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MoneySmart

Help your students avoid common financial pitfalls and develop strong money management skills with this course.

Social & Life Skills
This course is included in Stanfield+ — $999.00/yr for your whole school Start Free 30-Day Trial
MoneySmart
16+
Age Group
25+
Hours of Instruction
Live Action
Format
Standards Alignment
ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors 3
CASEL SEL Framework 2
Employability Skills Framework (DOL/ODEP) 1
IDEA Transition Indicators 2
IEP Goal Domains 2
ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors — Aligned Standards
ASCA-M5 Belief in Using Abilities to Their Fullest
ASCA-SMS1 Responsibility for Self
ASCA-SS5 Ethical Decision-Making
CASEL SEL Framework — Aligned Standards
CASEL-SM Self-Management
CASEL-RDM Responsible Decision-Making
Employability Skills Framework (DOL/ODEP) — Aligned Standards
ESF-PROB Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
IDEA Transition Indicators — Aligned Standards
IDEA-ILS Independent Living Skills
IDEA-SD Self-Determination & Self-Advocacy
IEP Goal Domains — Aligned Standards
IEP-INDEP Independent Living
IEP-TRANS Transition Skills
1

What It's About

Money management is one of the most crucial life skills that a student must learn. However, many schools do not teach financial literacy, leaving students to learn the hard way about the importance of money management.

This is where the MoneySmart program from the Stanfield Company comes in. It is tailored toward educators looking to provide their students with helpful resources on financial literacy. In today's society, where economic mobility is more difficult than ever, it is crucial that we equip our youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about financial matters.

With the help of the MoneySmart program, educators can provide students with invaluable lessons on budgeting, saving, and investing — skills that will not only benefit them in their personal lives but also set them up for success in the professional world. Across 39 video-based lessons, the program uses video modeling and real-life scenarios to show students the consequences of poor financial choices and the rewards of smart money management.

Rather than relying on textbooks or lectures, MoneySmart brings financial concepts to life through engaging video segments that show relatable characters making everyday money decisions — both good and bad. This modeling-based approach helps students internalize healthy financial habits in a way that sticks. The program is an excellent resource for educators who want to teach their students valuable life skills that will help them succeed in their future financial endeavors.

This curriculum is presented in a relaxed, child-friendly format that makes it accessible for even the youngest students.

2

What You'll Learn

We have all heard the saying, "Money does not buy happiness," yet many of us continue to squander our earnings on material possessions that provide temporary satisfaction. Whether it is the latest gadget or an expensive meal, overspending can be a dangerous trap that leads to a lifetime of debt and financial insecurity.

Fortunately, the Stanfield Company's MoneySmart program provides valuable tools for students looking to become financially literate and gain control over their spending habits. Unlike many traditional financial literacy programs that rely on textbooks, the Stanfield program is interactive, visually appealing, and suitable for learners of all levels. The program uses video modeling, real-life scenarios, and interactive lessons to engage students and make abstract financial concepts concrete and memorable.

How to Avoid Compulsive Shopping

For those who have ever felt that familiar pull towards a shiny new object, it can be difficult to resist indulging in impulsive purchases. However, the MoneySmart program provides techniques for recognizing the emotional triggers that drive us to overspend, and offers alternative coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety. Students learn to pause, evaluate, and make intentional purchasing decisions rather than reactive ones.

How to Avoid Being a Spendthrift

It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that money is limitless, especially in today's consumerist society. However, overspending can lead to debt and financial insecurity in the long run. The MoneySmart program provides insightful resources on budgeting and saving, empowering individuals to take control of their finances and develop healthy spending habits. Students learn the difference between needs and wants, and how to prioritize their spending to align with their goals.

How to Be a Savvy Shopper

Are you tired of overspending? Do you want to get more bang for your buck? The MoneySmart program can teach your students how to become savvy shoppers. This means learning how to comparison shop, understand sales and discounts, and know when to walk away from a deal that seems too good to be true. Students also learn about online shopping safety and how to evaluate whether a purchase truly fits their budget.

How to Avoid Blowing Your Budget

Do you have trouble sticking to your budget? Do unexpected expenses always seem to derail your financial plans? The MoneySmart program can help students learn how they can avoid blowing their budgets. This means learning how to create a realistic budget, track expenses, and make adjustments when necessary. Students practice building budgets that account for both fixed and variable expenses, giving them a practical framework they can use immediately.

How to Avoid Being Duped and Scammed

Have you ever been a victim of fraud or identity theft? Do you worry about falling for a scam? The MoneySmart program can teach students how to avoid being duped and scammed. This means learning how to identify common scams and frauds, protecting your personal information, and knowing what to do if you become a victim. By staying informed and aware of potential dangers, students can protect themselves and their finances from harm.

Students will feel empowered as they put these concepts into practice and start seeing positive results in their relationships.

3

In Conclusion

The MoneySmart program is an excellent resource for educators who want to teach their students valuable life skills that will help them succeed in their future financial endeavors.

With hands-on learning experiences, students gain practical experience in managing money, which can be applied to their everyday lives. The program empowers students to take charge of their financial future by teaching them the necessary skills and knowledge to become financially independent. From understanding how bank accounts work to recognizing predatory lending practices, MoneySmart covers the real-world financial situations your students will encounter.

What makes MoneySmart particularly effective is its video modeling approach. Students watch relatable characters navigate everyday financial decisions — from grocery shopping on a budget to resisting impulse purchases — and see the consequences of both smart and poor choices. This visual, scenario-based learning helps students internalize healthy financial habits in a way that lectures and worksheets simply cannot match.

The program is designed to be accessible to all learners, encouraging collaborative learning between students and teachers. With the MoneySmart program, educators can help their students become financially responsible adults who are ready to take on the world with confidence and competence.

This program is included in Stanfield+$999/year gives your school access to the full library of 60+ programs with a 30-day free trial.

The skills learned are designed to be lifelong assets, aiding students in feeling secure and connected throughout their educational journey and beyond.

4

What's Inside

25+ Hours of Instruction

6 units
Part 1 — 6 activities
1
Wait 3 Days And Get Advice Before Buying
Discuss and answer the following questions!
2
Research And Comparison Shop
Discuss and answer the following questions!
3
Be Aware Of Added Costs
Discuss and answer the following questions!
4
Wait For Sales
Discuss and answer the following questions!
5
Buy Clothes Out Of Season
Discuss and answer the following questions!
6
Don’t Buy Impulsively From Product Displays
Discuss and answer the following questions!
Part 2 — 6 activities
1
Shop With A List And A Plan
Discuss and answer the following questions!
2
Request Assistance
Discuss and answer the following questions!
3
Don’t Accumulate Credit Card Debt
Discuss and answer the following questions!
4
Don’t Eat Out
Discuss and answer the following questions!
5
Buy At Thrift Stores, Garage Sales, Or Swap Meets
Discuss and answer the following questions!
6
Entertain At Home
Discuss and answer the following questions!
Part 3 — 7 activities
1
Don’t Give Into Persuasive Salespeople
Discuss and answer the following questions!
2
Don’t Fall For Sales Pitches
Discuss and answer the following questions!
3
Don’t Mistake “Friendly” Salespeople For Trustworthy Friends
Discuss and answer the following questions!
4
Buy From Dependable Sources And Familiar Brands
Discuss and answer the following questions!
5
Check Receipts
Discuss and answer the following questions!
6
Save Receipts And Warranties
Discuss and answer the following questions!
7
Return Defective Or Unwanted Purchases
Discuss and answer the following questions!
1
Don’t Lend More Than $10
Discuss and answer the following questions!
2
Try Before You Buy
Discuss and answer the following questions!
3
Make A Budget
Discuss and answer the following questions!
4
Pay Bills First
Discuss and answer the following questions!
5
Buy What’s Needed Before What’s Wanted
Discuss and answer the following questions!
1
Don’t Call Toll 900 Numbers
Discuss and answer the following questions!
2
Don’t Give Money To Door-To-Door Salespeople
Discuss and answer the following questions!
3
Give To Established Charities Instead Of Panhandlers
Discuss and answer the following questions!
4
Don’t Send Money to “Win” Free Prizes
Discuss and answer the following questions!
5
Don’t Buy What You Can’t Try
Discuss and answer the following questions!
1
Don’t Flash Your Cash/Take More Money Than You Need
Discuss and answer the following questions!
2
Display Purchases
Discuss and answer the following questions!
3
Keep An Eye On Valuables
Discuss and answer the following questions!
4
Don’t Overload Yourself
Discuss and answer the following questions!
5
Don’t Put Valuables On The Floor Of Restroom Stalls
Discuss and answer the following questions!
6
Shop With A Friend
Discuss and answer the following questions!
7
Don’t Give Out Personal Information To Strangers
Discuss and answer the following questions!
8
Secure Your Purse While In A Wheelchair
Discuss and answer the following questions!
9
Don’t Accept Unsolicited Help
Discuss and answer the following questions!
10
Don’t Keep Your Wallet In A Back Pocket
Discuss and answer the following questions!
5

Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is MoneySmart designed for?

MoneySmart is designed for students ages 16+, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral needs. The content uses video modeling with real-life scenarios that work across ability levels.

What materials are included with MoneySmart?

The program includes 36 lessons with approximately 3.5 Hrs of video content. Each lesson includes streaming video content, a comprehensive digital teacher's guide with step-by-step instructions, printable student worksheets, discussion activities, and assessment tools. All materials are accessible from any browser.

Is MoneySmart included in a Stanfield subscription?

Yes. MoneySmart is included in Stanfield+ ($999/year for the full 60+ program library). Both plans include a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

What standards does MoneySmart align to?

MoneySmart aligns to CASEL Social-Emotional Learning standards, ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors, and IEP Goal Domains. Standards alignment documentation is available for every lesson to support compliance and IEP planning.

Can I use MoneySmart on a smartboard or projector?

Yes. All Stanfield programs stream from any browser — smartboards, projectors, Chromebooks, tablets, or any internet-connected device. The entire library is also closed-captioned for accessibility.

How does MoneySmart prepare students for life after school?

MoneySmart uses real-world video scenarios to teach practical skills students will need for independent living, employment, and community participation. Every lesson connects classroom learning to situations students will actually encounter.

Included in Stanfield+
$999.00 /yr — 60+ programs
Start 30-Day Free Trial View All Plans
No credit card required
Standards aligned (CASEL, ASCA)
Teacher guides & lesson plans
Stream from any device

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