out your monthly income and expenses is the first step to making a
budget or savings plan.
3. Discuss the ideas of possible expenses and make a list on the
board. Brainstorm the cost for some of these items.
4. Distribute Worksheet 1-4, Mohammeds Monthly Income
and Expenses and Vocabulary Check, and have students
compare their list of expenses to the one on the worksheet.
Ask students if there was anything missing from our list?
5. Circle Mohammeds Total Monthly Income and Total
Monthly Expenses and have students do the same. Then ask
them to do the math on the worksheet to determine
Mohammeds Income after Expenses. Check answers.

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Answers:
Mohammeds Total Monthly Income: $1700
Mohammeds Total Monthly Expenses: $1486
Mohammeds Monthly Income after Expenses: $214
Vocabulary Check Answers:
1. i
2. d
3. f
4. a

5. h

6. g

7. j

Goals and Budgets

Monthly Income and Expenses Listening Comprehension

8. e

9. b

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Materials
Worksheet 1-5: Listening Comprehension
Worksheet 1-4, Mohammeds Monthly Income and Expenses and Vocabulary Check
1. Distribute Worksheet 1-5, Listening Comprehension.
2. Ask students to look again at Worksheet 1-4 (found
above), Mohammeds Monthly Income and Expenses
and Vocabulary Check, and write the answers to the
questions below on Worksheet 1-5.
3. Read each question only twice and allow several
minutes for students to find the answer and record it.
4. Once you have read all seven questions, have students
compare answers with a partner (before repeating the
questions one more time).
5. Then repeat the questions once again.
6. Allow students to make changes if necessary, and
review the correct answers as a whole class.

Questions
1. How much does Mohammed pay for food each month?
2. How much does Mohammed pay for his apartment each month?
3. How much does Mohammed put into his savings account each month?
4. How much does Mohammed spend on restaurants and clubs each month?
5. How much does Mohammed pay for his cell phone each month?
6. How much is Mohammeds total monthly income?
7. How much is his net pay from the restaurant?
Answers:
1. $ 220
2. $ 475
3. $ 0
4. $115
5. $ 50
6. $ 1700

7. $ 1600

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7. Next, on Worksheet 1-5, have students create three questions of their own, similar to the
ones you asked above.
8. Dictate one or two that you asked as an example.
9. Have them ask their questions to a partner.

Goals and Budgets

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

How About You? What's Your Plan?

Materials
Worksheet 1-7: Your Plan
1. This final activity allows students to create their own financial
goals plans.
2. Worksheet 1-7 includes blank forms that are resources for
students to use on their own as an extension activity. (Students
may want to refer back to the "dream clouds" from the needs
assessment activity.)If there is time, begin working on them in
class.
3. Plan an extension activity in class where students share their
goals and their ideas for saving money, but be sure to allow
students to keep financial information private.

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Goals and Budgets

Materials
The New Restaurant
Picture Story

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Overhead 1-A/Worksheet 1-2

________________________________________________________________

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

149

The New Restaurant

Picture Story

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Overhead 1-A/Worksheet 1-2

________________________________________________________________

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

150

Mohammeds Story and

Comprehension Questions

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-3 page 1

________________________________________________________________

Before you read

1. How old were you when you came to the United States?
2. What are you doing now?
3. What do you want to be doing in 5 years?

Mohammeds Story
Mohammed was born in Iran. He is 23 years old. He immigrated to the United States five
years ago after he finished high school. He studies English and computer skills at an adult
education center in San Diego. He manages his uncles restaurant and details cars for
extra money. He loves cars and wants to buy a sports car in the future. Right now, he
drives a 1998 Nissan Sentra, and he makes repairs on it often.
He shares a two-bedroom apartment with two cousins. His cousins have loud parties
almost every weekend, and many friends visit every day. Mohammed would like to have his
own apartment soon because he plans to start college next fall. He wants to be an engineer
in the future. He knows he will need a computer for his college studies, but he doesnt have
enough money right now. When he finishes his degree, he plans to ask his girlfriend to
marry him. He would like to have a family.
Mohammed went to a career counselor at the center where he studies to get some advice.
He felt he needed some help in planning his future and making his dreams come true. The
career counselor suggested that he make a list, or map, of his goals as a first step.

Answer the questions about Mohammed

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Is Mohammed married?
Is Mohammed a student?
Does Mohammed have a computer?
Does Mohammed have a job?
Does Mohammed want to move?
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

yes
yes
yes
yes
yes

no
no
no
no
no

Unit II: Planning for the Future

151

Monthly Income and Expenses

And Vocabulary Check

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-4 page 1

________________________________________________________________

Monthly Income and Expenses

Mohammed used this form to figure his income and expenses for each month.

(Note: sometimes people pay a bill once a year. You can divide the yearly bill by 12 to
find out how much it is monthly.)
Monthly Income
Net pay (take-home
pay)* #1
Net pay (take-home
pay)* #2
Retirement or SSI
benefits
Government
assistance
Alimony/child
support
Other income: car
detailing
Total Monthly Income

Expenses
$ 1600

Housing Expenses

Rent/Mortgage

$ 475

Property tax/home
Insurance
Home maintenance/repairs

Gas and electricity

$ 35

$ 100

Water

$ 1700

Other Expenses
Food
Car loan
Car insurance
Car maintenance/repairs
Gasoline
Public transportation
Credit card payments
Loan payments
Telephone
Cell phone
Doctors/dentists
Insurance (other than car)
Entertainment
1. cable television
($30)
2. restaurants &
clubs ($115)
3. video rentals
($28)
4. other ($40)
Clothing

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

220
110
85
15
65
--50
--30
50
10
--213

$ 30

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Alimony/child support
Savings account
Other expenses
1. cigarettes ($80)
2. gym membership
($18)
3.
4.
Total Monthly Expenses

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

$ --$ --$ 98

$ 1486

Unit II: Planning for the Future

153

Monthly Income and Expenses

And Vocabulary Check

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-4 page 2

________________________________________________________________
After you figure out your Total Monthly Income and Total Monthly Expenses, you
can figure out how much extra money you have each month--your Income after
Expenses. This is the money you can use to save for something or invest. Use the
numbers from the worksheet to find Mohammeds Income after Expenses each month.
Mohammeds Total Monthly Income

Mohammeds Total Monthly Expenses

Mohammeds Monthly Income after Expenses

Vocabulary Check
Match the words and definitions (note: there is one extra definition).
1. goal _____

a. the money you receive after taxes

and deductions

2. income _____

b. to be successful and complete a goal

3. expenses _____

c. your gross pay

4. net pay _____

d. money that comes in to your home,

usually from a job

e. suggestions or ideas to help you

5. income after
solve
a problem
expenses _____

6. budget _____

f. the things you must pay for

7. figuring out
_____

g. plan for managing your income and

expenses

8. advice _____

h. the money you have after paying

your expenses

9. achieve _____

i. aspiration, ambition or aim

j. finding and analyzing

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

154

Listening Comprehension

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-5
________________________________________________________________

Listening Comprehension: Look at Mohammeds Monthly Income and

Expenses form and write the answers to the questions you hear from your
teacher.
1. $_____________________________________
2. $_____________________________________
3. $_____________________________________
4. $_____________________________________
5. $_____________________________________
6. $_____________________________________
7. $_____________________________________
Write three more questions about Mohammeds income and
expenses and then ask a classmate.
1. _________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

155

A New Plan

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-6 page 1

________________________________________________________________

After Mohammed figured out his Monthly Income after Expenses, he

realized that he didnt have enough money each month to achieve his
goals. He talked with his counselor and then decided to change his life a
little in order to save more money each month.
He decided to develop a new budget plan. Two of the things he changed
are listed below. Work with your group to add three more ways he can
cut his expenses. Then, figure his new budget, using the form provided.
Mohammed will change these things:
1. He found a cheaper cellular phone plan that is $30 a month.
2. He decided to detail one more car each month and add $100 more to
his income.
3.
4.
5.
Write the changes on the following Monthly Income and Expenses
form. Then, copy the expenses from the original form that you didnt
change. Figure out how much Mohammeds Monthly Income after
Expenses will be with the new plan.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

156

A New Plan

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-6 page 2

________________________________________________________________

Monthly Income and Expenses

Monthly Income
Net pay (take-home pay)* #1
Net pay (take-home pay)*
#2
Retirement or SSI benefits
Government assistance
Alimony/child support
Other income: car detailing
Total Monthly Income

Expenses
$ 1600

Housing Expenses

$ ---

Rent/Mortgage

$
$
$
$
$

Property tax/home Insurance

Home maintenance/repairs
Gas and electricity
Water

$ --$ --$
$ ---

------$200
$1800

Other Expenses
Food
Car loan
Car insurance
Car maintenance/repairs
Gasoline
Public transportation
Credit card payments
Loan payments
Telephone
Cell phone
Doctors/dentists
Insurance (other than car)
Entertainment
1.cable television ($
)
2. restaurants & clubs ($
)
3. video rentals ($
)
4. other ($
)
Clothing
Alimony/child support
Savings account
Other expenses
1. cigarettes ($
)
2. gym membership ($
)
3.
4.
Total Monthly Expenses

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

----30
---

$
$ --$ --$

157

Mohammeds New Total Monthly Income

Mohammeds New Total Monthly Expenses
Mohammeds New Monthly Income after Expenses
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

$
-$
$
Unit II: Planning for the Future

158

A New Plan

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-6 page 3

________________________________________________________________

Report your groups changes to the class. Use the examples below to
help you.
Examples:
We increased his total monthly income by $100 because we thought he could detail
one more car each month.
We reduced the cell phone bill by $20 because we thought he could find a cheaper
plan.
We eliminated the video rentals because we thought he could just watch TV.
His new monthly income after expenses is $__________.

Change # 1. _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Change #2. ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Change #3. ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Mohammeds new monthly income after expenses is $ ___________________.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

159

Your Plan

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-7 page 1

________________________________________________________________
You can use this form to figure out your monthly income and expenses.
Monthly Income and Expenses
Monthly Income
Net pay (take-home pay)* #1
Net pay (take-home pay)* #2
Retirement or SSI benefits
Government assistance
Alimony/child support
Other income: ___________
Total Monthly Income

Expenses
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Housing Expenses
Rent/Mortgage
Property tax/home Insurance
Home maintenance/repairs
Gas and electricity
Water

$
$
$
$
$

Other Expenses
Food
Car loan
Car insurance
Car maintenance/repairs
Gasoline
Public transportation
Credit card payments
Loan payments
Telephone
Cell phone
Doctors/dentists
Insurance (other than car)
Entertainment
1.
2.
3.
4.
Clothing
Alimony/child support
Savings account
Other expenses
1.
2.
3.
4.

High-Intermediate/Advanced

$
$
$
$

Total Monthly Expenses

www.valrc.org/courses/moneytalks

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Unit II: Planning for the Future

160

Your Plan

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-7 page 2

________________________________________________________________

After you figure out your Total Monthly Income and Total Monthly
Expenses, you can figure out how much extra money that you have
each month--your Income after Expenses. This is the money that you
can use to save for something or invest. Use the numbers from your
worksheet to find your Income after Expenses for each month.
Total Monthly Income
Total Monthly Expenses
Monthly Income after Expenses

$
-$
$

A New Plan
After you figure out your Monthly Income after Expenses, are you
happy with the amount? Would you like to have more money each
month to save for a goal? What are some changes that you might make
to save more money each month?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
You can use the following Monthly Income and Expenses form to
find out how much your Monthly Income after Expenses will be if
you make these changes.

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Future

High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the

161

Your Plan

Lesson 1: Goals and Budgets

Worksheet 1-7 page 3

________________________________________________________________

Monthly Income and Expenses

Monthly Income
Net pay (take-home pay)* #1
Net pay (take-home pay)* #2
Retirement or SSI benefits
Government assistance
Alimony/child support
Other income: car detailing
Total Monthly Income

Expenses
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Housing Expenses
Rent/Mortgage
Property tax/home Insurance
Home maintenance/repairs
Gas and electricity
Water

$
$
$
$
$

Other Expenses
Food
Car loan
Car insurance
Car maintenance/repairs
Gasoline
Public transportation
Credit card payments
Loan payments
Telephone
Cell phone
Doctors/dentists
Insurance (other than car)

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Entertainment
1.
2.
3.
4.
Clothing
Alimony/child support

$
$

Savings account
Other expenses
1.
2.
3.
4.

$
$

Total Monthly Expenses

Your new Total Monthly Income

$
162

Your new Total Monthly Expenses

Your new Monthly Income after Expenses
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

-$
$
Unit II: Planning for the Future

163

Unit 2
Basic
Banking
Services
High-Intermediate and Advanced
Objectives
Identify vocabulary and concepts related to basic banking
services.
Identify checking account services and understand related fees.
Learn to write a check.
Practice balancing a checkbook to avoid banking penalties.
Language and/or EFF skills practiced: listen actively; use math
to solve problems and communicate.
In this unit
Activity 2-1: What Can a Bank Do for You?
Activity 2-2: Pair Practice: Banking Terms and Services
Activity 2-3: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Banks and Credit Unions
Activity 2-4: Banking Transactions Role Play
Final Activity: Reflection
Materials
Overhead 2-A: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Banks and Credit Unions
Worksheet 2-1: What Can a Bank Do for You?
Worksheet 2-2: Banking Terms and Services
Worksheet 2-3: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Banks and Credit Unions
Background Information for Teacher Reference
Literacy Level
Financial Literacy Gains Chart for Ongoing Assessment: chart that can be used throughout
Money Talks lessons to record student gains in financial literacy.
Using Picture Stories: Review Picture Story Technique: Letting the Pictures Tell the Story
in the Teachers Guide.

164

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Basic Banking Services

Warm-up and Presentation: What can a bank do for you?
Materials
Worksheet 2-1: What Can a Bank Do for You?

2. Open a discussion or have the class do an information grid

with questions like
Do you have a checking or savings account in the
U.S.?
Did you have an account in your country?
What is the name of a bank in your neighborhood?
What was the name of a bank in your country?
2. Pass out Worksheet 2-1 and ask students to read "What Can a
Bank Do for You?" silently.
3. Complete the reading check and the vocabulary activity.
4. For the vocabulary activity provide students with the list of
vocabulary words (see vocabulary answers below) by writing
them in a scrambled order on the board.
5. Review the answers.
Answers:
A) Reading Check
1. no

2. no

3. yes

4. yes

5. no

B) Vocabulary
1. withdraw 2. deposit 3. interest 4. available 5. bills 6. allow
7. Charge 8. cash 9. insert 10. automated 11. loan 12. pay back
13. fee 14. cleared

Basic Banking Services

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Pair Practice: Banking Terms and Services

Materials
Worksheet 2-2: Banking Terms and Services
1. In pairs, students will ask each other the questions on Banking
Terms and Services Pair Speaking Practice.
2. Have pairs check answers with each other and discuss the
answers as a class.
3. In pairs, complete the grammar fill-in-the-blank activity. As
students complete their work, have them check their work with
another pair.
4. Review answers as a class.

165

Answers (pair work):

1) savings account 2) cash, check, ATM (or credit card) 3) $.50 to $4.00
4) Answers will vary but may include a) your money is safe b) you can earn interest
convenient d) it's a good way to save money
e) you can cash your checks for free.
Answers (grammar activity):
1. withdraw 2. cash 3. loan; pay (him) back; charge

4. deposit

c) it's

5. charge

5. Talk about the difference between can and have to the

former is for ability and the latter for obligation. Use as
examples some things you can do vs. have to do, such as "I can
drive a car" but "I have to take the bus (because my car is in
the shop)."
6. Have students refer to Worksheet 2-2, page 3, and take a look
at the grammar point on can vs. have to. Be sure students
understand the concept before moving on to the next activity.
7. In pairs, have students complete the chart by writing sentences
with can vs. have to as they relate to banking and banking
services.

Answers:

166

High-Intermediate/ Advanced
Application: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Banks and Credit Unions

Basic Banking Services

Materials
Overhead 2-A: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Banks and Credit Unions
Worksheet 2-3: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Banks and Credit Unions
1. Brainstorm responses for the first chart (Checking Accounts)
as a class with Overhead 2-A.
**Return to this brainstorming activity after students finish Unit
1 of Money Talks so they can add to their initial ideas.
2. Make sure students understand the instructions, then divide
the class into three groups: Savings Accounts, ATM
Machines, and, Loans.
3. Give each group a copy of Overhead 2-A and ask them to
circle their assigned topic at the top.
4. Have them work together and make a list.
5. Ask a representative from each group to report to the class.
Possible answers:

167

Basic Banking Services

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Extension: Banking Transactions Role-play

Students can practice banking dialogues through this
role-play.
Go to the Lanternfish web site at
http://bogglesworldesl.com/bank_roleplay.htm.
Be sure to take the time needed to prepare for this
activity.
Materials: (all freelly available on the website)
Bank Teller Activity Sheet
Bank Client Activity Sheet
Realia: Bank Cards and Photo ID
Realia: Biggle Bucks and American Dollars
Realia: Checks and Bills

168

Basic Banking Services

Materials
Advantages and Disadvantages

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Lesson 2: Introduction to
Banking Services

Overhead 2-A
________________________________________________________________

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Banks and Credit Unions

Type of Banking Service: circle one
Checking Accounts Savings Accounts ATM Machines Loans
Advantages
Disadvantages

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

169

What Can a Bank Do for You?

Lesson 2: Introduction to
Banking Services

Worksheet 2-1 page 1

________________________________________________________________
What Can a Bank Do for You?
In the past, when people wanted to save their money, they sometimes put it under their
mattresses or in their freezers! They didn't want other people to find it. They thought
their money was safe in those places. Now, most people in the United States keep
money in banks or credit unions. Banks and credit unions have many services. They
can help you save and manage your money.

Savings Accounts: A savings account is a place where you put or deposit your
money so that it will be safe and grow. The bank pays you money, called
interest, when you save your money in one of their accounts.

Checking Accounts: A checking account is a place where you put or deposit your
money when you will need to spend it soon. You can pay your bills with checks.
The bank or credit union takes the money from your account when they receive
your check from a business or company.

ATM: The ATM (Automated Teller Machine) is a machine that lets you withdraw,
or take money from your checking or savings account and deposit money into an
account at any time. If you use an ATM that is not from your bank, you usually
have to pay for the service. It can cost from $.50 to $4.00 every time you use
their ATM machines.

ATM/Debit Card: You insert the ATM card into the ATM machine to withdraw or
deposit money. You can also use the card at stores, supermarkets, gas stations,
or restaurants. It is similar to a credit card or cash. Sometimes, you have to pay
for the service, as you do at ATM machines.

Loans: Banks or credit unions can loan you money. You pay the money back a
little at a time. They charge you interest for the loan.

Money Orders and Traveler's Checks: You can get money orders and traveler's
checks from a bank or credit union. If you have an account, they do not charge
you as much as other places do. Sometimes, they are free.

Check-Cashing: At a bank or credit union, you do not have to pay a fee for
cashing a paycheck or any other check. Many check-cashing businesses charge
10% (of the check) or more to cash your check.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

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170

What Can a Bank Do for You?

Lesson 2: Introduction to
Banking Services

Worksheet 2-1 page 2

________________________________________________________________
When you want to know how much money is in an account, or if a check has cleared
(been paid) on your account, you can call the bank to get automated information. You
can also use the Internet or the ATM to get the status of your account. Some banks
allow you to transfer money from one account to another over the phone, the Internet or
an ATM. There are many services available at banks or credit unions.
Reading Check
Do you understand? Circle yes or no.
1. If you will spend your money quickly, put it in a savings account.
2. If you use the ATM at your own bank, you have to pay a fee.
3. A credit union is similar to a bank.
4. You can get information about your bank accounts by calling the
bank or by using the ATM or internet.
5. If you cash your paycheck at your own bank, you have to pay a fee.

yes no
yes no
yes no
yes no
yes no

Vocabulary
Write the word or words from the reading that match the definition.
EXAMPLE: credit union similar to a bank
1. _______________ to take money out of a bank account
2. _______________ to put money into a bank account
3. _______________ money a bank pays you for keeping your money with
them, or money you pay a bank when you re-pay a loan
4. _______________ ready, or accessible
5. _______________ receipts or debts you have to pay
6. _______________ permit or let
7. _______________ require an extra payment
8. _______________ to change a check for cash
9. _______________ to place or put something into another thing
10. ______________ done by a machine
11. ______________ to give money that will be returned
12. ______________ to return money
13. ______________ a one-time cost for a service
14. ______________ check has been paid
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

171

Banking Terms and Services

Lesson 2: Introduction to
Banking Services

Worksheet 2-2 page 1

________________________________________________________________

Banking Terms and Services - Pair Speaking Practice

Work with a partner to answer the following questions. When complete,
practice saying the questions and answers with your partner.

First, Student A asks Student B. Then, Student B asks Student A.

A ask B
1. If you want your money to grow or increase, what kind of account do you
need?
2. What are three ways you can pay for your bill at the supermarket?
B ask A
3. How much can banks charge for using their ATM machine if you do not
have an account there?
4. What are two good reasons to have a bank account?

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

172

Banking Terms and Services

Lesson 2: Introduction to
Banking Services

Worksheet 2-2 page 2

________________________________________________________________

Banking Terms and Services Grammar Fill in the Blank Exercise

Which verb is correct? Write the correct verb in each sentence. You will
use one verb twice.
withdraw

deposit

cash

loan

charge

pay back

1.

Luz needs to pay her neighbor in cash for the bicycle she bought from him.
She plans to go to the bank this afternoon to ________________________
the money from her savings account.

2.

Mohammed's boss gave him a check for the extra work he did last week.
He wants to _______________________ it immediately because he needs
money for the weekend.

3.

Yoko's uncle will ________________________ her the money to pay for

her car insurance. She can _________ ___________ her uncle $20 a
month. He won't ___________ her interest.

4.

Toan wants to ________________________ his paycheck in his checking

account today because he has many bills to pay.

5.

David's bank doesn't ________________________ him for traveler's

checks.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

173

Banking Terms and Services

Lesson 2: Introduction to
Banking Services

Worksheet 2-2 page 3

________________________________________________________________

Banking Terms and Services Grammar Explaination

Expressing ability and obligation. Look at the examples and then write the
correct form in the sentences below.
I
We
You
They
He
She
It

I
We
You

can work this afternoon. (available to work)

have to work this afternoon.

(no choice; will work)

They

He
She

has to work this afternoon.

(no choice; will work)

It

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

174

Banking Terms and Services

Lesson 2: Introduction to
Banking Services

Worksheet 2-2 page 4

________________________________________________________________
Grammar Practice: Write the banking activities under "You can" or "You have to" based
on the reading.

pay a fee for using an ATM (not your bank).

use ATM cards at stores, supermarkets and gas stations.

get money orders and travelers' checks from your bank

pay extra for cashing a check at a check-cashing business.

call the bank to get information about your account.

use the Internet to find out about your account.

pay interest when you get a loan from the bank.

You can

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You have to

High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

175

Advantages and Disadvantages

Lesson 2: Introduction to
Banking Services

Worksheet 2-3 page 1

________________________________________________________________

Discussion: The Advantages and Disadvantages of using

Banks and Credit Unions
Think and Discuss: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using
banks and credit unions? Discuss in groups and report to the class.

Checking Account

Disadvantages

Advantages
-you dont have to pay bills in person

-you don't have a lot of cash

Savings Account

Advantages

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Disadvantages

High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

176

Advantages and Disadvantages

Lesson 2: Introduction to
Banking Services

Worksheet 2-3 page 2

________________________________________________________________

ATM

Advantages

Disadvantages

Loans

Advantages

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Disadvantages

High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

177

Unit 3
Checking
Accounts
High-Intermediate and Advanced
Objectives
Identify vocabulary and concepts related to savings
account services and related fees.
Understand eligibility requirements for opening a bank
account.
Identify how interest rates can affect money earned over
time.
Understand the importance of saving money for
emergencies.
Language and/or EFF skills practiced: read with
understanding; solve problems and make decisions.
In this unit
Warm Up: Free Checking Picture Story
Activity 3-1: Shopping for a Checking Account
Activity 3-2: Basic Checking Accounts Comparison
Activity 3-3: Information Gap: Checking Accounts
Activity 3-4: Other Checking Account Basics (optional activity)
Final Activity: Reflection
Materials
Picture Story A: Free Checking Visuals
Picture Story A: Free Checking Sequencing
Worksheet 3-1: Shopping for a Checking Account
Worksheet 3-2: Basic Checking Account Comparison
Worksheet 3-3: Information Gap - Checking Accounts

178

Background Information for Teacher Reference

Literacy Level

Financial Literacy Gains Chart for Ongoing Assessment: chart that can be used throughout
Money Talks lessons to record student gains in financial literacy.
Using Picture Stories: Review Picture Story Technique: Letting the Pictures Tell the Story
in the Teachers Guide.

Checking Accounts

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Warm-up: Shopping for a Checking Account

Materials
Picture Story A: Free Checking Visuals
Picture Story A: Free Checking Sequencing
Preparation:
Cut up Picture Story A, Free Checking Sequencing, and put one cut up story in each envelope or
plastic zip-lock bag (one per pair of students).
1. Show the Free Checking Visuals. Discuss what is going on in
each picture and generate a vocabulary list.
2. Pass out visuals and have students work together (in pairs or
small groups) to figure out what they think is happening in
each picture.
3. Ask all pairs/groups to describe the picture to the class.
4. Pass out the envelopes (one per pair of students) and have
students lay out the story panels in front of them.
5. Tell them that as you read the story aloud, they need to put the
story in order.
6. Read the story once only; then, about halfway through the
activity, read the story again so students can check their
progress.
7. When students complete the story sequence, read the story
again so students can check their work.
8. In pairs, have students retell the story in their own words,
without seeing the story in print.
9. Conclude the activity by having volunteers retell the story in
their own words.

179

Free Checking!
Alex has saved $200.00 and wants to open a checking account. He sees a sign in a bank window
for a free checking account, so he goes inside to open an account. The bank employee warns him
that checking accounts have many fees. She tells him to be sure to write good checks and make
sure he has money in his account.
Alex loves soccer and decides to buy a big screen TV to watch matches. At an electronics store,
he buys a TV for $500.00. The problem is that he doesn't have $500 in his bank account. When
he sees the bank employee, she is angry and charges Alex a bounced check fee.
The next day, Alex goes to the supermarket. He writes the wrong amount on the check. Again,
the bank employee is very angry and Alex feels bad. She gives Alex a list of numbers to use
when he write checks. This way he won't make mistakes and be charged bank fees.
Later that day, Alex goes to a department store to buy clothes. He looks at his list of numbers. He
writes a good check and doesn't incur any bank fees.

Checking Accounts

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Practice Pronunciation: Shopping for a Checking Account

Materials
Worksheet 3-1: Shopping for a Checking Account
Discuss:
Have you ever bought a car?
How did you pay for it? (cash, loan)
Before you buy a car, what questions should you ask regarding paying for the car?
Answers may include:
o How much does the car cost?
o What are the terms of the loan (interest rate, number of months)?
o How much do I need to pay every month?
Give students time to read Shopping for a Checking Account silently.
As a whole group, summarize the reading and check comprehension.

180

1. Model asking the Key Questions from Worksheet 3-1 while

students listen.
2. Explain to students how to use the correct intonation (rising
intonation for yes/no and falling intonation for information
questions) and stress (voice slightly higher on stressed words).
3. Then ask students to repeat the questions after you.
4. Call on students to check that pronunciation is comprehensible.
5. Then ask them to practice in pairs.

Checking Accounts

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Information Gap: Checking Accounts

Materials
Worksheet 3-3: Information Gap: Checking Accounts
In pairs, have students complete the information gap activity on
Worksheet 2-3.

Checking Accounts

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Extension: Other Checking Account Basics

From the San Diego Centers for Education and Technology
Financial Literacy Lessons for ESL Students
Unit 1- Lesson 2- Checking Accounts
http://www.otan.us/images/publicarchive/ArchivesDigitalFiles/ELCivics/Financial_Lit/0033701l
esson_1_intro.pdf.
I. Have students complete this worksheet about comparing checking accounts.

181

II. Extension: Find the same information for local banks in your area. Ask students to fill in the
chart for a local bank and share the information in class. Students can compare their charts and
discuss the area banks checking accounts.
Comparison of Checking Accounts

182

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Checking Accounts
Materials

Picture Story A
Free Checking Visuals
(cut each page in half)

183

184

185

186

187

Picture Story A
Free Checking Visuals: Sequencing Activity
Cut up & put story in order (note: these are out of order-see Answer Key in Lesson Plan)

188

Shopping for a
Checking Account

Lesson 3: Checking Accounts

Worksheet 3-1 page 1

________________________________________________________________
Shopping for a Checking Account
There are many things to think about before you buy a car. Its the same with a
checking account! Banks and credit unions have different kinds of checking
accounts for different kinds of customers. You need to shop around to find the
best account for you. In other words, you need to evaluate accounts at different
banks. They are not all the same. Before you open a checking account, its
important to know and understand the answers to these questions:
1. What are the different services and fees?
Monthly Service Banks must take care of you and your account each month.
They help you with deposits, withdrawals, checks, and other things. Most banks
charge between $5-$10 each month for this basic service. Many banks will waive
this fee if a specific minimum amount of money is always kept in your account, or
if you have direct deposit. If your bank waives a fee, it means that you dont have
to pay it. Direct deposit means that your employer sends your paycheck to your
bank for automatic deposit into your account.
Overdraft Protection If you write a check for more than the amount you have
in your account, you will bounce a check. Overdraft Protection is a service that
helps people avoid this mistake. With this service, if you write a check for more
money than you have in your checking account, the bank will take money out of
your savings account (or another account) to pay for the check. There is a small
fee each time you use this service.
If you do not have overdraft protection and you bounce a check, you must pay
the bank a large fee for this mistake. Sometimes you must also pay a fee to the
person who received your check. Bounced checks are a very expensive mistake
and they can hurt your good credit.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

189

Shopping for a
Checking Account

Lesson 3: Checking Accounts

Worksheet 3-1 page 2

________________________________________________________________
Example:
You write a check to the supermarket for $17.11, but you dont have enough
money in your account to pay for the check. Your bank charges you a $15 fee for
the bounced check and returns the check to the supermarkets bank. The
supermarket receives the check and charges you a $20 fee. Now you must pay
the following:
17.11 (check amount)
15.00 (banks fee)
+20.00 (supermarkets fee)
$52.11
See! Its a very expensive mistake. Make sure that you have enough money in
your account before you write a check.
Checks Bank customers must order and pay for their own checks. Sometimes
a bank will waive the fee for checks with a certain minimum balance.
Per Check Fee This is a small fee that is charged for each check that you
write. Most checking accounts do not have this fee, but some banks offer a
special economy checking account for people who write very few checks each
month. With this kind of account the monthly service fee is less and you can
usually write about 8 checks for free. If you write more than 8 each month, the
per check fee is usually about .50 for each check.
2. What is the minimum balance?
The minimum balance is the smallest amount of money that you can keep in your
account. For many checking accounts, there is no minimum balance. Many
banks will waive your monthly service fee if you keep a high minimum balance.
Some checking accounts that require a high minimum balance ($1500+) will pay
you interest on the account. Interest is a small percentage of money that the
bank pays you for keeping your money in their bank.
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

190

Shopping for a
Checking Account

Lesson 3: Checking Accounts

Worksheet 3-1 page 3

________________________________________________________________

3. Is the bank convenient?

Most people think about the location and convenience before they choose a bank
or credit union. You should find out if the bank has an office, or branch, near your
home or workplace and what hours the bank is open.
Key Questions
Practice asking these important questions.
7. How much is the monthly service fee for a checking account?
8. What is the minimum balance for a checking account?
9. Does this bank have overdraft protection?
10. How much is the fee if I use overdraft protection?
11. Does this bank pay interest for checking accounts?

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

191

Basic Checking Account

Lesson 3: Checking Accounts

Comparison
Worksheet 3-2
________________________________________________________________
Checking Account Comparison Chart
Look at the chart to answer the questions about the checking accounts.

1.

Which bank has the lowest monthly fee?

2.

Does Capitol Credit Union ever waive the monthly fee? If yes, when?

3.

Which banks have overdraft protection?

4.

How much is the fee for a bounced check at Richmond First Bank?

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

192

Information Gap
Checking Accounts

Lesson 3: Checking Accounts

Worksheet 3-3 page 1

________________________________________________________________
Chart for Student A
Ask Student B these questions to find the missing information about the
checking accounts. Write your answers in the correct place on the chart. Dont
look at your partners paper!
1. Whats the monthly service fee for a checking account at Pacific Credit Union?
2. Does San Diego First Bank pay interest for a checking account?
3. How much is the fee at California Sun Bank for a bounced check?
4. Does Pacific Credit Union have overdraft protection?

Monthly Service
Fee

California Sun Bank

Pacific Credit Union

San Diego First Bank

$8
(Waived with direct
deposit or $1,000
minimum balance

1.

$6.00
(Waived with minimum
balance of $600)

(Waived with direct

deposit)
No

Interest

No

Overdraft
Protection

Yes
(with savings account)

4.

Yes
(with savings account
or bank credit card)

Bounced Check
Fee

3.

$15.00

$17.50

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

2.

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

193

Information Gap
Checking Accounts

Lesson 3: Checking Accounts

Worksheet 3-3 page 2

________________________________________________________________
Chart for Student B
Ask Student A these questions to find the missing information about the
checking accounts. Write your answers in the correct place on the chart. Dont
look at your partners paper!
1. Whats the monthly service fee for a checking account at San Diego First Bank?
2. Does California Sun Bank pay interest for a checking account?
3. How much is the fee at Pacific Credit Union for a bounced check?
4. Does California Sun Bank have overdraft protection?
California Sun Bank

Pacific Credit Union

San Diego First Bank

$8
(Waived with direct
deposit or $1,000
minimum balance

$5.50
(Waived with direct
deposit)

1.

Interest

2.

No

Overdraft
Protection

4.

Yes
(with bank credit card)

Yes
(with savings account
or bank credit card)

Bounced Check
Fee

$15.00

3.

$17.50

Monthly Service
Fee

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

(Waived with minimum

balance of $600)
Yes
(with minimum balance
of $1,500)

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

194

Unit 4
Savings
Accounts
High-Intermediate and Advanced
Objectives
Identify simple ways to save money.
Identify characteristics of different types of savings accounts
(i.e. CDs, Money Market, etc.) and their advantages and
disadvantages.
Recommend the best account for various purposes.
Learn to convey ideas in writing through creation of a message
board posting.
Language and/or EFF skills practiced: solve problems and
make decisions; convey ideas in writing; use information and
communications technology.
In this unit
Activity 4-1: Little Ways to Save
Activity 4-2: Savings Accounts: Comprehension Questions
Activity 4-3: Inside the Lives of People Living on Minimum Wage
Final Activity: Reflection
Materials
Worksheet 4-1: Savings Account Comparison
Worksheet 4-2: Savings Account Questions
Worksheet 4-3: Paying the Price Discussion Questions
Background Information for Teacher Reference

Literacy Level

Financial Literacy Gains Chart for Ongoing Assessment: chart that can be used throughout
Money Talks lessons to record student gains in financial literacy.
Using Picture Stories: Review Picture Story Technique: Letting the Pictures Tell the Story
in the Teachers Guide.
195

Savings Accounts

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Warm-up: Little Ways to Save

Materials
Worksheet 4-1: Savings Account Comparison
Social Security Administration website
1. Talk about a simple way to save. Provide an example,
such as: You spend $2.00 on coffee at Starbucks every
morning before work. Show what that adds up to per
month and per year--in this case, $40.00 (20 workdays
x $2.00), a month and $480.00 ($40 x 12 months) a
year.
2. Ask students to brainstorm a list of things they could
do to save a little bit of money every day or every
month.
3. Review the information on the following websites with
your students:
What do I need to open an account?
http://www.helpwithmybank.gov/faqs/banking_id.html
Social Security numbers for non-citizens
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html
4. Ask students who have a bank account what
documentation they needed to open the account (social
security number, passport, etc.).
5. Make two lists on the board, one for citizens and one
for non-citizens.
6. List documentation in its appropriate column and be
sure the lists contains only the documents listed in the
link below.

196

Savings Accounts

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Presentation: Little Ways to Save

Preparation for reading:
1. Write the name of the five types of accounts on the board:
regular savings, CDs (Certificates of Deposit), special savings
clubs, money market accounts, IRAs (Individual Retirement
Accounts).
2. Let students know that they will read a description of each one
and learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
3. Give students an opportunity to read Savings Accounts
(Worksheet 3-1) silently. As students complete the reading,
they can move on to complete the comprehension True/False
Savings Account Questions.
4. As students complete the activity, ask them to sit with a
partner and compare answers. Go over the answers as a class.
Answers:
Regular Savings: 1. T 2. F 3. F
Certificates of Deposit: 1. F 2. T 3. F
Special Savings Clubs: 1. T 2. T 3. T
Money Market Accounts: 1. T 2. T 3. T
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): 1. F 2. F 3. T
High-Intermediate/ Advanced
Practice and Analysis: Savings Accounts: Comprehension Questions

Savings Accounts

Materials
Worksheet 4-2: Savings Account Questions
In groups of three to five students, have students consider each scenario, decide which savings
account would be best, and describe why. Review the answers and discuss the reasons as a class.
Answers:
1) regular savings 2) CD or money market 3) special savings club
High-Intermediate/ Advanced
Practice and Application: Inside the Lives of People Living on Minimum Wage

Saving Accounts

Materials
Worksheet 4-3: Paying the Price Discussion Questions
Oprah Winfrey Show Paying the Price
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/oprahshow2_ss_20060414

197

The Oprah Winfrey Show "Paying the Price"

Overview:
http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200604/20060414/slide_20060414_284_201.j...
This segment from the Oprah Winfrey Show tells the true story of a mother and daughter who are
forced to leave their apartment and move to a homeless shelter after the mother suffers a wrist
injury and is unable to work.
Extensions:
You can see Oprah's message board and post to it using this link:
http://www.oprah.com/community/index.jspa. Scroll through the message board categories to
find subject categories that would be appropriate and of interest to your class (for example,
Money or Life Stories).
In this activity, students will read about a real American
family trying to survive on minimum wage (the first story
in the series).
The story aired on the Oprah Winfrey Show. The text is
available on the Oprah web site.
You can either print out the story for students to read or
have them read it online (where they can also see
pictures).

Discuss:
In small groups, have student discuss the story.
Pass out, Paying the Price Discussion Questions, which includes these questions:
In your country, what do people do when they loose their job
and run out of money to pay their housing?
Do you have "homeless shelters" in your country?
What kind of people need to live in homeless shelters?
Do you think people can survive on minimum wage in the
United States?
Do you have a minimum wage in your country? If so, what is
it? If not, why?
In your country, what government services are provided to
those living in poverty or whose income does not cover basic
needs?
What can people do to avoid situations similar to those of the
family on the Oprah Show?
Follow up the small group discussion with a whole group
discussion touching on each discussion question.

198

Extension:
The exercise is for students to react to what they've read or share their own experiences
and post to the message boards on Oprah's website.
This is an opportunity for students to compose a message and post it online for others to
read.
To post a message, students will need to create a user name and password.
To prepare students for the message posting activity, ask
them if they:
use e-mail.
have ever posted a message to a chat room or group.
have heard of Oprah Winfrey and/or have seen her
show.
Print out her picture from the web site for students to
see whom you are talking about (included in unit
materials).
In groups, have students review several postings on
the Oprah site to get a sense of what is appropriate for
posting (print several out). Explain that these
responses give an opinion or reaction and are usually
short.
Students can create their postings in a word processing program and work with other
students and with you to edit and revise postings. If computer access is limited, students
may write up draft responses and share them with the class.
They can work with a partner or on their own.
Once complete, encourage students to post their messages either during lab time or on
their own.
They can cut and paste from their word processing program or retype the message.
Read classmates' postings.

199

Saving Accounts
Materials
Savings Account Comparison

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Lesson 4: Savings Accounts

Worksheet 4-1 page 1

________________________________________________________________

Savings Accounts
Saving money is the best way to achieve your financial goals and prepare for
emergencies. When you save money, you put it away and dont touch it until you are
ready.
People save money for many different reasons and goals. Some people need to save
for emergencies. Others need to save for their childrens or their own education. And
some people want to save to buy a special item, like a new car or house. People have
different needs for saving and banks have different kinds of accounts for saving. Its
important to find an account that is good for your lifestyle and financial goals. Here are
some of the different kinds of savings accounts that you can find at a bank or credit
union.

Account
Type

Description

Advantages

Disadvantages

Regular
savings
accounts
(also
called
pass book
savings)

You can deposit money

whenever you want.

Your money earns interest.

The interest rate is

low.

The bank gives you a

pass book or sends you
a statement that shows
your balance.

You can withdraw your

money at any time.
Your interest rate may go up
if the US rate goes up.
You can have the money
automatically withdrawn from
your checking account.

You might need to

keep a minimum
balance.
Your interest rate
may go down if the
US rate goes down.

200

CDs
(Certificates of
Deposit)

You deposit $500 or

more.
You agree to leave the
money in the bank for a
special period of time (6
months to 5 years).

Your money earns more

interest than a regular savings
account.
Your interest rate stays the
same, even if the US rate goes
down.

You cant touch

your money for the
special period of
time.
If you withdraw
early, you must pay a
large penalty fee.
Your interest rate
stays the same, even
if the US rate goes
up.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

201

Savings Account Comparison

Lesson 4: Savings Accounts

Worksheet 4-1 page 2

________________________________________________________________

Account
Type

Description

Advantages

Disadvantages

Special
Savings
Clubs

You deposit the same

amount of money every
week or every month.

You can put in a little money

at a time.

Your money will

earn very little or no
interest.

This account helps

people save for a special
purchase: a new car or a
trip.

Money
Market
Accounts

You can have the money

automatically withdrawn from
your checking account.

You deposit a large

amount to open the
account.

Your money earns more

interest than regular savings
account.

You have to keep a

high minimum
balance.

The bank pays you

interest that is based on
the money market.

Your interest rate may go up

if the US rate goes up.

Your interest rate

may go down if the
US rate goes down.

You can write a few

checks from this account
each month.

Individual
Retireme
nt
Accounts
(IRAs)

These are special

accounts that help
people save for
retirement.

These accounts are

usually not insured.
You dont pay taxes on the
money until you retire.
You can choose where the
bank invests your money.

If you withdraw
money before you
are 59 1/2, you must
pay a penalty.

You save a percentage

of your monthly income.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

202

Savings Account Comparison

Lesson 4: Savings Accounts

Worksheet 4-1 page 3

________________________________________________________________

Savings Account Questions

Read each sentence and circle T if the sentence is true and F if the sentence is false.
Regular Savings
1. You can withdraw money at any time.
2. Your money earns high interest.
3. Your interest rate stays the same.

T
T
T

F
F
F

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

1. You can deposit any amount of money.
2. The interest rate stays the same.
3. You can withdraw money at any time.

T
T
T

F
F
F

T
T

F
F

T
T

F
F

T
T

F
F

Special Savings Clubs

1. Your money earns low interest.
2. Most people use this account to save for a
special purchase.
3. You deposit money every week or every month.
Money Market Accounts
1. Your money earns high interest.
2. You have to keep a high minimum balance.
3. These accounts are usually not insured by
the bank.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
1. These accounts are good for saving for a
vacation or new car.
2. You can withdraw your money at any time.
3. You dont pay taxes on the money until
you retire.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

203

Savings Account Questions

Lesson 4: Savings Accounts

Worksheet 4-2
________________________________________________________________

Savings Account Comprehension Questions

1. Jose and Maria are married and they have three children. Jose works at
a hardware store and Maria just got a job at a supermarket. Now they
have a little extra money each month, so they want to start saving. They
would like to deposit approximately $100 each time they get paid, but
they need to be able to use this money if they have an emergency.
Which account(s) would be best for them? Why?
2. Paulo is single and owns a popular restaurant downtown. Each month
he makes a lot more money than he uses and he puts this money into
his checking account. Now his checking account has a very high
balance. He doesnt need to keep all of this money in his checking
account. He wants to open a saving account so that he can earn
interest. Which account(s) would be best for Paulo? Why?
3. Lyerka is a single mom with two children. She works fulltime and puts about $200 a month into her regular savings account. She
has saved almost $10,000. Summer is coming and she would like to
take her kids to Disneyland for a weekend. She wants to open a special
account to help her save for this trip. She can deposit about $25 from
each paycheck. Which account(s) would be best for Lyerka? Why?

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

204

Paying the Price

Discussion Questions

Lesson 4: Savings Accounts

Worksheet 4-3
________________________________________________________________

Paying the Price Discussion Questions

Inside the Lives of People Living on Minimum Wage
Website Links: The Oprah Winfrey Show "Paying the Price"
http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200604/20060414/slide_20060414_284_201.jhtml

This discussion relates to the segment from the Oprah Winfrey show linked above. It
tells the true story of a mother and daughter who are forced to leave their apartment
and move to a homeless shelter after the mother suffers a wrist injury and is unable to
work. It shows the importance of saving money for times when you have a loss of
income.

1. In your country, what do people do when they loose their job and run out
of money to pay their housing?
2. Do you have "homeless shelters" in your country?
3. What kind of people need to live in homeless shelters, lazy people who
don't want to work?
4. Do you think people can survive on minimum wage in the United States?
5. Do you have a minimum wage in your country? If so, what is it? If not,
why?
6. In your country, what government services are provided to those living in
poverty or whose income does not cover basic needs?
7. What can you do to avoid getting in this situation.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit I: Basic Banking Services

205

Oprah Winfrey

206

Unit 5
Credit
High-Intermediate and Advanced
Objectives
Learn basic vocabulary and concepts related to credit.
Identify different ways to establish credit.
Identify credit behaviors that categorize a person as a high or
low credit risk.
Demonstrate comprehension of the rules and vocabulary
associated with credit cards.
Determine the advantages and disadvantages of credit card
offers.
Recognize the questions that should be asked when selecting a
credit card.
Language and/or EFF skills practiced: solve problems and make
decisions; read with understanding.
In this unit
Warm Up: Bad Credit - No Loan! Picture Story
Activity 5-1: What's Your Experience with Credit?
Activity 5-2: What is Credit and Why Do You Need It?
Activity 5-3: You Decide: High or Low Credit Risk
Activity 5-4: Conversation: Asking a Landlord for a Letter
Activity 5-5: Understanding Credit Card Offers and Rules
Activity 5-6: More Credit Card Terms and Offers Practice
Activity 5-7: What to Do When You Can't Pay
Final Activity: Reflection
Materials
Overhead 5-A: Listening Check
Overhead 5-B: Fine Print Chart
Warm Up Worksheet: Bad Credit - No Loan! Picture Story Sequencing
Worksheet 5-1: Experience with Credit
Worksheet 5-2: What is Credit and Why You Need It
Worksheet 5-3: You Decide: Low or High Credit Risk
207

Worksheet 5-4: Conversation: Asking a Landlord for a Letter

Worksheet 5-5a: Credit Card Offers
Worksheet 5-5b: What Offers Really Mean
Worksheet 5-6: More Credit Card Terms and Offers Practice
Realia: Credit Card Offer Letters
Background Information for Teacher Reference

Literacy Level

Financial Literacy Gains Chart for Ongoing Assessment: chart that can be used throughout
Money Talks lessons to record student gains in financial literacy.
Using Picture Stories: Review Picture Story Technique: Letting the Pictures Tell the Story
in the Teachers Guide.

Credit

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Warm-up: What's Your Experience with Credit?

Materials
Worksheet 5-1: Experience with Credit
1. Have students complete the credit pre-reading questions
about themselves.
2. Discuss how the pictures relate to credit.

208

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Credit
What is Credit and Why Do You Need It?
Materials
Worksheet 5-2: What is Credit and Why Do You Need It?

1. Give students time to read to themselves about ways to

establish credit in this country.
2. Have them focus on the words in bold - these may be new
vocabulary words.
3. Ask students to complete the reading comprehension activity
and the vocabulary check.
4. As a class, review answers.

Answers:
Part I: 2 - 3 - 1
Part II: 1. credit risk
2. credit history
traditional
Vocabulary: 1. non-traditional
2. secured
utility companies
7. proving
8. establish

3. deposit

4. secured

5. non-

3. show

4. trust

5. risk 6.

Credit

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

You Decide: High or Low Credit Risk

Materials
Worksheet 5-3: You Decide: Low or High Credit Risk
In this activity, students read scenarios and decide whether
certain individuals are a low or high credit risk.
So that students get additional speaking practice on this topic,
do this activity in pairs or in small groups.
Students can take turns reading a scenario out loud; then,
groups can discuss the scenario and come to a consensus on
the answer.
Review the answers as a class.

209

Answers:
1. low

2. high

3. low

4. high

5. high

*Note: Even though Luigi has good credit practices now, the unpaid student loan will categorize
him as a high risk. Students should know that bad past credit activity needs to be cleared up to
establish good credit again.
Wrap-up:
Review the content in the overheads from Pages 13-15 of
the practicalmoneyskills.com Credit lesson
www.practicalmoneyskills.com/spanish/pdf/teachers/specia
lneeds/lev_3/lesson_07/complete.pdf.
They contain a good explanation of what creditors look for
from applicants, explained by the three C's: character,
capital, and capacity.

Credit

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Application: Conversation: Asking a Landlord for a Letter

Materials
Overhead 5-A: Listening Check
Worksheet 5-4: Conversation: Asking a Landlord for a Letter
1. Act out the conversation, Asking a Landlord for a Letter
from Worksheet 5-4, with a student volunteer while the class
listens.
2. Sit back to back to show that students cannot rely on gestures
or other physical cues in a phone conversation as they might
in a face-to-face conversation.
3. Present the conversation one more time.
4. Have students jot the numbers 1 through 8 on a piece of
paper, and show the Listening Check activity on the overhead
(have a couple of copies handy for those who may have
trouble seeing the screen).
5. Allow students time to complete the yes/no answers. When
complete, have students compare their answers with a partner.
Do not yet supply answers.
6. Read the dialogue one more time so that students can verify
the answers they've chosen--and discuss them again with their

210

partner.
7. Review the answers as a class.
8. Finally, distribute the conversation and have students practice
in pairs, again, back to back or turned enough that they cannot
see each other's faces.
9. Call on volunteer pairs to present the conversation.

Answers:
1. no
2. no

3. yes

4. yes

5. no

6. yes

7. no

Credit

8. yes

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Understanding Credit Card Offers and Rules

Materials
Overhead 5-B: Fine Print Chart
Worksheet 5-5a: Credit Card Offers
Worksheet 5-5b: What Offers Really Mean
Warm-up:
Discuss the following questions:
o What are the names of some of the credit cards you know?
o What do you think is the average interest rate for credit cards right now?
o Do you have any experience using a credit card? In the U.S.? In your country?
o What are the advantages/disadvantages of using credit cards?
o Do you ever get offers in the mail for credit cards?
Students can silently read Worksheet 5-5a, Credit Card
Offers. In small groups, answer the first questions, listing
the good things about the credit card offer. Answers may
include: a low annual fee, no application fee, $3,000 in
credit, can be used at 20 million locations, can call to get
card faster.
Next, discuss the "fine print" or small letters often at the
end of the offer. This activity is designed to show students
that sometimes a credit card offer can look great when you
read it the first time or don't completely understand what it
says.
Show the "Visa Credit Card Terms" chart on Overhead 2-B
(also at the end of Worksheet 2-5a). Say that this

211

vocabulary and the related numbers, amounts, and

percentages are often confusing and that you'll discuss all
the terms in the following activity.
Before distributing Worksheet 5-5b, What Offers Really
Mean, cut the chart into five parts for the five groups
(Groups A through E). Distribute only one term (plus the
two related questions) per group. For example, Group A
will have the term "2.9% APR on purchases until May 1st,
2002," the explanation of the term, and the two related
true/false questions that follow it.
Have each group discuss their group's term and come up
with answers to the two related true/false questions.
Circulate around the room, and be sure each group has the
correct answers.
When groups have finished, distribute Worksheet 5-5b,
What Offers Really Mean.
Have a representative from each group explain what their
group's term was. Have them describe what the term "said"
and "what it really meant" to the class.
After the explanation of the term, have the other groups to
try and answer the true/false questions of the group that is
presenting.
After several minutes, have the representative from the
group that is presenting solicit each of the other group's
responses and provide/explain the correct answer. (Again,
be sure that each group has the correct answers to their
questions before they have to present the term to the class.)
Using Worksheet 5-5a as a reference, groups can then
continue to answer the additional comprehension questions
on Worksheet 5-5b and do the vocabulary matching.
Review questions and answers as a group.
Summarize by reviewing the questions at the bottom of
Worksheet 5-5b, the questions students can ask before
applying for a credit cards.

Answers: Worksheet 2-5b, What Offers Really Mean

1. false 2. true 3. false 4. true 5. false 6. false

7. true

8. false

9. true 10. false

Answers:
Comprehension Questions: 1. $29 2. 25 days 3. yes 4. 13.99 5. 20.99 6. It can go up to 23.99%.
Vocabulary Matching: 1. G 2. D 3. B 4. A 5. F 6. C 7. E

212

Credit

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

More Credit Card Terms and Offers Practice

Materials
Worksheet 5-6: More Credit Card Terms and Offers Practice
Bring in some credit card offers, either from the mail or the
internet, share them with students, and allow them to analyze
the offers.
Have students complete Worksheet 5-6, More Credit Terms
and Offers Practice. Review the answers during the following
class.

Answers: Worksheet 2-6, More Credit Terms and Offers Practice

Page 1: 1. purchases: 11.99%; balance transfers: 4% of the amount of each balance transfer,
but not less than $10; cash purchases: 28.99%
2. yes (5.9%)
3. $0 (There isn't an annual
fee.) 4. 20 days
5. $29
Page 3: 1. $43.00
2. $972.02 3. $60.00 4. 12.99%
5. $12.46 6. 3 7. 12/10/01

Credit

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Additional Information: What to Do When You Can't Pay

Remind students of these two things for maintaining a good credit rating from the credit
lesson on practicalmoneyskills.com.
o Cut expenses and think about what you can really pay each month.
o Contact your creditors immediately to let them know you can't pay. Ask them to
explain a plan for paying the debt.
Then, write this information on the board for students to copy. It is for those with
credit/debt problems who need advice and counseling (there is a fee for most services).
Companies and agencies that are not members of the organizations below may not be
legitimate and may take advantage of customers.
* The National Foundation for Consumer Credit & Debt Advice
http://www.debtadvice.org/index.html. Call 800-388-2227 (800-682-9832 in Spanish) to find the
nearest office; or
* The Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies
http://www.aiccca.org or 800-450-1794.
* You may let students know how to get a free credit report by passing on the information in
the Equifax listing in the Lesson 2 Web Links section.

213

Credit

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Reflection
Students will write down or discuss one thing they learned in class in this unit.
This could be a new financial concept, a new word, or a grammar point.
Use your chart to record financial literacy gains.

214

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Credit
Materials
Bad Credit No Loan!
Picture Story Sequence

Lesson 5: Credit

Warm Up Picture Story D

________________________________________________________________
Number the pictures then tell the story in your own words.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

215

Listening Check

Lesson 5: Credit

Overhead 5-A
________________________________________________________________

Listening Check: Do you understand?

Circle

yes

1.

Max has credit cards.

no

yes

2.

Max has a good credit history.

no

yes

3.

Mr. Lawrence thinks Max has a good

rental history.
no
Mr. Lawrence will write Max a letter.
no

5.

The letter needs to say how long Max

has lived in the U. S.
no

yes

The letter needs to say if Max pays

his rent on time.
no

yes

7.

Max wants to buy a house.

no

8.

Max will pick up the letter from

Mr. Lawrence at 6:30.
no

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

no

yes

4.

6.

or

yes

yes

yes

Unit II: Planning for the Future

216

Fine Print Chart

Lesson 5: Credit

Overhead 5-B
________________________________________________________________

Visa Credit Card Terms

Annual Percentage Rates
Promotional rate of 2.9% on
purchases until May 1st, 2008.
After May 1st, 2008:
Purchases: 13.99%
Cash advances: 20.99%
If you do not follow the Terms: Up
to 23.99%
Grace Period
25 days, but none on balance
transfers
Annual Fee
$25
Minimum Finance Charge
50 cents
Transaction Fee for Cash
3% of the amount of each cash
Advances
advance, but not less than $10
Transaction Fee for Balance
3% of the amount of each balance
Transfers
transfer, but not less than $10
Transaction Fee for Late Payments $29
Over-the-Credit-Limit Fee
$29

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

217

Experience with Credit

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-1
________________________________________________________________
Before you Read:

Complete the sentences about yourself.

1.

I __________________ a credit card.

have / dont have

2.

I __________________ a credit card in my country.

had / didnt have

3.

I think credit cards are good because _____________________________

__________________________________________________

4.

I think credit cards are bad because ______________________________

__________________________________________________

5.

I __________________ received a loan in the U.S.

have / havent

6.

I ______________________ a loan in my country.

received / didnt receive

What kinds of credit do these pictures represent?

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

218

What is Credit and

Why You Need It

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-2 page 1

________________________________________________________________

What is Credit and Why You Need It

Some day, you will probably want to get a loan for a car or a house. To
qualify for a large loan, you will need to have a credit history. In other
words, you will need to show a history of borrowing money and paying it
back. Banks and other financial institutions want to know that you are a
low risk when they lend you money. They want to be as sure as possible
that you will pay the money back. There are three principal ways to
establish a credit history.
1)

Credit Cards: If you make purchases with a credit card and always pay the
money back, the bank feels confident that you will pay back other types of
loans. A credit card is an excellent way to show you are a low credit risk
for a bank. But, sometimes, people with no credit history in the United
States have trouble getting their first credit card. If that is the case, you can
get a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, you give the bank
a deposit. Then, they are sure you will have the money to pay your credit
card bill. Later, you can apply for an unsecured credit card. You dont
have to make a deposit.

2)

Loans: If you have received a loan from a bank or another business and
you demonstrate that you paid it back, the bank will probably trust that you
will pay back other types of loans.

3)

Non-Traditional Way: If you dont have credit cards or loans, you can still
get credit. You usually need to provide documents proving you have a
stable work history, and records from your landlord and utility
companies showing you pay your rent or other bills on time. If a family
member or friend gave you a loan and you paid it back, you can ask them
to write a letter.

219

What is Credit and

Why You Need It

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-2 page 2

________________________________________________________________

Did you understand?

Choose from the vocabulary words below to complete the sentences.
credit history

credit risk

secured

non-traditional

deposit

lend

1.

A low _______________________ is someone the bank believes will

probably pay back a loan.

2.

Your _______________________ is your record of borrowing money and

paying it back.

3.

A secured credit card requires a _________________.

4.

If you have trouble establishing credit, its a good idea to get a

_______________________ credit card.

5.

Showing your rental history and bills is a ______________________ way

of establishing credit.

Vocabulary: From the story on page 1, find synonoms (words

with similar meaning) for the words below.
1.

unusual, not typical ___________________________________________

2.

safe, protected _______________________________________________

3.

prove, confirm, create _________________________________________

4.

believe _____________________________________________________

5.

danger or chance _____________________________________________

6.

gas, electric and water companies _______________________________

7.

showing or demonstrating ______________________________________

220

You Decide:
Low or High Credit Risk?

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-3
___________________________________________________________

You Decide: Low or High Credit Risk?

1.

When Silvia first arrived in the United States, she worked as a babysitter for an
American family. After about one year, she got very sick and had to go to the hospital.
The family paid for her care in the hospital. Silvia has been paying the family $40 a
month for two years. ______

2.

Li Ping has a credit card and she uses it all the time. She owes between $500 and
$1000 and pays the minimum each month. She has been late three times in the last
year with her payment. ______

3.

Mohammed came to the United States three years ago. He got a job nine months ago
as an electronic assembler. Before that, he was studying English and electronics and
receiving government assistance. He has lived in the same apartment for three years
and always pays his rent and other bills on time. ______

4.

Max has had a credit card for three years but he has only used it once. ______

5.

Luigi came to the United States 20 years ago and is a permanent resident. Fifteen years
ago he got a student loan to go to college, but he dropped out of school and never paid
back the loan. Now, he has a credit card and always pays it off every month, and he has
a good record with his other bills too. ______

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

221

Asking a Landlord for a Letter

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-4 page 1

__________________________________________________________

Conversation: Asking a landlord for a letter.Listen to the conversation.

Answer the questions and then practice with a partner.
Landlord:

Hello.

Renter:

Hello. May I speak with Mr. Lawrence please?

Landlord:

Yes, this is Bob Lawrence.

Renter:

Hi. This is Max from Apartment 112 on 36th Steet.

Landlord:

Yes. What can I do for you?

Renter:

I am applying for a loan to buy a car, and I need to show the bank I have
a good record of paying my rent on time.

Landlord:

Okay. But, Im not sure I understand.

Renter:

I dont have any credit cards, but I always pay my bills on time. The bank
told me to get letters to show I have a good record. Could you write me a
letter?

Landlord:

Yes, of course. What information do you need in the letter?

Renter:

It needs to say how long Ive lived here and that Ive never been late with
the rent.

Landlord:

Is that it?

Renter:

I think so.

Landlord:

When do you need it?

Renter:

As soon as possible. When could you have it ready?

Landlord:

Tomorrow after 6:00 p.m.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

222

Asking a Landlord for a Letter

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-4 page 2

__________________________________________________________
Renter:

Can I pick it up, or will you send it to me?

Landlord:

You can pick it up.

Renter:

Okay, great. Ill be there around 6:30. Thank you so much.

Landlord:

Youre welcome. Ill see you tomorrow.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

223

What Offers Really Mean

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-5b page 1

________________________________________________________________

What Offers Really Mean

After you read a credit card invitation and the terms, make sure that you
understand all of the vocabulary and rules. Sometimes a credit card offer
will say one thing, but it means something different. Read this explanation
of the vocabulary and terms from the invitation.

What Offers Really Mean

What it says:

A.

What it really means:

The APR, annual percentage rate, is the average interest rate

that you will pay for the whole year. 2.9% is a very good and low
rate. Unfortunately, this good rate is only valid until May 1st,
2008. After that, it will increase to 13.99% or higher.
G
The interest rate in June 2008
r
will be 2.9%.
True
False
o
u
The interest rate can go higher
p

2.9% APR on
purchases until May 1st,
2008

1.
2.

B.

than 13.99% in the future.

True

False

The annual fee is what you pay once a year to use the credit
card. $25 is a low fee, but many credit card companies have NO
annual fee.
G
The annual fee is paid one time when
r
you first get the credit card.
True
False
o
u
Some credit cards do not charge
p

A low annual fee of

$25

3.
4.

an annual fee.

True

False

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

224

What it says:

C.

What it really means:

The grace period is the time that the company gives you to pay
off your debt without paying interest. For example, if you use
your credit card to buy a new TV for $200 and you pay back
the credit card company before the grace period ends, you
dont have to pay interest. Most grace periods are 25-30 days.
G
You always have to pay interest when
r
you use a credit card.
True
False
o
u
A typical grace period is 45 days.
True
False
p

Grace period: 25
days

5.
6.

D.

Transaction Fee for

Cash Advances

When you use your credit card to get cash, this is a cash
advance. There is an extra fee for cash advances. Cash
advances often have a higher interest rate than purchases.

7.

You can use a credit card to get cash.

True

False

8.

You dont pay interest on a cash

advance.

True

False

G
r
o
u
p
D

E. Over the credit limit

fee : $29

9.
10.

Your credit limit is the total amount of money that the credit
card company will permit you to spend with your credit card. A
person who receives a new credit card might have a low credit
limit of $500. A person with a good credit history might have a
credit limit of $10,000. If you accidentally spend more than
your credit limit, you must pay a fee to the credit card
company. Most fees for this are around $29.
G
You must pay a fee every time you
r
spend more than your limit.
True
False
o
u
Credit limits are the same for everyone. True
False
p
E

225

What Offers Really Mean

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-5b page 3

________________________________________________________________

Read the terms on the Visa Credit Card Terms chart (on worksheet 25a) to answer these questions about the credit card.
1.

How much is the fee if your payment arrives one day after the due
date? _______________________________________________________

2.

How long is the grace period for this credit card?

3.

Is there an annual fee? _________________________________________

4.

What is the interest rate for something you buy after May 1, 2008? ______

5.

What is the interest rate for a cash advance? _______________________

6.

What can happen to the interest rate if you do not follow the
terms and rules of the company? ____________________________

226

What Offers Really Mean

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-5b page 4

________________________________________________________________

Match each vocabulary word to the best definition.

1. credit limit ________________

A. The amount of time that

you have to pay the
company without interest

2. transaction fee ____________

B. The amount of yearly

interest

3. APR ____________________

C. A yearly fee to use the

credit card

4. grace period____________

D. An extra fee for special

services

5. interest __________________

E. When you receive cash

from the credit card
company.

6. annual fee ________________

F. The extra amount that you

pay the company to use
their card when you dont
pay the entire bill.

7. cash advance _____________

G. The highest total amount

that you can charge with
your card

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

227

What Offers Really Mean

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-5b page 5

________________________________________________________________

Credit card companies make a lot of money from the interest that
customers pay them. They want your business! They will send invitations
in the mail, call you on the phone, advertise on the
internet, and do many other things to find new customers. Before you
decide to apply for a credit card, be sure to understand and know the
answers to these four important questions.

What is the interest rate for purchases, balance transfers, and cash
advances?

Is there a special introductory rate?

How much is the annual fee?

How long is the grace period?

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

228

Credit Card Offers

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-5a page 1

________________________________________________________________

Credit Card Offers

Many people use credit cards to pay for things when they dont have enough cash.
Others use them as a convenience so they dont have to carry cash or a checkbook.
Before you decide to get a credit card, its important to understand all of the rules and
vocabulary. Then you can look for the credit card that is best for you.
Many credit card companies send letters to invite you to use their credit card. These
letters often have offers that sound fantastic, but they usually arent as good as they
seem! Be sure to read the invitations carefully so that you understand all of the
important information.
Read the credit card offer below and then work with a partner to answer the
following questions.
1. Is this a good offer?

Yes

No

Im not sure.

2. What do you think are some of the good things about this credit card?
Note: Every credit card offer or invitation must include the terms, which are the rules
and information that you need to decide if it is a good opportunity for you. This
information is often written in very small letters and included on the back of the offer.
This is the most important part for you to read! Read through the information below
Visa Credit Card Terms
Annual Percentage Rates

Grace Period
Annual Fee
Minimum Finance Charge
Transaction Fee for Cash Advances
Transaction Fee for Balance Transfers
Transaction Fee for Late Payments
Over-the-Credit-Limit Fee

Promotional rate of 2.9% on purchases until May 1st, 2008.

After May 1st, 2008:
Purchases: 13.99%
Cash advances: 20.99%
If you do not follow the Terms: Up to 23.99%
25 days, but none on balance transfers
$25
50 cents
3% of the amount of each cash advance, but not less than $10
3% of the amount of each balance transfer, but not less than $10
$29
$29

229

Credit Card Offers

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-5a page 2

________________________________________________________________

You are pre-approved

For our new Visa card
#### 42356752980 8777083 KNBV
Marco Sanchez
8679 3rd Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 92345-4337

Just fill out the application and

mail it before August 21, 2007!

2.9%APR
on purchases

until May 1, 2008

Dear Marco Sanchez,

You have been invited to save with a low annual fee Visa Gold card. Its not everyday that you can get a
card like this one. A card that saves money in interest and therefore gives you more cash to spend each
month. Plus, it comes with a special APR of 2.9% on purchases until May 1st, 2008, and a low annual fee
of only $25.

Get up to $3,000 in new credit

And you could earn more credit in just a few months. In the meantime, you can use your new card to
shop anywhere that accepts Visa (more than 20 million locations).

Simply return the form below

Theres no application fee, so you send no money to apply. Just fill out the Acceptance Certificate and
mail it back in the enclosed envelope. Or, if you want to receive your card faster, call us now toll-free at
1-800-678-1900.
Sincerely,

Mark Schall
Business Manager

P.S. Remember, your Visa Gold card comes to you with a special introductory APR of 2.9% on
purchases until May 1, 2008 and a low annual fee of $25. Return your application or call us now
so you can enjoy the benefits of your new card.
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

230

More Credit Card Terms and

Offers Practice

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-6 page 1

________________________________________________________________

Look at the terms from this Advantage Mastercard and answer the
questions.
Advantage Mastercard Terms
Annual Percentage Rates

Grace Period
Annual Fee
Minimum Finance Charge
Transaction Fee for Cash Advances
Transaction Fee for Balance Transfers
Transaction Fee for Late Payments
Over-the-Credit-Limit Fee

Introductory rate of 5.9% until June 1st, 2008.

After June 1st, 2008:
For purchases: 11.99%
For cash advances: 28.99%
If you do not follow the Terms: Up to 23.99%
20 days, but none on balance transfers
None
50 cents
4% of the amount of each cash advance, but not less than $10
4% of the amount of each balance transfer, but not less than $10
$29
$29

1.

What is the interest rate after June 1, 2008 for:

purchases =__________________________________________________
balance transfers = ____________________________________________
cash advances = ______________________________________________

2.

Is there a special introductory rate? _______________________________

3.

How much is the annual fee? ____________________________________

4.

How long is the grace period? ___________________________________

5.

What is the fee for late payments? ________________________________

Reading a Credit Card Statement

When you use a credit card, you will receive a bill every month. You should
read your bill carefully to be sure that the information is correct. Its a good
idea to keep the receipts from your credit card transactions until you see
them on your bill. Then you can make sure that the bill has the correct
information for each transaction.
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

231

More Credit Card Terms and

Offers Practice

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-6 page 2

________________________________________________________________

Credit Card Bill

The date when the
credit card company
recorded or
processed Olgas
credit card activity
America One
Visa

The date
when the
activity
happened

The highest total

amount that Olga is
allowed to charge
with her card.

Remove top portion and return with payment

For account information call 1-800-789-6677

Olga Ivanovich
1622 Cordly Drive
San Diego, CA 92105

Make check payable to:

America One Bank
P.O. Box 1234
Anywhere, CA 92111

Cash
or Credit

Days in
Billing

Closing

Account
Number
5490 9966 1225 9833
Payment
Due Date

New
Balance

12/10/01

$972.02

Minimum
Payment
Due
Minimum
$43.00
Payment

Amount
Enclosed
Payment

Account NumberCredit LimitAvailableCycle Date

Due Due Date

Posting Transaction Reference

5490
9966 1225
9833
$3,000.00
33
11/14/01
Date
Date
Number $2027.98
Transactions November
2001

$43.00
Charges

8765
2098

Walmark #147 San Diego

Payment Thank you

37.17
60.00

Purchases and Adjustments

10/18
1666
Summary
of Transactions
10/26
11/01

- Payments

1790
3387

Previous and
+ Cash
Balance

Office Port San Diego, CA

Thompsons Medical El Cajon, CA
Cutrite Market San
Diego, CA
+Purchases
+Periodic

and

17.63
90.00
47.12

(=) New

Charge

Fee

Total

$12.46

$0.00

$972.02

Mail payments to:

America One Bank
P.O. Box 1234

Anywhere, USA
92111

The total amount of

money that Olga
owed last month

The smallest amount of

money that Olga can pay
for this month

The period from the first

day to the last day of this
statement

The last day of transactions

that was included in this
statement
The amount of credit that
Olga can borrow before she
reaches her credit limit

Rate Finance+ Transaction

Balance
Credits
Advances Adjustments
For this billing period:
$901.98
$97.17Rate.12.99%
$0.00
$154.75
Annual Percentage

For customer
information call
1-800-789-6677

The total amount of money

that Olga owes

12/10/01
Credits

Payments and Credits

10/21
11/07

The date that the credit

card company must
receive Olgas payment

Everything that Olga

bought or paid for

Total Minimum Payment Due

Past due amount ............ $0.00
Current payment .......... $43.00
Total Minimum
Payment Due ............... $43.00

The interest rate Olga

will pay this month

The amount that Olga

will pay for interest
this month

late
232

More Credit Card Terms and

Offers Practice

Lesson 5: Credit

Worksheet 5-6 page 3

________________________________________________________________

Read this credit card bill and answer each question.

1.

What is the smallest amount that Olga can pay this month? ____________

2.

How much does Olga owe America One Bank?______________________

3.

How much did she pay the credit card company last month? ___________

4.

What is the APR during this month? _______________________________

5.

How much does she owe for interest this month? ____________________

6.

How many purchases did she make during this billing period? __________

7.

When is her next payment due? __________________________________

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

233

Practical Money Skills

Three Cs

234

235

236

237

Unit 6
Loans
High-Intermediate and Advanced
Objectives
Identify different types or purposes of loans.
Evaluate car loans based on interest rate and monthly
payment.
Ask appropriate questions in order to select a loan.
Language and/or EFF skills practiced: use math to solve
problems and communicate; cooperate with others; read
with understanding.
In this unit
Activity 6-1: Loans
Activity 6-2: Do You Have BIG Dreams?
Activity 6-3: Shopping for a Loan: Samuel and Miranda's Story
Activity 6-4: Which Loan Is Best?
Activity 6-5: Pronunciation Practice
Activity 6-6: Asking the Right Questions of the Loan Officer
Activity 6-7: Filling Out a Loan Application
Final Activity: Reflection
Materials
Overhead 6-A: Which Loan is Best?
Worksheet 6-1: The Car Loan Picture Story Sequencing
Worksheet 6-2: Do You Have Big Dreams
Worksheet 6-3: Shopping for a Loan
Worksheet 6-4: Which Loan is Best?
Worksheet 6-5: Pronunciation Practice
Worksheet 6-6: Asking the Right Questions of the Loan Officer
Worksheet 6-7: Filling Out a Loan Application - Worksheet and Answer Key
Calculators

238

Background Information for Teacher Reference

Literacy Level

Financial Literacy Gains Chart for Ongoing Assessment: chart that can be used throughout
Money Talks lessons to record student gains in financial literacy.
Using Picture Stories: Review Picture Story Technique: Letting the Pictures Tell the Story
in the Teachers Guide.

Loans

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Warm-up: Loans
Materials
Worksheet 6-1: The Car Loan Picture Story Sequencing
Vocabulary: Use a mind map or word web to generate
vocabulary from students about loans.
1. Write loan in a circle and draw other circles around it.
2. Encourage students to add related words to the outer
circles.
3. As a whole group, take a look at the words in the word
web, and, if the following words did not come up, add
them to the list: "interest rate," "monthly payment,"
"debt," and "application."
4. Discuss the meanings of all terms.

Loans

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Presentation
Transition: Ask students if they have any loans, and ask what they are for.
Picture Story:
Pass out the Worksheet 6-1, The Car Loan Picture Story
Sequencing. (The story is out of order.)
Tell students that the pictures are out of order and that you are
going to read the story in the correct order.
Before reading the story out loud, have students, in pairs, talk
about what they think is going on in each picture.
Read the story out loud twice, and have students, with their
partner, put the story in order (by placing numbers 1 - 10 in
the box found on each picture or cutting the pictures up and
putting them in order).
About halfway through the activity, read the story again so
students can check their progress.
When students complete the story sequence, read the story
again. Check students' work. In pairs, have students retell the
story in their own words.

239

 Conclude the activity by having volunteers retell the story, or

go around the room and have each person talk about one
picture in their own words.
Extension: Students can write out the story in their own words on their own time.
The Car Loan
Marco can't afford a car, so he has to take the bus when he goes on dates with his girlfriend.
She's angry because the bus is always late. He decides to save money for a down payment on a
used car. After six months, he goes to a car lot called Friendly Joe's Used Cars.
He needs to get a loan, but he's confused by the loan terms. He meets with a loan officer who
explains the numbers. Marco fills out a loan application and drives away in his new car.
Marco is very happy, and his girlfriend is too. But, the car breaks down on their way to their
favorite Italian restaurant. The engine is smoking, and so is Marco's girlfriend!
At the repair shop, the mechanic hands Marco an estimate for the engine repair, $500. Marco is
shocked. He doesn't have enough money for the repair.
The next week, Marco waits at the bus stop once again. He sees his ex-girlfriend drive by in her
new boyfriend's flashy new sports car.
Wrap-up: Discuss
If you wanted to buy a car in your country, how would you do it?
Would you get a loan?
What if you wanted to buy other things, like a computer, a vacation, or a home?

Loans

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Reading: Do You Have BIG Dreams?

Materials
Worksheet 6-2: Do You Have Big Dreams?
Ask students to read to themselves and complete the reading
check.
When finished, have students compare and discuss answers with
a partner.
Review and discuss the answers as a class.

240

Answers:
1. no
2. yes

3. yes

4. yes

5. yes

Loans

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Practice: Shopping for a Loan: Samuel and Miranda's Story

Materials
Worksheet 6-3: Shopping for a Loan
1. Look at pictures in the story and have students make predictions about what they see by
asking leading questions like:
a. What is Samuel's job?
b. What does Samuel want to buy?
c. What do you think Samuel and Miranda are talking about?
2. Tell students that they will read about Samuel and Miranda's story and that they will need
to read carefully to answer the series of questions that follow the story.
3. Read the first question out loud to show students the type of
information they will need to answer; have them pay particular
attention to amounts of money stated, and suggest circling or
highlighting specific items.
4. Have students briefly read to themselves all the questions so
they know the purpose of their reading.
5. Have students work in groups (or pairs) to read the story, and
then answer the questions. Ask students to assign roles to
group members (like leader, secretary, timekeeper, presenter).
This helps groups stay on task. Give students a certain amount
of time to complete the activity, and circulate and visit each
group or pair. Provide guidance as needed.
6. Have students move on to the vocabulary check after their
group completes the questions about Samuel and Miranda.
7. For unfamiliar terms, suggest that students look at the story to
decipher the meaning.
8. When everyone is finished, call on groups to offer their
answers. Discuss any discrepancies.
Answers:
1. How much money have Samuel and Miranda saved together? $1200 ($100 a month for 12
months)
2. How much did Samuel save when he was single? $1680 ($40 a month for 42 months - He was
working for 3 1/2 years before he got married.)
3. Now, Samuel and Miranda have ___ for a down payment. $2040 (half of $1680 = $840 +
$1200)
4. What do Samuel and Miranda take home in pay each month? $2010 ($1200 + $800)
5. What are their fixed expenses each month? $1500 ($750 + $45 + $55 + $300 + $150 + $200)

241

6. If they save $100 per month, how much monthly income remains? $410 ($2010 - $1500 $100)
7. What are some situations that Samuel and Miranda could encounter that would make their
economic circumstances more difficult? Answers will vary but may include: 1) loss of job; 2)
health problem or hospitalization; 3) having a baby, etc.
8. How much do you think they could safely spend on a car payment each month? Answers will
vary, but should not be more then $200.
As a class, review the vocabulary check.
Answers:
afford=f; benefits=d; down payment=e; expense=i; fee=b;
loan officer=c; monthly=a; net=h; remain=l; spend=m

Loans

gross=g;

income=k;

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Practice: Which Loan Is Best?

Materials
Overhead 6-A: Which Loan is Best?
Worksheet 6-4: Which Loan is Best?
The story of Samuel and Miranda continues, and again
students will need to read the story and answer questions.
This time they will need to look at a chart.
Show the first chart using an overhead, and be sure students
understand how to read the chart and what the numbers
mean. Talk about things like, "Is it better to get a high or low
interest rate for your loan?" and explain why. Have students
then read the continuation of the story, up to the point of the
first chart, then as a class, with your guidance, answer the
first three questions.

California Mutual Bank

Which loan has the lowest monthly payment? Loan C
Which loan has the lowest interest rate? Loan A
Which loan has the lowest total cost? Loan A
Then, have students continue in their same small group, change groups, or work in pairs
to continue answering the questions.
Circulate to assist groups and provide guidance. As a class, discuss answers.

242

* West Coast Federal Credit Union: What is best about this loan - its interest rate or its
monthly payment? interest rate
* Loans 'R Us Online: What is best about this loan - its interest rate or its monthly payment?
monthly payment
* Joe Friendly Used Cars: What is best about this loan - its interest rate or its monthly
payment? monthly payment
Have students answer questions about loans A-F.

Answers:
1. Loan E 2. Loan A 3. Loan D 4. Loan F 5. Loan D ($10,860) 6. Loan E ($12,240)
7. 3 years; 4 years; 5 years; 6 years 8. shorter loans 9. longer loans 10. Answers will
vary.

Loans

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Pronunciation Practice
Materials
Worksheet 6-5: Pronunciation Practice
Have students drill the questions as pronunciation practice
before moving on to the pair practice information gap
exercises (next activity). Place stress (higher pitch) on the
words in italics.
In preparation for Activity 3-6, have students look at the
Golden State Bank chart at the bottom of Worksheet 6-5.
Have them ask you an appropriate question to be able to fill in
an amount for each box. As a follow up, model how to say
each amount (for example, "eight and a half percent"). They
will need to become comfortable with saying these types of
amounts for Activity 3-6.

243

Answers:
purchase price: $8,000; down payment: $3,000; amount financed: $5,000; length of loan in
months: 72; interest rate 8.5%; monthly payment $89; total interest to be paid: $1,400; total
cost: $9,400; fees: $25

Loans

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Practice: Asking the Right Questions of the Loan Officer

Materials
Worksheet 6-6: Asking the Right Questions of the Loan Officer
Have students complete the information-gap activity in pairs
using similar questions and answers.
For guidelines on how to conduct information gap activities
and other ESOL conversation generating techniques, see
Teaching ESOL: Best Practices.
Remind students to not allow their partner to see the answers
but rather to ask their partner to clarify and repeat if
necessary.
Wrap up the activity by having volunteers say the answers out
loud.

Loans

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Application: Filling Out a Loan Application

Materials
Worksheet 6-7: Filling Out a Loan Application: Worksheet and Answer Key
Preparation:
Students can locate most of the information for the loan application
form in the lesson's reading. Provide students with the additional
information needed for the form either by providing the handout,
Worksheet 3-7, writing the information on the board, or by dictation.
Do this first before students start to fill out the form so they know
what information they will need to locate in the readings.
When finished, students can share their answers. Answers for the
information students need to find is in the Answer Key. You can
review this together either by using an overhead or providing student
copies of a form you complete.

244

High-Intermediate/ Advanced
Reflection
Students will write down or discuss one thing they learned in class in this unit.
This could be a new financial concept, a new word, or a grammar point.
Use your chart to record financial literacy gains.

Loans

245

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Loans
Materials
Which Loan is Best?

Lesson 6: Loans
Overhead 6-A ____

Which Loan is Best?

California Mutual Bank (Samuel and Mirandas bank)
Loan

Purchase
Price

Down
Payment

Amount
Financed

Length
of Loan
(in
months)

Interest
Rate

Monthly
Payment

Total
Interest
to be
Paid

Total Cost
(down
payment +
principal +
interest)

A
B
C

$10,000
$10,000
$10,000

$2,000
$2,000
$2,000

$8,000
$8,000
$8,000

36
48
60

7.5%
8.25%
8.25%

$249
$196
$163

$959
$1420
$1790

$10,959
$11,420
$11,790

Which loan has the lowest monthly payment?

Which loan has the lowest interest rate?
Which loan has the lowest total cost?

________________________________________________
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

246

The Car Loan

Picture Story Sequencing_

Lesson 6: Loans
Worksheet 6-1 ____

Put the story in order. Tell the story again.

________________________________________________
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

247

Do You Have Big Dreams

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-2
________________________________________________________________

Do You Have BIG Dreams?

Do you want to buy something big? A car? A house? Do you want to start your own
business? Do you want to study at the university? If you answered "yes" to any of these
questions, you will probably need to get a loan. There are many types of loans:

car loans
home loans (also called a mortgage)
business loans
student loans
personal loans (to pay for other expensive things like computers or
travel)

But before you get a loan, you need to know some important information. What are the
fees? What is the interest rate? What will your monthly payments be? How long will you
have to make payments? Like finding the best checking or savings account, you need to
shop to find the best loan for you. You will want to ask experts to help you, people like
financial planners or counselors, and loan officers at a bank.

Reading Check:
Do you understand? Circle

yes

or

no.

1. A car loan is also called a mortgage.

yes

no

2. A financial counselor is an example of a loan

expert.

yes

no

3. You can get a loan to study at the university.

yes

no

4. You can use a personal loan to buy a computer.

yes

no

5. You always have to pay interest on a loan.

yes

no

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

248

Shopping for a Loan

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-3 page 1

________________________________________________________________

Shopping for a Loan

You are going to practice shopping for a loan by helping Samuel and
Miranda find a car loan. Read carefully. You will need to answer some
questions about Samuel and Mirandas savings. Read the questions first so
you know what information to look for. As you read, you may want to
highlight or circle information that will help you answer the questions.

Samuel and Mirandas Story

Samuel Reyes has been living in the United States for five years. He
started working after he had been here for six months. He is 26 years old
and got married one year ago. When he was single,
Samuel saved an average of $40 per month, and
was able to save $1,680.
He and his wife do not have any children yet.
Samuel is a custodian at an office building at night.
He works for a company called Clean by Dawn and
has been with them for three years. He makes $8.50
an hour, but he doesnt have any benefits. In other
words, his company doesnt give him health insurance or any paid days off.
His wife, Miranda, is 24 years old. She works part-time as a cashier in an
electronics store called Electronics Depot, and she makes $7.75 an hour. If
Samuel had a car, he could get a custodial position in the school district.
He would make $10.15 an hour and receive benefits. He needs a car
because custodians must travel to different schools when they are first
hired.
Samuel and Miranda have been saving money for a down
payment on a car or small truck. A down payment is the
money you pay to the car dealer
www.valrc.org/courses/moneytalks High-Intermediate/Advanced Unit II: Planning for the Future

249

Shopping for a Loan

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-3 page 2

________________________________________________________________

when you purchase the car. The larger the down payment you give, the
less you will have to borrow.
Since they have been married, Samuel and Miranda have been putting
$100 a month for past 12 months into a special savings club to save for the
down payment.
Samuel and Miranda decide to use half of Samuels savings for the down
payment in addition to the money they have saved together.
But before they shop for a loan, they need to think about
how much they can afford to pay each month. Samuel grosses about
$1,400 per month, but, after taxes and insurance, his take-home pay is
approximately $1,200. Miranda earns $950 per month, but her net pay is
only about $810.
Samuel and Miranda have the following fixed monthly expenses: rent $750; gas and electric - $45; telephone -- $55; food - $300; transportation -$150; money sent to families $200.
They would also like to continue saving at least $100 a month to save for a
down payment on a house.
Finally, everyone needs to have money available
for rainy days, emergencies or unexpected
expenses. (Rainy days is an idiom which means
hard or difficult times.)
Now, Samuel and Miranda are ready to shop for
a loan.

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

250

Shopping for a Loan

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-3 page 3

________________________________________________________________

As you read, write down information from the story to help you answer the
comprehension questions.
Who

What

How much

Comment

Example: Samuel &

Special savings

$100 for one year of

$1200 total

Miranda

account for down

marriage (12

payment

months)

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

251

Shopping for a Loan

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-3 page 4

________________________________________________________________

Comprehension Questions

1. How much money have Samuel and Miranda saved together?

_________
2. How much did Samuel save when he was single? _________
3. Now, Samuel and Miranda have _____________ for a down payment for
their car or truck.
4. What do Samuel and Miranda take home in pay each month?
____________
5. What are their fixed expenses each month? ___________
6. If they save $100 per month, how much monthly income remains?
______________
7. What are some things that could happen to Samuel and Miranda that
would make their money situation more difficult? ________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
8. How much do you think they could safely spend on a car payment each
month? _________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

www.valrc.org/courses/moneytalks

High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

252

Shopping for a Loan

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-3 page 5

________________________________________________________________

Vocabulary Check: Match the vocabulary with the definition.

There is one extra definition.
can afford ___

a. every month

benefits ___

b. extra charge

down payment ___

c. bank employee who helps find loans

expense ____

d. sick leave; vacation leave; medical insurance

fee ___

e. money you pay immediately when you buy a car or house

gross ___

f. what you are able to pay

income ___

g. the total amount of your salary before taxes

loan officer ___

h. the amount you actually receive on your paycheck

monthly ___

i. the bills you must pay

net ___

j. the amount of the loan

remain ___

k. what you earn

spend ___

l. what is left
m. money you use or pay out

www.valrc.org/courses/moneytalks

High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

253

Which Loan is Best?

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-4 page 1

________________________________________________________________

Which Loan is Best?

Which loan?
Samuel and Miranda decide that they will need to spend about $10,000 to
get the car they want. They plan to buy a used car, but they dont want it to
be over three years old. They want it to have a warranty because they dont
want to worry about repair costs right away. They are looking at four
different places for their loan. At their bank, they have three options. Then,
they find a loan with a lower interest rate at a local credit union. Next, they
find a loan with a low monthly payment on the internet. Finally, they ask
the car dealer what he can offer.
California Mutual Bank (Samuel and Mirandas bank)
Loan
#

Purchase
Price

Down
Payment

Amount
Financed

Length
of Loan
(in
months)

Interest
Rate

Monthly
Payment

Total
Interest
to be
Paid

A
B
C

$10,000
$10,000
$10,000

$2,000
$2,000
$2,000

$8,000
$8,000
$8,000

36
48
60

7.5%
8.25%
8.25%

$249
$196
$163

$959
$1420
$1790

Total Cost
(down
payment +
principal +
interest)
$10,959
$11,420
$11,790

Which loan has the lowest monthly payment?

Which loan has the lowest interest rate?
Which loan has the lowest total cost?
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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

254

Which Loan is Best?

Lesson 6: Loans
Worksheet 6-4 page 2

_______________________________________________________
West Coast Federal Credit Union
Loan
#

Purchase
Price

Down
Payment

Amount
Financed

Length
of Loan
(in
months)

Interest
Rate

Monthly
Payment

Total
Interest
to be
Paid

$10,000

$2,000

$8,000

36

6.75%

$246

$860

Total Cost
(down
payment +
principal +
interest)
$10,860

What is best about this loan its interest rate or its monthly payment?
Loans R Us Online
Loan
#

Purchase
Price

Down
Payment

Amount
Financed

Length
of Loan
(in
months)

Interest
Rate

Monthly
Payment

Total
Interest
to be
Paid

$10,000

$2,000

$8,000

72

8.5%

$142

$2240

Total Cost
(down
payment +
principal +
interest)
$12,240

What is best about this loan the monthly payment or the interest
rate?
Joe Friendly Used Cars
Loan
#

Purchase
Price

Down
Payment

Amount
Financed

Length
of Loan
(in
months)

Interest
Rate

Monthly
Payment

Total
Interest
to be
Paid

$10,000

$2,000

$8,000

60

9.15%

$167

$1999

Total Cost
(down
payment +
principal +
interest)
$11,999

What is best about this loan the monthly payment or the interest
rate?

255

Which Loan is Best?

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-4 page 3

________________________________________________________________

Answer the following questions about all the loans, A - F.

5.

Which loan has the lowest monthly payment?

6.

Which loan has the highest monthly payment?

7.

Which loan has the lowest interest rate?

8.

Which loan has the highest interest rate?

9.

What is the lowest total cost?

10.

What is the highest total cost?

7. How many years is

36 months? _____
48 months? _____
60 months? _____
72 months? _____
8. Which loans have lower interest rates shorter loans or longer loans?
9. Which loans have lower monthly payments shorter loans or longer loans?
10. In groups, discuss which loan you think is best for Samuel and Miranda.
Which one do you recommend? _____________________________________
What are your reasons for choosing this loan?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________

256

Pronunciation Practice

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-5
________________________________________________________________

Pronunciation Practice
Pronunciation: Practice asking these questions that you will
need to ask a loan officer or financial consultant. Stress the
words that are underlined.
Whats the length of the loan?
Whats the interest rate?
Whats the interest rate for a 36 month loan? (or 60, or 72, etc.)
What will my monthly payment be?
Whats the total interest I will pay on the loan?
What is the total cost of the car with interest?
Are there any additional fees?

Information Gap Warm Up Activity

Ask and answer questions about the loans.
Example. Students ask Teacher: What is the purchase price of the car?,
etc.
Golden State Bank
Purchase
Price

Down
Payment

Amount
Financed

www.valrc.org/courses/moneytalks

Length
of Loan
(in
months)

Interest
Rate

Monthly
Payment

High-Intermediate/Advanced

Total
Interest
to be
Paid

Total Cost
(down
payment +
principal +
interest)

Fees

Unit II: Planning for the Future

257

Asking the Right Questions

To the Loan Officer

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-6
________________________________________________________________

Asking the Right Questions of the Loan Officer (Information Gap

Activity)

Teacher: ------ Cut Here ----------------------------------------------------------Student A ask Student B

Golden State Bank
Purchase
Price

Down
Payment

Amount
Financed

Length
of Loan
(in
months)

Interest
Rate

Monthly
Payment

7.5%
$8,000

Total
Interest
to be
Paid

Total Cost
(down
payment +
principal +
interest)

$659

Fees

NONE

$5,500

Teacher: ------ Cut Here -----------------------------------------------------------

Student B ask Student A

Golden State Bank
Purchase
Price

Down
Payment

Amount
Financed

$2,500

www.valrc.org/courses/moneytalks

Length
of Loan
(in
months)

36

Interest
Rate

Monthly
Payment

$171

High-Intermediate/Advanced

Total
Interest
to be
Paid

Total Cost
(down
payment +
principal +
interest)

Fees

$8,659

Unit II: Planning for the Future

258

Filling Out a Loan Application

Worksheet and Answer Key

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-7 page 1

________________________________________________________________

Filling Out a Loan Application

Loan Application: Fill out the loan application for Samuel and
Miranda Reyes.
The final step in getting a loan is filling out a loan application. You can find
some of the information in the story. Write it down on the application. Then,
your teacher will give you the additional information you will need.
CREDIT APPLICATION
Check
If you are applying for individual credit in your own name.
Appropriate
If you are married, complete section B about your spouse.
Box
If this is an application for joint credit with another person, complete all sections.
Section A. Information Regarding Applicant
LAST NAME (PRINT)

FIRST

MIDDLE INITIAL

BIRTHDATE
5/23/

DRIVERS LICENSE NUMBER

AGES OF
DEPENDENTS

__ MARRIED
__ UNMARRIED
__ SEPARATED

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

HOME PHONE

HOW LONG?

PREVIOUS ADDRESS (TO COVER 5 YEARS RESIDENCE)

CITY

STATE

ZIP

( )
HOW LONG?

YRS
MOS
LIVED IN
COMMUNITY?

PREVIOUS ADDRESS (TO COVER 5 YEARS RESIDENCE)

CITY

STATE

ZIP

YRS
MOS
HOW LONG?

YRS
MOS
LIVED IN
COMMUNITY?

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

YRS
PHONE

MOS

OCCUPATION

YRS
MOS
HOW LONG?

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT (TO COVER 5 YEARS) ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

( 619 ) 230-2013
PHONE

YRS
MOS
HOW LONG?

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

( )
PHONE

YRS
MOS
HOW LONG?

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

( )
PHONE

YRS
MOS
RELATIONSHIP

PRESENT EMPLOYER

NEAREST RELATIVE NOT LIVING WITH APPLICANT

INCOME:

Applicants gross monthly income from employment .........................................................................$_______________

Alimony, child support, or separate income (need not be revealed if you do not wish to have it considered as a
basis for repaying this obligation.......................................................................................................................................$_______________
Amount of other monthly income and source(s).................................................................................$_______________
TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME ......................................................................................................................$_______________

259

Filling Out a Loan Application

Worksheet and Answer Key

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-7 page 2

________________________________________________________________SECTION
B. Information regarding Spouse, or Co-Applicant (Use separate sheets if necessary.)
LAST NAME (PRINT)

FIRST

INITIAL

BIRTHDATE
12/1/

DRIVERS LICENSE NUMBER

AGES OF
DEPENDENTS

__ MARRIED
__ UNMARRIED
__ SEPARATED

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

HOME PHONE

HOW LONG?

PREVIOUS ADDRESS (TO COVER 5 YEARS RESIDENCE)

CITY

STATE

ZIP

( )
HOW LONG?

YRS
MOS
LIVED IN
COMMUNITY?

PREVIOUS ADDRESS (TO COVER 5 YEARS RESIDENCE)

CITY

STATE

ZIP

YRS
MOS
HOW LONG?

YRS
MOS
LIVED IN
COMMUNITY?

OCCUPATION

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

YRS
PHONE

YRS
MOS
HOW LONG?

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT (TO COVER 5 YEARS) ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

( 858 ) 672-1900
PHONE

2 YRS
MOS
HOW LONG?

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

( )
PHONE

YRS
MOS
HOW LONG?

CITY

STATE

( )
PHONE

YRS
MOS
RELATIONSHIP

PRESENT EMPLOYER

.l+,lko7u6nibiNEAREST RELATIVE NOT LIVING WITH APPLICANT

ADDRESS

MOS

ZIP
(

INCOME:

Joint Applicants gross monthly income from employment .............................................................$_______________

Alimony, child support, or separate income (need not be revealed if you do not wish to have it considered
as a basis for repaying this obligation.......................................................................................................$_______________
Amount of other monthly income and source(s).................................................................................$_______________
TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME ......................................................................................................................$_______________

SECTION C. Asset and Debt Information: List all debts including Alimony, Child Support, Separate Maintenance (Use a
separate page if necessary.)
LANDLORD OR MORTGAGE HOLDER
__ OWN
J.C. Park
__ RENT
DATE HOME PURCHASED
MARKET VALUE

ADDRESS

MORTGAGE BALANCE

PAYMENT OR RENT

2ND MORTGAGE
AMOUNT

PAYMENT

4915 Bates Road

AGE OF HOME

PRICE PAID FOR HOME

TYPE OF CREDIT

COMPANY NAME

ACCOUNT NO.

BALANCE

MONTHLY PAYMENTS

TYPE OF CREDIT

COMPANY NAME

ACCOUNT NO.

BALANCE

MONTHLY PAYMENT

TYPE OF CREDIT

COMPANY NAME

ACCOUNT NO.

BALANCE

MONTHLY PAYMENT

PRESENT VEHICLE FINANCED BY

ACCOUNT NO.

BALANCE

MONTHLY PAYMENT

BANK REFERENCE

ACCOUNT NUMBER

BRANCH

BALANCE

__ CHECKING
__ SAVINGS

260

Filling Out a Loan Application

Worksheet and Answer Key

Lesson 6: Loans

HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY PROPERTY REPOSSESSED?

DO YOU HAVE ANY

LAWSUITS PENDING
AGAINST YOU?
__ YES
__ NO

HAVE YOU EVER FILED

BANKRUPTCY?
__ YES
__ NO

ZIP

PHONE

__ YES
__ NO

PERSONAL FRIENDS KNOWN OVER ONE YEAR

ADDRESS

Worksheet 6-7 page 3

1.
2.

INSURANCE IF YOU WISH TO APPLY FOR VEHICLE INSURANCE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CREDIT
APPLICATION, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
PREVIOUS INSURANCE CO. OR AGENT

PHONE

HAS YOUR INSURANCE EVER BEEN CANCELED BY ANY COMPANY?

__ YES
__ NO

WHERE WILL VEHICLE BE

GARAGED?

POLICY NO.

IF YES, WHY?

NO. OF INSURANCE
LOSSES IN PAST 5 YEARS
___
TOTAL AMOUNT OF
LOSSES
$ _______________

I, the undersigned make the above representations, which are certified correct, for the purpose of securing credit.

X ___________________________________________________________
Applicants Signature

X ___________________________________________________________
Co-Applicants Signature

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High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

261

Filling Out a Loan Application

Worksheet and Answer Key

Lesson 6: Loans

Worksheet 6-7 page 4

________________________________________________________________Loan
Application Answer Key
Loan Application
In order to fill out the form for Sam and Miranda, students can locate the following information in the
readings and activities in this lesson:
Section A
Applicant
Last name:
First name:
Status:
Birth date:
Occupation:
Present Employer:
Total Monthly Income:
Section B
Spouse or Co-Applicant
Last name:
First name:
Occupation:
Present Employer:
Income:
Section C
Assets and Debts
Rent:
Bank:
Balance:

Reyes
Samuel
married
Story states he is 26 years old.
Students can figure year.
custodian
Clean By Dawn for 3 years
$1400

Reyes
Miranda
cashier
Electronics Depot
$950

$750
California Mutual Bank, checking and
savings
$2040

Students can sign for Sam and Miranda.

------------------------------------------------------------If you would like, you can also dictate additional information (part or all) to students.

Section A
Driver's License Number
Soc. Sec. Number:
Address:
Phone Number:
Previous Employer:
Section B
No driver's license
Soc. Sec. Number:
No previous employment
Nearest Relative:
His phone number is
Section C
No home purchased.
Credit:

N9482776
660-25-9711
4019 Logan Ave. #14
San Diego, CA 92113
Samuel has lived there for 5 years.
619-264-5995
Number 1 Cleaners

699-11-0407
Miranda's brother Jose Garcia lives in San Diego.
619-640-9782.
Credit Card -- Sears

262

No Balance
Account Number:
1010-5556-9321-0003
No property repossessed; No lawsuits; No Bankruptcy.
Personal Friends:
Mike Johnson, San Diego, 92104, 619-280-5953
Cruz Castro, San Diego, 92093, 858-534-8224

263

Unit 7
Growing
Your
Money
High-Intermediate and Advanced
Objectives
Name four ways to increase your money through investments.
Decide which investment is best for different situations.
Identify advantages and disadvantages to each type of
investment.
Language and/or EFF skills practiced: plan (for the future); read
with understanding; solve problems and make decisions.
In this unit
Warm Up: The Housekeeper's Dream
Activity 7-1: Using Your Money to Make Money: Types of Investments
Activity 7-2: Types of Investments Comprehension Questions
Activityi 7-3: You Decide: What Investment Is Best?
Activity 7-4: Your Plan for the Future
Final Activity: Reflection
Materials
Overhead 7-A: The Housekeeper's Dream Picture Story
Overhead 7-B Pay Yourself First Chart
Overhead 7-C Investment Pyramid
Warm Up Worksheet: The Housekeeper's Dream Picture Story and Activities
Worksheet 7-1: Types of Investments
Worksheet 7-2: Comprehension Questions
Worksheet 7-3: You Decide: What Investment is Best?

264

Background Information for Teacher Reference

Literacy Level

Financial Literacy Gains Chart for Ongoing Assessment: chart that can be used throughout
Money Talks lessons to record student gains in financial literacy.
Using Picture Stories: Review Picture Story Technique: Letting the Pictures Tell the Story
in the Teachers Guide.

Growing Your Money

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Warm Up: The Housekeeper's Dream

Materials
Overhead 7-A: The Housekeeper's Dream Picture Story
Overhead 7-B: Pay Yourself First Chart
Warm-Up Worksheet: The Housekeeper's Dream Picture Story and Activities
Before class
Print out and read through the overheads and worksheets in this activity to become familiar with
simplified ways of explaining the concept of investing to students who may have little
experience or knowledge of it.
Warm-up:
Ask students if they are saving money for the future, like
for education or retirement.
Ask how many students want to save for these things or
other things for the future.
Ask them if they think it's possible to begin saving now.
Show the illustrations on Overhead 7-B, Pay Yourself
First Chart and explain that a small amount of money
saved each week and multiply over time.
The first example shows how different amounts saved
each week over a 10-year period at 5% interest
(compounded).
The second example, which relates to this lesson, shows
how the same amount of money over time multiplies
more rapidly as the interest rate rises.
Ask students how you might make 8% or 12% return on
their money. The answer is through investments.
Show Overhead 7-A, The Housekeeper's Dream Picture
Story to illustrate the process of investing.
Discuss each picture and generate vocabulary. Write
down new words on the overhead.

265

 Distribute the Warm-Up Worksheet and have students

look at the pictures while you read the story aloud.
Continue to page 2 of the Warm Up Worksheet, and have
students read the story to themselves and do the activities
on page 3.
Students may share answers when finished.

Idea for extension: Consider inviting an investment counselor from a local bank or investment
firm to speak to the class. Ask to have someone who is familiar with the unique needs of
immigrants.
The Housekeeper's Dream
Ayana is a housekeeper for the Happy Maids Company. She dreams about owning a cleaning
company of her own. She needs $7,500 for a van and cleaning equipment.
Ayana puts money in a piggy bank at home. After she has saved $5,000, she goes to the bank and
talks to an investment counselor. He says that there are many different kinds of accounts. He
describes each type of account and the purpose for each type of account. After learning the
interest rates and rules, Ayana decides to buy a savings bond.
In five years, her $5,000 grows to $7,500. She now has enough money to buy a van and cleaning
equipment. She paints her van with the words "Ayana's Maids." Her young son Antonio helps
her paint the van. They are thrilled.
Some day, Antonio will go to college, and Ayana wants to save money for his college education.
She meets with the investment counselor again and says, "I have $1,000 and I can save $300
every month. What would be the best kind of account to open?" He says, "Open a 529 Education

266

Plan Account. In 10 years, you could have close to $50,000."

In 15 years, Ayana attends her son's graduation from college. She gives him a big hug and tells
him, "I am very proud of you." Her son says, "I am proud of you too, mom."

High-Intermediate/ Advanced
Practice: Using Your Money to Make Money: Types of Investments
Materials
Overhead 7-C: Investment Pyramid
Worksheet 7-1: Types of Investments

Growing Your Money

Write these four types of investments on the board: stocks, mutual funds, savings bonds,
real estate.
Discuss these terms with students,. The reading will define each term, so you don't need
to define the terms here. Discuss the fact that these types of investments can earn interest,
or make more money.
Ask students which types of investments they think are "safe" and which ones are "risky"
or "dangerous" (could cause you to lose your money).
Show Overhead 7-C, the Investment Pyramid. This may help students visualize that, as
you go up to the top of the pyramid, you can make more on your investments, but you
have an increased risk of losing your money.
Reading Activity
Pass out Worksheet 7-1, Types of Investments. Read the first
three paragraphs aloud and explain that students will do the
rest of the reading in groups.
Divide the class into four groups and assign one type of
investment from the reading to each group.
Make each group responsible for reading and answering the
questions and presenting their type of investment, including
the answers to the comprehension questions, to the class. If
you have a multilevel class, give the more advanced students
the investments types with more text.

Answers:
Stocks: 1. $2600, $600 2. $1,850, -$150 (Explain that Jose has suffered a loss and has less
money than when he first invested.)
Mutual Funds: 1. $1300, $200 2. $1050, -$50
Savings Bonds: 1. $4200 2. $7750
Real Estate: 1. $450 2. $150

267

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Growing Your Money

Types of Investments Comprehension Questions
Materials
Worksheet 7-2: Comprehension Questions

Have students complete the worksheet and compare answers

with a partner.
Review all the answers as a group.

Answers
1. no 2. yes
3. no 4. yes
5. yes 6. no
Fill in the blank: 1. risky 2. stock 3. real estate 4. finances

5. mutual fund

6. expert

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Growing Your Money

Practice: You Decide: What Investment Is Best?
Materials
Worksheet 7-3: You Decide: What Investment is Best?

Divide students into mixed-literacy groups or pairs.

One person in the group or pair can read the scenario aloud, or students can take turns.
Students can consult Worksheet 7-1 to help figure out which investment is best in each of
the four examples.
Review answers as a whole group.
Answers:
1. savings bond

2. mutual funds

3. stocks

Growing Your Money

4. real estate
High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Application: Your Plan for the Future

In groups of three or four, have students come up with a list of their ideas for the four
best ways to make money grow over a lifetime. Give students at least 10 minutes to
discuss this and circulate to be sure students are on task. Have each group offer one of
their ideas. Answers will vary.
268

 Write on the board and have students copy the list below offered by the Oprah Winfrey
Show. The Oprah Winfrey Show has covered segments on financial planning and has
information on its website (see Lesson 4 Web Links). This is a simplified version of the
four-step plan that the show says will put you on the road to riches:
1. Open a retirement plan and contribute the most possible. Never touch that money.
2. Pay all personal credit-card bills before saving. Stay out of debt.
3. Save for emergencies transportation, accidents, time off work.
4. Start investing. Put money into mutual funds.
In groups, ask students to discuss how this list compares with their lists. How can the
steps on this list help them achieve their financial goals?
Ask for volunteers to share their lists and how they compare to Oprahs list.

Growing Your Money

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Reflection
Students will write down or discuss one thing they learned in class in this unit.
This could be a new financial concept, a new word, or a grammar point.
Use your chart to record financial literacy gains.

269

Growing Your Money

Materials
Picture Story
The Housekeepers Dreams

High-Intermediate/ Advanced

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Warm Up Worksheet page 1________

Talk about the pictures. Listen to the story. Learn new vocabulary.

________________________________________________
www.valrc.org/courses/moneytalks

High-Intermediate/Advanced

Unit II: Planning for the Future

270

The Housekeepers Dreams

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Warm up Worksheet page 2________

Listen to the story. Practice reading the story.

Ayana is a housekeeper for the Happy Maids Company. She dreams about owning a
cleaning company of her own. She needs $7,500 for a van and cleaning equipment.
Ayana puts money in a piggy bank at home. After she has saved $5,000, she goes to
the bank and talks to an investment counselor. He says that there are many different
kinds of accounts. He describes each type of account, and the purpose for each type of
account. After describing the interest rates and rules, Ayana decides to open a Savings
Bond.
In five years, her $5,000 grows to $7,500. She now has enough money to buy a van
and cleaning equipment. She paints her van with the words Ayanas Maids. Her young
son Antonio helps her paint the van. They are thrilled.
Antonio someday will go to collage, and Ayana wants to save money for his college
education. She meets with the investment counselor again and says, I have $1,000
and I can save $300 every month, what would be the best kind of account to open. He
says, Open a 529 Education Plan Account. In 10 years, you could have close to
$50,000.
In 15 years, Ayana attends her sons graduation from college. She gives him a big hug
and tells him, I am very proud of you. Her son says, I am proud of you too, mom.

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The Housekeepers Dreams

Comprehension Activities

Lesson 7: Growing your Money

Warm Up Worksheet page 3_______

Are these statements true or false? Circle your answer.

T
T
T
T
T
T

F
F
F
F
F
F

1. Ayana is a housekeeper.
2. Ayanas dream is to own a restaurant.
3. Ayana decides to save money in the bank.
4. Ayana buys a van and paints her company name on it.
5. Ayana saves money for her education.
6. Antonio graduates from college.

Match Each Picture with the Correct Sentence

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Picture Story
The Housekeepers Dreams

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Overhead 7-A
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Talk about the pictures. Listen to the story. Learn new vocabulary.

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Types of Investments

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Worksheet 7-1 page 1

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Types of Investments
Growing Your Money
Growing your money, or investing, means putting your money in a
place that will earn more money for you. Most people believe that you
must have good and comfortable finances before you decide to invest.
This means that you have enough money to pay all of your bills, money
in a savings account for emergencies, and a home if that is one of your
goals. Then, if you have extra income after expenses, you may want
to become an investor, a person who invests money.
Investing is a good way to make more money, but sometimes it can be
risky. Risky means dangerous. There are many different ways to
invest, and some are more dangerous than others. Usually, the riskier investments will
make more money, but there is a possibility that you might lose your money. When you
put your money in a safe investment, there is a very small chance that you will lose it,
but you wont make as much money.
There are many different types of investments. Some of the more common types are
described on the following pages.

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Types of Investments

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Worksheet 7-1 page 2

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Read and answer the questions about four types of

investments.
Investment Type I: Stocks
The investor buys parts of a company which are called shares.

When the company does well, the investor makes money. If the company
does badly, the investor loses money.
Some companies will pay their employees with stocks, instead of money.
All stocks are risky, but some are safer than others.

Last year Jose had about $2,000 that he wanted to invest. He liked the company
Microware and read about it a lot in the newspaper. He decided that buying shares of
Microware would be a good investment for him. He contacted an investment company
that helped him to buy 50 shares at $40 each. Now, the shares are worth $48 each.
Joses investment is now worth $2400.

1. If Microware shares are worth $52 each, how much

would Joses investment be worth?

2. If Microware shares are worth $37 each, how much

would Joses investment be worth?

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Types of Investments

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Worksheet 7-1 page 3

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Investment Type 2: Mutual Funds

A mutual fund is a group of different stocks or similar investments.

Investment experts select the stocks that are included in a mutual fund.
The investor buys shares of the fund.
Similar to stocks, when the fund is doing well, the investors make money.
But if the fund decreases, the investors lose money.

Some mutual funds are risky, and others are safer.

Last year, Lucia wanted to invest some money. She understood stocks, but she didnt
know what stocks to buy. She preferred to have an expert choose the stocks for her.
She went to her bank and asked the investment counselor to help her choose a mutual
fund. They chose a fund called Equinox because the counselor thought it was a good
fund without too much risk. Lucia bought 100 shares at $11 each (total investment =
$1100). Now, the shares are worth $12.50 each. Her investment is worth $1250.
1. If Equinox fund shares are now worth $13 each, how much is her investment worth?

2. If Equinox fund shares are now worth $10.50 each,

how much is her investment worth?

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Types of Investments

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Worksheet 7-1 page 4

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Investment Type 3: Savings Bonds

A savings bond is issued by the U.S. government.

An investor gives money to the government and the government returns the
money after a period of time with a profit.
You can get a savings bond at most banks and you can invest as little as
$25.
Savings bonds are very safe, but the profit is not high.

Andre and Agnes wanted to invest some money for their childrens education. They
were nervous about investing because they didnt want to lose their money, but they
wanted to earn more interest than a savings account. They decided to invest in a
savings bond. They invested $5000 for ten years, and the interest rate when they
bought the bonds was 6%. (The government determines the interest rate.) After ten
years they will earn $3000. They will have a total of $8000.
(Formula: $5000 x .06 = $300 a year. $300 x 10 years =
$3000. $5000 + $3000 = $8000.)
1. If Andre and Agnes invested $3000 for ten years at 6%,
how much will they have at the end of the 10 years?

2. If Andre and Agnes invested $5000 for ten years at 4.5%,

how much will they have?

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Types of Investments

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Worksheet 7-1 page 5

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Investment Type 4: Real Estate

The investor makes money by buying property or buildings and renting or

selling them for a profit

Investing in real estate is a medium to high risk.

Willem borrowed money from a bank and bought a small apartment building. He and his
family live in one apartment and they rent the other three apartments for $700 each. His
mortgage (loan) payment is $1800 a month. The rents pay for his loan payment each
month and give his family $300 extra each month. He made a good investment in real
estate.

1. If Willem rented the apartments for $750 each, how much extra money would his
family have each month?

2. If Willem rented the apartments for $650 each, how much extra money would his
family have each month?

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Comprehension Questions

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Worksheet 7-2
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Comprehension Questions
Many people choose a few different types of investments. They put some money in a
safe investment and some money is a risky investment. It is a good idea to ask an
investment expert (a person who knows a lot about investing) to help you decide which
kind is best for you.
Do you understand? Circle yes or no.
1. Stocks are the safest way to invest your money.

Yes

No

2. The U.S. government offers savings bonds.

Yes

No

3. You choose the stocks in a mutual fund.

Yes

No

4. If a company is successful, the value of

your stock increases.

Yes

No

5. Buying a house and renting it to a family is

a real estate investment.

Yes

No

6. Savings bonds are very risky.

Yes

No

Fill in the blank with the correct answer.

real estate
1. A

risky

finances

expert

mutual fund

stock

investment is dangerous.

2. When you buy a share, or part, of a company, it is called ________.

3.

is buying property as an investment.

4. Before you invest your money, your

should be comfortable.

5. A group of stocks or similar investments is a

6. Ask an

to help you choose the best investment for you.

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You Decide: Which Kind

Of Investment is Best?

Lesson 7: Growing Your Money

Worksheet 7-3
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You Decide: What type of investment is best?

Choose from these four types of investments:
Stocks

Mutual Funds

Savings

Real Estate

1. Kouta just graduated from high school and he received $200 in gifts. He knows that
he will need this money after college and wants to earn more interest than he can in
a savings account. Which do you think is best for him?

2. Anas friend told her that she is making a lot of money with stocks. Ana wants to
invest but feels nervous because she doesnt know much about American
businesses. She is very busy and she doesnt have a lot of time to find information
about investments. Which do you think is the best for her?

3. Rafael has a good income and savings account. His uncle died and left him $4,000.
Now he has extra money to invest and would like to make a big profit. He is not
worried about risk. Which investment do you think is the best for him?

4. Ken and Kim are brothers, and they own their own janitorial service company. They
have free time during the day and are good at fixing things. They would like to share
an investment that would give them extra income every month. They each have
saved approximately $6,000. Which investment is best for them?

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