During my meeting with Caleb Hall from the CAFE at Oregon State University, we discussed some essential budgeting concepts that I can teach to middle school students. One of the key points we explored was the idea of balancing spending now with saving for the future. By teaching students that spending too much today could limit their financial freedom tomorrow, I can help them understand the importance of financial planning early on. I’ll integrate this concept into my lesson plan by introducing the idea of “needs versus wants.” This will encourage students to prioritize their spending and reflect on their purchasing decisions, helping them build healthier financial habits from a young age.

We also talked about how setting and achieving goals, especially through small, consistent habits, plays a significant role in financial success. Teaching students about SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals will help them develop a structured approach to saving and budgeting. Additionally, we discussed the importance of impulse control, a challenge many adults face, particularly when dealing with credit cards and debt. I plan to incorporate lessons on the dangers of overspending, how to avoid falling into debt, and how credit works. By building awareness of these issues early on, I hope to equip students with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. As I continue to develop my Google Slides lesson plan, I’m excited to bring these practical and impactful concepts to life for middle schoolers, teaching them not only how to manage money but also how to create lasting, positive financial habits.