YFLP — Youth Financial Literacy Project
The YFLP learning pathway

From first money habits to financial independence.

Four levels of financial learning, organized for grades 5–12. Grade ranges guide placement; teachers can choose what fits their students.

4 levels38 units410 planned lessons
Level 1 · Grades 5–6

Financial Foundations

Understand money and develop basic habits around earning, saving, spending, budgeting, and financial decision-making.

8 units Level 2 · Grades 7–8

Financial Essentials

Move from understanding money to actually learning how to manage it.

9 units Level 3 · Grades 9–10

Financial Preparation

Prepare students for increasingly independent financial decisions during high school and early adulthood.

10 units Level 4 · Grades 11–12

Financial Independence

Give students the financial knowledge they need to transition from high school into independent adult life.

11 units

This catalog contains the curriculum structure and lesson outlines. Full teaching content is in development; classroom assignments use lessons published by your school.

Level 3 · Grades 9–10

Financial Preparation

Prepare students for increasingly independent financial decisions during high school and early adulthood.

Unit 1

Advanced Budgeting & Cash Flow

10 planned lessons
  1. Building a Realistic Monthly Budget
  2. Cash Flow
  3. Net Cash Flow
  4. Irregular Income
  5. Essential vs. Discretionary Expenses
  6. Sinking Funds
  7. Emergency Funds
  8. Handling Unexpected Expenses
  9. Budget Adjustments
  10. Building a Financial System
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Unit 2

Banking & Financial Services

10 planned lessons
  1. Comparing Banks and Credit Unions
  2. Account Terms and Conditions
  3. Banking Fees
  4. APY and Interest
  5. Online Banks
  6. Payment Systems
  7. Peer-to-Peer Payments
  8. Checks
  9. Overdrafts
  10. Choosing Financial Products
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Unit 3

Credit Scores & Credit Reports

11 planned lessons
  1. How Credit Works
  2. Credit Reports
  3. Credit Scores
  4. Factors Affecting Credit
  5. Payment History
  6. Credit Utilization
  7. Length of Credit History
  8. Credit Inquiries
  9. Reviewing a Credit Report
  10. Building Credit Responsibly
  11. Credit Mistakes and Recovery
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Unit 4

Debt & Borrowing

12 planned lessons
  1. Understanding Loans
  2. Principal
  3. APR
  4. Loan Terms
  5. Secured vs. Unsecured Debt
  6. Credit Card Debt
  7. Auto Loans
  8. Student Loans Introduction
  9. Buy Now, Pay Later
  10. Comparing Loan Offers
  11. Debt Repayment Strategies
  12. Predatory Lending
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Unit 5

Investing & Building Wealth

14 planned lessons
  1. Why People Invest
  2. Risk vs. Return
  3. Stocks
  4. Bonds
  5. Mutual Funds
  6. ETFs
  7. Index Funds
  8. Diversification
  9. Asset Allocation
  10. Compound Growth
  11. Market Volatility
  12. Long-Term Investing
  13. Introduction to Retirement Accounts
  14. Investment Fraud
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Unit 6

Taxes

12 planned lessons
  1. Why We Pay Taxes
  2. Federal Income Tax
  3. State and Local Taxes
  4. Payroll Taxes
  5. Tax Brackets
  6. Marginal Tax Rates
  7. Taxable Income
  8. Deductions vs. Credits
  9. W-2 Forms
  10. 1099 Forms
  11. Filing a Basic Tax Return
  12. Tax Refunds and Tax Bills
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Unit 7

Careers, Employment & Benefits

12 planned lessons
  1. Choosing a Career Path
  2. Education vs. Career Training
  3. College, Trade School & Apprenticeships
  4. Salary Research
  5. Comparing Job Offers
  6. Employee Benefits
  7. Health Insurance Benefits
  8. Retirement Benefits
  9. Paid Time Off
  10. Negotiating Compensation
  11. Workplace Taxes and Withholding
  12. Career Advancement
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Unit 8

Entrepreneurship & Business Finance

16 planned lessons
  1. Identifying Market Opportunities
  2. Market Research
  3. Target Customers
  4. Value Propositions
  5. Business Models
  6. Startup Costs
  7. Revenue Models
  8. Pricing Strategies
  9. Profit Margins
  10. Cash Flow
  11. Business Banking
  12. Bookkeeping
  13. Business Taxes
  14. Marketing & Customer Acquisition
  15. Business Growth
  16. Build-a-Business Project
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Unit 9

Insurance & Risk Management

11 planned lessons
  1. What Is Insurance?
  2. Risk
  3. Premiums
  4. Deductibles
  5. Coverage Limits
  6. Health Insurance
  7. Auto Insurance
  8. Renters Insurance
  9. Homeowners Insurance Introduction
  10. Life Insurance Introduction
  11. Comparing Insurance Policies
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Unit 10

Major Financial Decisions

11 planned lessons
  1. Buying a Vehicle
  2. Financing a Vehicle
  3. Leasing vs. Buying
  4. Renting
  5. Security Deposits
  6. Utilities
  7. Contracts
  8. Subscriptions
  9. Major Purchases
  10. Comparing Total Cost
  11. Avoiding Financial Traps
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Level 3 Final Assessment / Real-World Financial Decision Challenge