Practical Money Skills At School

The students in Teresa Cassin's financial classes are all business. Literally. They "clock in" to the classroom at Egg Harbor Township High School; write resumes and letters of resignation; and have their pay docked if they're late. It's a model workplace and Cassin's way to bring her teaching philosophy to life. An adamant believer in the connection between conceptual classroom theory and the reality of "real world" application, her students are learning and living financial responsibility. Read more.

For the classroom or the home school, Visa's award–winning Practical Money Skills curriculum gives students life–empowering, life–changing financial skills. This improved version, designed by teachers for teachers, includes content mapped to state standards for grades pre–K to college. In this new version, educators will find: helpful lesson plans and outlines; teaching notes; interactive quizzes and games; presentation slides; and a host of student activities and resources. Start your school year with a financial literacy goal. Learn more.

Practical Money Skills At Home

In 2007 Americans spent nearly $18 billion back–to–school shopping, says the National Retail Federation. But in 2008 people are spending less to make a passing grade. According to a national survey by the consulting firm Deloitte, 71% of respondents say they'll spend less money on back–to–school items this year than last. And 83% of people surveyed report they'll spend less on clothes, while 50% say they'll spend less on shoes, and about one third of respondents will reduce spending on backpacks. To help you save more this season, we've assembled a Back–to–School Guide for budgeting and spending tips for the school year.

Back–to–School Budgeting Guide

• Back-to-School Budgeting Calculator – figure out what you're going to spend with this online calculator.
• Back–to–School Shopping Tips – find out ways to save on all those supplies.

You've heard it's never too early to get ready for retirement. That may be true, but you may be overwhelmed with how to start. Here Jean Chatzky offers simple steps to help you set goals and get on the right road to retirement. Now's the time to ensure you're golden years are really golden. Jean covers topics like how to work toward realistic goals; what insurance coverage you'll need; and how to make the most out of your retirement savings plans. Read more.

Retirement 101

• Making Retirement Last – make a few plans to make a lasting difference in your retirement.
• Retirement Calculator – add up exactly what you're really going to need.
• Save a Million Calculator – find out how long it will take you to "Save a Million."