Dollars with Sense – Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia

Canadian youth are growing up in a time in which spending is easier than ever and debt is a way of life. This problem is exacerbated by hectic family schedules, which leave parents with little time to teach their children about money management.

How can we prepare today’s youth to avoid personal debt?

Through the Dollars With Sense program, Grade 7-9 students get the vital tools they need to make smart financial decisions, live debt-free and become savvy investors. Students learn personal money management skills that they can apply to their lives … beginning now.

You can view and download the Information Sheet Here.

Infomations sur le Programme

BONUS: Dollars With Sense x TD – Curious About Currency Learning Modules. This series offers 3 bite-sized open access learning modules exploring the concept of currency. The modules can be used as standalone learning experiences, as a series, or as a complement to the Dollars with Sense program.

Module 1: What do I need to know about currency? Students will explore what currency is and how it works, compare values or different currencies, recognize factors that influence currency value and be introduced to the concept of cryptocurrency.

Module 2: What do I need to know about exchanging currency? Students will learn about exchange rates and factors that influence them, practice using exchange rates to calculate currency conversions, and explore different options for exchanging currencies.

Module 3: How can I manage my money when using other currencies? Students will discover payment options for making purchase in other currencies, explore how exchange rates and fees influence the total cost of making a purchase in another currency and identify strategies for keeping money safe when using other currencies.

You can find all modules on our JACAMPUS.

Program Content

Goals

Supports critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Asks students to reflect about the real costs of living
Connects students to real world issues
Helps students understand their rights and responsibilities as consumers

Benefits to Students

Learn more about Personal Financial Literacy
Create an awareness of Economics and business
Reinforce team-building skills as students work in small groups
Encourages “smart consumerism” by educating youth about financial literacy

Lesson 1 – Money Makes the World Go Round

Students develop a money management self-profile and explore their values and goals how how that will affect their spending and saving habits. Students discover the real cost of using credit and explore the most appropriate forms for making purchases and payments.

Lesson 2 – Smart Shopping in an Online World

Students examine their spending habits and what influences their spending. Students calculate the real cost of interest and learn how to make smart financial decisions. Students learn about safe online purchases and what their consumer rights are.

Lesson 3 – Spending, Saving, Sharing

Students learn the difference between needs and wants and discuss what being financially stable means. Students learn how to prepare an event budget and reflect on that budget as a means of looking after money to meet financial goals. Students will discuss Credit Scores.

Lesson 4 – Make Your Money Work For You

Students learn a variety of investments, including savings accounts, Canada Savings Bonds, GICs, mutual funds and stocks. Students will learn the advantages and disadvantages of each type of investment and how to read a credit report.

The program wraps up with Money Bingo, bringing all learning together.

Dollars with Sense (DwS)

Program for Grades 7 to 9