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Module 8: Financial Literacy
Module 8;
FINANCIAL LITERACY
© LEARNING OUTCOMES
Define financial iteracy
Distinguish among financial plan, budget
saving, spending and investing fe
Present ways on how to avoid financial
crises and scams
Demonstrate understanding of insurance
and taxes,
Describe a financially stable person
Determine ways on how to integrate financial
literacy in the curricilum,
Draw relevant life lessons and significant
values from personal experiences on
financial crises and scams
Analyze research abstract on financial
literacy and its implications to the teaching-
learning process
Make a personal financial plan based on
short-term and long-term goals
INTERACTIVE PRESENTATION
Deal or No Deal. This is an interactive activity adapted from a TV game
show segment which entails a student to pick any of the briefcases
containing an amount and he/she then, takes deal or no deal with
the banker's offer against the amount in the last briefcase.
Procedure:
1. The teacher will choose 10 students who will prepare different
amounts written in 10 folders that will serve as briefcases,
2. During the game, the class will choose a player.
3. While playing the “Deal or No Deal” with background music
downloaded from the Internet, the player will choose the briefcase
to be opened to see the amount.
4. The selection of briefcases to be opened shall continue until only
the last three remain.
5. Then, the teacher will say, “The banker has an offer’
6. There will be bidding of amount offered by the banker in lieu of
opening the remaining briefcases by the player.
7. The last briefcase will be opened and find out if the banker's offer
is higher than the amount in the chosen last briefcase.
8. There shall be a reflection in the class by asking “What will you do
ifbanker will offer an amount of money’. The teacher will generate
answers from the,students.120
Buvowo aio Ewravcss New LirerAcies Across THe CURRICULUM
In some instances, teachers are confronted with issues and
concems on financial debt, being victimized by fraud and other relate
scams, both personal and electronic ways. More so, some teachers
‘are drowned by emergent financial needs and unexpected debt,
especially in difficult times, sickness and inevitable circumstances and
calamities. Others do not prepare for their retirement that they usually
end up highly frustrated. This is the reason why financial literacy has
been a subject in many faculty development programs, seminars,
and even becomes a topic for researches, while many schools have
integrated it in the curriculum.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is a core life skill in an increasingly complex
world where people need to take charge of their own finances,
budget, financial choices, managing risks, saving, credit, and financial
transactions.
Poor financial decisions can have a long-lasting impact on
individuals, their families and the society caused by lack of financial
literacy. Low levels of financial literacy are associated with lower
standards of living, decreased psychological and physical well-being
and greater reliance on government support. However, when put into
correct practice, financial literacy can strengthen savings behavior,
eliminate maxed-out credit cards and enhance timely debt.
Financial literacy is the ability to make informed judgments
and make effective decisions regarding the use and management
of money. Hence, teaching financial literacy yields better financial
management skills.
‘The importance of starting financial literacy while still young.
National surveys show that young adults have the lowest levels of
financial literacy as reflected in their inability to choose the right
financial products and lack of interest in undertaking sound financial
planning. Therefore, financial education should begin as early as
Possible and be taught in schools. Akdag (2013) stressed that in the
recent financial crisis, financial literacy is very crucial and tends to be
advantageous if introduced in the very early years as preschool years.
Financial education is a long-term process and incorporating it into the
Curricula from an early age allows children to acquire the knowledge
and skills while building responsible financial behavior throughout each
stage of their education (OECD, 2005).
Likewise, financial literacy is the capability of a person to handle
his/her assets, especially cash more efficiently while understanding
how money works in the real world.esl: Financial Litera
financial Plan
Teachers need to have a deeper understanding and capacity to
formulate their own financial plan. itis wise to ‘consider staring to plan
the moment they hand in their first salary, including the incentives,
ponuses and extra remunerations that they receive.
Kagan (2019) defines a financial plan as a comprehensive
statement of an individual's long-term objectives for security and well-
being and detailed savings and investing strategy for achieving the
objectives. It begins with a thorough evaluation of the individual's
current financial state and future expectations.
The following are steps in creating a financial plan.
1. Calculating net worth. Net worth is the amount by which
assets exceed liabilities. In so doing, consider (1) assets
that entail one's cash, property, investments, savings,
jewelry and wealth; and (2) liabiliies that include credit
card debt, loans and mortgage. Formula: total assets -
‘minus (otal liabilities = current net worth. :
2. Determining cash flow. A financial plan is knowing where
money goes every month, Documenting it will help to see
how much is needed every month for necessities, and the
amount for savings and investment.
3. Considering the priorities. The core of a financial plan
is the person’s clearly defined goals that may include:
(1) Retirement. strategy. for accumulating retirement
income; (2) Comprehensive risk management plan
including a review of life and disability insurance, personal
liability coverage, property and casualty coverage, and
catastrophic coverage; (3) Long-term investment plan
based on specific investment objectives and a personal
risk tolerance profile; and (4) Tax reduction strategy for
minimizing taxes on personal income allowed by the tax
code. (hitps:/[Link]/rfinancial_plan.asp)
Five Financial Improvement Strategies
Financial literacy shapes the way people view and handle money.
The following are financial improvements suggested by Investopedia
88 a journey to financial literacy.
4. Identify your starting point. Calculating the net worth is
the best way to determine both current financial status and
progress over time to avoid financial trouble by spending too
Tnuch on wants and nothing enough for the needs.
Set your priorities. Making a list of rated needs and wants
can help set financial priorities. Needs are things one must
have in order to survive (ie. food, shelter, clothing, healthcare
‘and transportation); while wants are things one would like to
have but are not necessary for survival.
cy 121122
Bunn avo Ewvanonns New Literacies Across THe CunnicuuM
nt your spending. One of the best ways to figure out
3 poeta of hal comes In and what goes out is 10 create a
budget or a personal spending plan. A budget lists down al
income and expenses to help meet financial obligations.
4 Lay down your debt. Living with debt is costly not just
because of interest and fees, but it can also prevent people
from getting ahead with their financial goals.
5. Secure your financial future. Retirement is an uncontrollable
stage in a worker's life, of which counterpart are losing the job,
suffering from an iliness of injury, or be forced to care for a
loved one that may lead to an unplanned retirement. Therefore,
knowing more about retirement options is an essential part of
securing financial future.
Financial Goal Planning and Setting
Setting goals is @ very important part of life, especially in financial
planning. Before investing the money, consider setting personal
financial goals. Financial goals are targets, usually driven by specific
future financial needs, such as saving for a comfortable retirement,
sending children to college, or enabling a home purchase.
There are three key areas in setting investment goals for
consideration.
A. Time horizon. It indicates the time when the money will be
needed. To note, the longer the time horizon, the more risky
(and potentially more lucrative) investments can be made.
B. Risk tolerance. Investors may let go of the possibility of a
large gain if they knew there was also a possibility of a large
loss (they are called risk averse); while others are more
willing to take the chance of a large loss if there were also a
possibility of a large gain (they are called risk seekers). The
time horizon can affect risk tolerance.
C. Liquidity needs. Liquidity refers to how quickly an investment
‘can be converted into cash (or the equivalent of cash). The
liquidity needs usually affect the type of chosen investment to
meet the goals.
D. Investment goals: Growth, income and stability. Once
determined the financial goals. and how time horizon, risk
tolerance, and liquidity needs affect them, it is time to think
about how investments may help achieve those goals. When
considering any investment, think about what it offers in
terms of three key investment goals: (1) Growth (also known
8 capital appreciation) is an increase in the value of an
investment; (2) Income, of which some investments make
Periodic payments of interest or dividends that represent
investment income and can be spent or reinvested; and (3)
Stability, or known as capital preservation or protection of
principal,Module 8: Financial Literacy 123
An investment that focuses on stability concentrates less
fo ensure tot ee Walue Of investment and more on trying
to ensure that it never loses value and can be taken when
needed (httasv/amww:[Link]/stting-fnancial-and
investment-goals).
on it
sudget and Budgeting
A budget is an estimation of revenue and expenses over a
specified future period of time and is usually compiled and re-
evaluated on a periodic basis. Budgets can be made for a variety of
individual or business needs or just about anything else that makes
and spends money. Budgeting, on the other hand, is the process of
creating a plan to spend money. Creating this spending plan allows
one to determine in advance whether he/she will have enough money
to do the things he/she needs or likes to do.
Thus, budgeting ensures to have enough money for the things
needed and those important ones and will keep one out of debt.
Seven Steps to Good Budgeting
The following are seven steps that may help in attaining good
budgeting.
Step 1: Set realistic goals. Goals for the money will helo
make smart spending choices upon deciding on what is
important.
Step 2: Identify income and expenses. Upon knowing how
much is eared each month and where it all goes, start
tracking the expenses by recording every single cent.
Step 3: Separate needs from wants. Set clear priorities and
the decisions become easier to make by identifying
wisely those that are really needed or just wanted.
Step 4: Design your budget. Make sure to avoid spending
more than what is eamed. Balance budget to
accommodate everything needed to be paid for.
Step 5: Put your plan into action. Match spending with income
time. Decide ahead of time what you will use each
payday. Non-reliance to credit for the living expenses
will protect one from debt.
Step 6: Plan for seasonal expenses. Set money aside to pay
for unplanned expenses $0 to avoid going into debt.
Step 7: Look ahead. Having a stable budget can take a month
or two so, ask for help if things are not getting well.
Spending
‘al wish list, a spending plan is a
If budget goals serve as a financial
Way to nae those wishes a reality. Turn them into an
folowing are practical strategies in setting and prioritizing budget goals
nd spending plan:424 Burowo ano Enviancina New Lireracies Across THe CuRniculun
Setting budget goals requires
Is.
4. Start by listing your. goal ir ee earns wt Yh
forecasting and discussing future n
family.
2. Divide your goals according to how lon:
meet each goal
Classify, your budget goals
goals (less than a year),
years), and long-term goals
1g it will take to
into three categories: short-term
medium-term goals (one to five
(more than five years). Short-term
goals are usually the immediate needs and wants; medium.
term goals are things that you and your family want to achieve
during the next five years; and long-term goals extend well into
the future, such as planning for retirement.
3. Estimate the cost of each goal and find out how much it
costs. Before assigning priority to goals, it is important to
determine the cost of each goal. The greater the cost of a
goal, the more alternative goals must be sacrificed in order to
achieve it.
Project future cost. For short-term goals, inflation is not a big
factor, but for medium and long-term goals, it is a big factor.
To calculate the future cost of the goals, there is a need to
determine the rate of inflation applied to each particular goal.
5. Calculate how much you need to set aside each period.
Upon knowing the future cost of the goals, next is to determine
how niuch to put aside each period to meet all the goals.
6. Prioritize your goals. Upon listing down all the goals and the
estimated amount needed for each goal, prioritize them. This
serves as guide in decision-making. °
7. Create a schedule for meeting your goals. It is important
to lay down all the goals according to priority with the
corresponding amount of money needed, the time it will be
needed, and the installments needed to meet the goals.
([Link]
priortizing-your-budget-goals)
Inv
tment and Investing
As teachers, when you have saved more money than what
you expect at a time of need, consider investing this money to
earn more interest than what your savings account is paying you-
There are many ways you can invest your money but consider
four aspects:
1. How long will you invest the money? (Time Horizon)
2. How much money do you expect your investment to eam
each year? (Expectation of Return)
3. How much of your investment are you willing to lose in the
short-term in order to earn more in the long-term? (Risk
Tolerance)
4. What types of [Link] interest you? (Investment Type)Module & Financial Literacy 125
savings
In order to get out of debt, it is important to set some money
aside and put it into a savings account on a -regular basis. Savings
will also help in buying things that are needed or wanted without
borrowing,
Emerdoncy Savings Fund. Start as early, setting aside a ite
money for emergency savings fund. If you receive a bonus from work,
an income tax refund or earnings from additional or side jobs, use
them as an emergency fund
49 Reasons Why Save Money
With credit so easy to get, here are ten practical reasons why it
is important to save money that everyone, including teachers, must
know.
1. To become financially independent. Financial independence
is not having to depend on receiving a certain pay but setting
aside an amount to have savings that can be relied on.
2. To save on everything you buy. With savings, you can buy
things when they are on sale and can make better spending
choices without being compromised on credit card interest
charges.
3. To buy a home or a car. Savings can be used in buying a
home in full or down payment, especially in times of promo
deals, bids and inevitable sale and at a reasonable interest
rate.
4, To prepare for the future. Through savings,’ you can be
confident to face the future without worrying on how you will
survive.
5. To get out of debt. If you want to get out of debt, you have to
save money.
6. To augment annual expenses. In order to attain a good,
stress-free financial life, there is a need to save for annual
‘expenses in advance.
7. To settle unforeseen expenses. Savings can respond to
unforeseen expenses in times of need.
8 To respond to emergencies. Emergencies may happen
anytime and these can be expensive so, there is a need to get
prepared rather than, potentially become another victim of an
emergency.
9. To mitigate losing your job or getting hurt. Bad things can
happen to anyone, such as losing a job, business bankruptcy
or crisis, being injured or becoming too sick to work. Therefore,
having savings is the key to resolve such a dilemma,
40. To have a good life. Putting aside some money to spend
when needed can bring about quality and worry-free life at all
times.126 Buvonc avo Exnancana New Lrrenacies Across THe CURRICUN
Common Financial Scams to Avoid
Financial fraud can happen to any
any time. While some. forms of financial
breaches, are out of one’s control, there are many
get rid of financial scams and identity theft.
Here are some of the most common
ways to identify them early and how to pl
victimized.
A. Phishing. Using this commo!
that appears to come from a fins
bank and asks you to click on a link to update your account
information. if you receive any correspondence that asks for
your information, never click on the links or provide account
details. Instead, visit the company's website, find official contact
information, and call them to verify the request.
B. Social Media Scams. Scammers are adept at using: ‘social
media to gather information about the traveling habits of
potential victims. They also have phishing tactics, including
posts seeking charity donations with bogus links that allow
them to keep your money. Therefore, be conscious’ of the
information you post online, especially personal details
and plans for a vacation that you would leave your house
unoccupied.
C. Phone Scams. Another prevalent tactic is scamming phone —
calls. The. scammers pose as a government agency, such
as the Bureau of Internal Revenue or local law enforcement
agencies, and use scare tactics to acquire your personal
information and account numbers. Never provide your account
information over the phone. Look for the agency's contact
information, and call them to verify any request. To note,
government agencies will never text or call you to ask for
money. ;
D. Stolen Credit Card Numbers. There are numerous ways that
scammers can obtain your credit card information, including
hacking, phishing, and the use of skimming devices, such as
small card readers attached to unmanned credit card readers
(i.e. ATMs, gas pumps, and more). These small devices pull
data from your card when you swipe it. Before you use an ATM
or swipe your card, look for suspicious devices that may be
attached to the card reader.
E. Identity Theft. Depending on the amount of information 4
scammer is able to obtain, identity theft may extend beyond
unauthorized charges on a debit or credit card. If scammers
are able to obtain your Social Security number, date of birth,
and other personal information, they may be able to open new
accounts in your name without your knowledge. Be aware of
an information you share and with whom, and always shred
sensitive information before disposing it
one, including the teachers at
| fraud, such as massive data
ways to proactively
financial scams, along with
rotect one’s self from being
n tactic, scammers send an email
ancial institution, such as aBy taking preventative measures and being aware of scams,
you can minimize the risks of fraud. Monitoring your online or mobile
banking accounts dally can also help you see fraudulent charges
quickly. ([Link]
rpcovery/common-financial-scams-to-avold)
40 Tips to Avoid Common Financial Scams
Every year, fraud cases are getting worse, leaving countless
victims in trouble and danger through data breaches, identity theft and
online scams. Unfortunately, new and improved technology only gives
fraudsters an edge, making it easier than ever for scam artists to nab
financial data from unsuspecting consumers (Bell, 2019).
1
2
Module 8: Financial Literacy
Never wire money to a stranger. Although it is one of the
oldest Internet scams, there are stil consumers who fall for this.
rip-off or some variations of it.
Don’t give out financial information. Never reveal sensitive
personal financial information to a person or business you don't
know, thru phone, text or email
Never click on hyperlinks in emails. If you receive an
email from a stranger or company asking you to click on a
hyperlink or open an attachment and then, enter your financial
information, delete the email immediately.
Use difficult passwords. Hackers can easily find passwords
that are simple number combinations. Create passwords that
are at least eight characters long and that include some lower
and’ upper case letters, numbers and special characters. You
should also use @ different password for every website you
visit.
Never give your social security number. If you receive
‘an email or visit a website that asks for your Social Security
number, ignore it.
Install Antivirus and Spyware protection. Protect the
sensitive information stored on your computer by installing
antivirus, firewall and spyware protection. Once you install the
program, tum on the auto-updating feature to make sure the
software is always up-to-date.
Don't shop with unfamiliar online retailers. When it comes
to online shopping, only do business with familiar companies.
When purchasing @ product from an unfamiliar retailer, do
some research to ensure the business is legit and reputable,
Don’t download software from pop-up windows. When you
are online, do not trust pop-up windows that appear and claim
your computer is unsafe. If you click on the link in the pop-up
to start the ‘system scan” or some other programs, malicious
software known as “malware” could damage your operating
system.
127128
pec
Buono ano Enanene New Lirenacies Across THE CURR
you visit are safe. Before yoy
enter your financial information on any website, double-check
the website's privacy rules. Also, make sure the wetsle uses
encryption, which is usually symbolized by a a - a left of
the web address which means it is safe and protected agains,
bars f you receive a call
40. Donate to known charities only. If you rece or an
email for solicitation of charity donations, critically examine it
Some scammers create bogus charities to steal credit carg
information.
‘https: investopedia. com/articlos/personal-finance/041515/10cips-avoid.
common)
Financial Scams among Students. Students can also be
susceptible to different financial scams and fraud. Learning how to
manage finances and being aware of financial scams are skills thal
every student should master.
The following are common financial scams that students should
watch out for, and learn to protect one's identity and finances,
‘A. Fake scholarships. While it is beneficial for students to
apply for as many scholarships, it is important to become
aware of related scams and frauds. Students should
thoroughly check scholarship sources before applying to
verify legitimacy. Never apply for a scholarship that asks for
money in retum.
. There are schools that offer fake degrees
and diplomas in exchange for a fee. Check from government
‘education agencies the prospective school to enroll in if itis
government-recognized, legitimate or accredited.
C. Online book scams. While students often go for the
best deals on textbooks online, scammers can use this
‘opportunity to get students’ credit card information. When
buying anything online, be sure to do it on a credible site.
Credit card scams. Oftentimes, credit card companies 9°
to school campuses to convince students to fill out card
applications. Scammers may also grab this chance to sted!
students’ information, It is important to visit a local credi
union or bank for credit card application. Also, regular
check the credit card statement and once there are aly
unrecognized charges, contact your banking institutio?
immediately. (nttps:/[Link]/resourcessfinancial-scam-salety)
9. Make sure the websites
Insurance and Taxes
Insurance is a contract (in the form i
: ‘ of a he
policyholder and the insurance company, whereby the Coney agree
to compensate for any financial loss from specific insured events. i
exchange for the financial protection offered, policyholder agrees to PYModule 8: Financial Literacy 129
certain sum of money, known as Premiums to the insurance company.
Insurance Is the best form of risk management against uncertain loss.
‘There are various types of insurance to choose from, such as life
insurance, health insurance, motor insurance, property insurance,
tusiness insurance, etc. Besides, the financial protection derived from
insurance entails tax benefit claim on the paid premiums.
The following are concepts related to insurance and taxes that every
teacher should know. However, he/she should carefully analyze and
ciitically examine well before pursuing any deal with them,
1. Employer-Sponsored Insurance. If working in a company
with 50 or more full-time employees, the employer is required to
provide employee-only insurance that meets minimum guidelines.
Examine the plan offered, but do not pay over 9.66 percent of
household income in premiums.
2. Marketplace Plans. Marketplace plans are available based
‘on an area of residence and income upon meeting minimum
coverage requirements. Marketplace plans come in three tiers:
bronze, silver and gold. Generally, bronze plans offer the least
coverage at the lowest premiums, while gold plans provide the
most coverage at the highest price.
Life insurance. Life insurance is a type of insurance that
compensates beneficiaries upon the death of the policyholder. The
company will guarantee a payout for the beneficiaries in exchange of
premiums. This compensation is called “death benefit.”
Depending on the type of insurance one may have, these events can
be anything from retirement, to major injuries, to critical illness or even
‘o death. i
The following are common risk categories:
4. Preferred Plus —The policyholder is in excellent health, with
normal weight, no history of smoking, chronic illnesses, or
family history of any life-threatening disease.
2. Preferred - The policyholder is in excellent health but may
have minor issues on cholesterol or blood pressure but under
control.
3, Standard Plus — The policyholder is in very good health but
‘some factors, like high blood pressure or being overweight
impede a better rating.
4, Standard Most! policyholders belong to this category, as they
gre deemed to be healthy and have a normal life expectancy
aithough, they may have 2 family history of life-threatening
diseases or few minor health issues.
5. Substandard — Those with serious health issues, like
diabetes or heart disease are placed on a table rating system,
ranked from highest to lowest. On average, the premiums will
be similar to Standard with an additional 25% lower claim on
table ratings.130
Buon ano Ennancne New Literacies Across THE CURRICULUM
smoking, the policyholders in
6. Smokers — Due to an added risk of
this category are guaranteed to pay more. Aside Oe Class,
age is also a critical factor in determining premium lerefore,
colder people pay more expensive premiums.
Benefits of Life Insurance
The following are the benefits of life insurance.
1. Itpays for medical and funeral costs. Life insurance helps solve
the incurred expenses for medical and funeral services fo lessen
the grief among family and relatives for being unprepared.
2. For financial support. Life insurance can become a source of
temporary income during the difficult period of adjusting and
coping with the loss of a loved one, especially if he/she is the
breadwinner.
3. For funding various financial goals. Life insurance offers
additional benefits through the form of fund accumulation for
specific future financial goals.
4, Acts as a retirement secured conform. Modern life insurance
also serves as a tool that principal holders can use to get ina
better financial position in the future.
5. It covers costs incurred from taxes and debt. Life insurance can
serve as protection since ihe premium can be used to pay for
unsettled debts and taxes.
Types of Life Insurance
The table below shows a comparative analysis of different types of life
insurance along characteristics, advantages and disadvantages that may serve
as a reference.
‘Type
Characteristic ‘Advantage Disadvantage
7 Endowment | l'grants a lump sum afte | I allows for saving up for | It requires higher
specified amount of | specific purposes.
time or upon death. The Premiums than
wey ower enues | gustarteesrtume | Ber types of Me
{o pay the premium for a_| UP" maturity ¢
predetermined number of |Itotfers some form’of _| ttig not the best
years or untila specific | insurance coverage. option for those
age is reached. looking at ful life
2. Te Itis the simplest fc of oreo
aaa oa ree Gl eae
ie insurance tooblain, | requirements "| thee no bene
cof which upon death, tho | lenvee te
beneficleries are peld It is a strong option for outlives the term
Sarina Denke policyholders who need _| Period set.
paneer
afford whole life or Premium usually
endowment. gets higher upon
Tenewal of terms.
Itis easy to understand.Module 8: Financial Literscy 134
it
am proica Coverage for | it offers permanent Itrequires higher
le licyholder's entire | protection for full life or premiums.
Moor until they reach |'00 years,
years old. It acts
both’as protection tog | Its Nexible in terms of
savings mechanisine, [Payments of premiums. | i ig giffcut to
Since a portion of the | Itentails fixed premiums. -| understand due to
Prmlum's allocated to lit usuaty comes with | Complex
wpcash values. | additional features and
“ving” benefits.
eg arth Tetakes dual purpose: Life | Gash values and
life protection and insurance plus investment | dividends are not
investment vehicle in one | too! guaranteed
Package. A portion of,
the preriumsalocatag | "R88 0 matty age
into various investment. | The cash value is payable
Vehicles forthe purposes | a/0ng withthe assured | Face amount
of wealth creation, The | Sum spline
contract's earnings | The death component is_ | are dependent
are based on the not limited to face value, | on investment
Performance of selected | 1 depicts liquiity, wherein | Performance.
Mee funds can be accessed
in times of need and
can serve as emergency
Itincludes various
funds.
investment fees.
Financial Stability
Like anyone else, teachers also aim to become financially stable if
not today, maybe in the future. Being financially stable means confidence
With the financial situation, worriless paying the bills because of available
funds, debt-free, money savings for future goals and enough emergency
funds.
Financial stability is not about being rich but rather more of a
mindset. It is living a life without worrying about how to pay the next bill,
and becoming stress-free about money while focusing energy on other
Parts of life (Silva, 2019).
10 Strategies in Reaching Financial Stability
Just like any goal, getting the finances stable and becoming
financially successful requires the development of good financial
habits. Babauta (2007) suggests 10 habits toward financial stability
‘and success
1. Make savings automagical. Savings should be made a top
priority, especially as an emergency fund and a bill payment
from the amount are automatically transferred from the
checking account, like an online savings sean me
ulsive spending. Control your self from
e conte eahg on eating out, shopping and online .
purchases that may ruin your finances and budget.132
Butoine avo Exvuaicnna New Literacies Acnoss THe CuRRIAUM
3. Evaluate your expenses and live frugally. eae w You
spend your money, see what you can re ing
expenses that are necessary and eliminate the unnecessary.
4. Invest in your future. Start preparing and ee for your
future retirement while still young in your career . a
5. Keep your family secure. Save for an emergency fund, So that
you hae seen {o spend if anything happens with the family
‘emergently.
6. Eliminate and avoid debt. Eliminate credit cards, personal
Joans, or other debt forms as it will not work on you but even pul
you down and make you drowned with obligations that may even
Tesort to surrendering your properties, jewelry and investments as
payment.
7. Use the envelope system. Set aside three amounts in your
budget each payday, withdraw those amounts and put them in
three separate envelopes. In that way, you can easily track how
much remains for each of the expenses or if you already run out
of money.
8. Pay bills immediately. One good habit is to pay bills as soon as
they come in and try to get your bills to be paid through automatic
deduction.
9. Read about personal finances. The more you educate yourself,
the better your finances will be.
40. Look to grow your net worth. Do whatever you can to improve
your net worth, either by reducing your debt, increasing your
‘savings, or increasing your income, or all of the above. (ntios:/
[Link]/10-habits-to-develop-fr-nancia)
Signs of Being Financially Stable
Teachers, like any one else, often work to the extent to earn more
even through additional jobs on the side just for their desire for financial
stability.
Rose (2019) presents some signs of a financially stable person.
4. You never overdraw your checking account
2. You don't lose sleep over finances.
3. You use credit cards for convenience and rewards but never
out of necessity.
4. You don't worry about losing your job.
5. You pay your bills ahead of time.
6. People ask your opinion about financial jou
inspire them. gli ris
7. You're generally happy with your financial situation,
8. You finance your cars over five years or less if you take loans
atall.Module 8: Financial Literacy 133
You contribute more to your retirement.
You don't fee! guilty when you're out for special occasions.
You can afford to buy the things you really want.
12. Recreational spending doesn't appeal to you.
13. You're a natural saver,
14.
10.
1
You're generous with money when it comes to charities or
helping others.
15. You're confident about your future.
16. Your net worth grows significantly from year to year.
17. You have substantial equity in your home.
18. You consistently live beneath your means.
19. You could suirvive for months without a paycheck.
20. You feel in control of your finances and never dominated by
them. (htips/wmww [Link]/nancially-stable/)
Integrating Financial Literacy into the Curriculum
Financial education in schools should be part of a collaborative
rational strategy to ensure relevance and long-term sustainability. The
teducation system and profession should be involved in the development
of the strategy. :
In support, Barry (2013) underscored that financial iteracy has a
wide repercussion outside the family circle and more precisely, the school.
Hence. administrators and professors need to develop a curriculum that
would provide students insights on having the value of financial Iteracy
including the effect it can bring them. .
Moreover, there should be a learning framework, which sets out
coals erring outcomes, content, pedagogical approaches, resources
hd ovalvation plans. The content should cover knowledge, skils,
atttudes and values. A sustainable source of funding should be identified
at the outset.
it ‘i ic tof the school
Financigl education should ideally be 2 core pal
currigulam: it can be integrated into other subjects like mathematics,
economics, social studies, technology and home economics, values
caaeaten aa einers, Financial education can give @ range of ‘rea-ife
Contexts across a range of subjects. si t)
trained and resourced, made aware
Teachers should be adequately
ofthe importance of financial literacy and related pedagos scot
a ra continuous Support 0 teach it or in in
dual nr omtective leaming tools and pedagogical resources ‘available to
Sch ee effectors that are appropriate tothe level of study. Students’
rants and tach e aseetaed! hough various gh impact mada