FINANCIAL BASICS FOR HIGH SCHOOL

A complete financial literacy program for local schools.

MoneyEdu gives students a practical, standards-aligned learning experience that can be used in class or through community programs. Students who complete all courses earn a credit union-branded Financial Basics certification credential.

High school students using MoneyEdu between classes
100%
Aligned with
national standards
12-16 hours
Typical study time
to earn certification
145,000+
Words of
curriculum content
Curriculum Outline

Financial Basics for High School

Every course is self-paced, mobile-friendly, standards-aligned, and reviewed for NCUA compliance. Courses can be completed independently or as part of a teacher-led classroom experience.

A person chooses one of three credit cards.

Borrowing and Credit

Understand how credit really works - from building your score and reading your reports to knowing how interest adds up and when credit card offers aren't what they seem.

A young woman driving a car

Buying a Car

Walk through every step of buying a car - from choosing the right model and spotting red flags to negotiating a fair deal and financing.

The front door of a charming cottage

Buying a Home

The pros and cons of buying a home, including a comparison with renting.

A woman shopping at the supermarket.

Choices About Money

Financial decisions almost always involve a trade off - getting something now usually means giving up something else.

A man speaks with a sales man.

Consumer Rights and Protection

Learn the laws and tools that protect you every time you swipe, tap, or click "buy" - and how to fight back when something goes wrong.

Young man in sports coat walking, looking at smartphone, and smiling.

Earning a Living

Your choices about careers and employer benefits are some of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make.

A woman sitting at her desk in an office with coworkers.

Education and Financial Success

Why college is a great investment, even though it has an increasingly high cost.

A woman jumps hurdles at a track meet.

Financial Health

What does it mean to be financially healthy? How do you measure it? Let's take a look.

A smiling man meeting with a colleague.

Financial Services

A look at commonly used financial services and accounts, including banks, credit unions, and alternative services.

A college student walking to class

Getting the Most from MoneyEdu

A quick introduction to site goals and resources for high school students.

The United States capitol building

Government and the Global Economy

How government rules, taxes, policies, and global trade work together to shape the modern economy.

A 1040 tax form against an American flag background

How Taxes Work

Demystify how taxes actually work, why your paycheck may be smaller than expected, and what you need to know before filing your first return.

A young family in the rain

Insurance Basics

Insurance sounds boring until you need it - learn which types actually matter at every life stage, how to choose wisely, and the government safety nets already working in your favor.

The bull statue outside of the New York Stock exhange

Introduction to Investing

Learn how to save your money, which accounts to consider, and how fees may quietly eat into your returns

A stack of $100 dollar bills.

Investing in the Modern World

What moves the markets, who keeps them fair, and how to tell solid financial advice from social media hype.

A woman looking at stock charts on her laptop

Investing: Accounts, Taxes, and Advice

Go deeper into how investment taxes work, when to hire a financial advisor, and how building career value and retirement savings work together over time.

A person using a calculator and computer

Managing Financial Accounts

How to get the most for financial services while minimizing fees and protecting your personal information.

A college graduate hugs her mother

Paying for College

Learn about financial aid, how to choose the right loans, and repaying college debt.

A man looking through binoculars

Planning for Your Future

Map out your financial future from today's first steps to retirement - covering investing basics, risk management, and the accounts that help your money grow over decades.

Gold lock over a display of digital numbers.

Protecting Your Identity

Learn how identity thieves and scammers operate and the steps that keep your personal information safe.

A serious man looking at a bill

Recognizing Financial Problems

Spot the warning signs of financial trouble before they spiral, learn the strategies that help people climb out of debt, and understand what happens when things get serious.

A person packing a moving box.

Renting an Apartment

From figuring out what you can actually afford to splitting costs with roommates, get ready to sign your first lease.

A person pays for meal at a restaurant with friends.

Smart Spending

Master the art of spending with intention, building a plan that works in real life and avoiding spending under pressure.

A waiter in a restaurant.

Starting a Business

A look at the concepts involved with starting a business as a teen.

A jet flying over containers stored at a port

The Economy and You

How economic systems, businesses, households, government policies, and trade affect daily life - and how individual choices fit into the bigger picture.

A conceptual image of a woman the overlaps with a sun in the clouds.

The Psychology of Money

Your brain is wired to spend now and worry later - learn why saving feels so hard, how social pressure shapes your habits, and what you can do about it today.

A hundred dollar bill with a clock on its face.

Understanding Interest

Einstein supposedly said "compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world." Was he right?

Who It's For

Built for Classrooms, Communities, and the Credit Unions That Support Them

Financial Basics helps credit unions support local schools with a flexible, classroom-ready program that fits the way financial literacy is actually taught.

Teachers

Assignment-ready content, student-specific reporting, class-level quiz responses, and a blended-learning workflow that fits how you already teach.

School Administrators

A turnkey online financial literacy program with documented national and state-specific standards alignment. Offered at no cost via your local credit union.

Credit Unions

Support local schools with a branded financial literacy program, build trust with students and families, and document your community impact.

Students

Learn practical money skills at your own pace, earn a personalized Financial Basics badge, and build knowledge you can use in school, work, and everyday life.

MoneyEdu Financial Basics Certification badge
Certification

Earn a credential worth showing off

Students who complete Financial Basics earn the MoneyEdu Financial Basics Certification - a personalized badge and credential page recognized on college and employment applications.

In North Carolina, this curriculum earns a state-recognized credential. We're working to bring similar recognition to additional states.

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About MoneyEdu

Built on 20+ years of financial education expertise.

MoneyEdu is built by Decision Partners - a team with over two decades of experience in financial education. We've partnered with universities, national associations, and credit unions to create resources that reflect each institution's values.

MoneyEdu is exclusively for credit unions. All resources are reviewed for NCUA compliance and include credit union-specific nomenclature.

Get in touch to learn why leading credit unions trust MoneyEdu to power their financial wellness programs.

Your Data Stays Yours

Your member data belongs to your credit union. There are no third-party product pitches, outside marketing lists, or competing interests, just a platform that supports the relationship you've built.

Coaching at Every Step

Your team gets hands-on support to launch quickly. We work with you to align the program to your initial goals, so you get real value from day one. We then help you grow over time as your goals expand.

Bring MoneyEdu to schools in your community.

See how Financial Basics for High School fits into your community outreach and member growth strategy.

Request a Demo