IN-22 (Grades 9-12)
Beginner's Guide to Financial Literacy: What Do Students Need to Know?
Bill Martinson, Tomah School District
billm@tomah.k12.wi.us
  

“What happened to my paycheck?” “How does this credit card offer work?” “What does ‘finance that loan’ mean?” “What is a tax return?” “Why do I have to fill out a tax return?” “When are we ever going to use this?” “I won’t need math after high school.” If you are a Math, Social Studies, FACE, or Economics teacher, you have probably heard these questions.

Then come and explore the world of Financial Literacy. Topics to be covered are important to both students and adults: Purchase by Credit Card or Loan, Bankruptcy, Paycheck Tax Withholdings, Federal Tax Return, Wisconsin (state) Tax Return, Various Types of Investments, Purchasing a House, Property Taxes, Business Income and Expenses.

Many students and teachers have little background in financial literacy which may include personal finance, investment basics, and tax returns. Participants will receive ideas and materials to be used in the classroom. Information on the Wisconsin Personal Financial Literacy Standards and the National Institute of Financial and Economic Literacy will also be given.

The presenter will use over twenty years of individual income tax preparation and mathematics to study the various topics.

Participants will investigate the Wisconsin Standards for Financial Literacy, be exposed to many programs available to help teach Financial Literacy and be able to understand the parts of an income tax return.