Overview
This activity guides students through the process of building a realistic financial plan based on their future career goals. Using tools like myBlueprint and a tax calculator, students explore expected income and compare it to common monthly living expenses to better understand financial responsibilities after graduation.
Develop a Financial Plan that Considers Life Beyond High School
Objectives
- Identify potential income based on a chosen career pathway
- Calculate estimated monthly take-home pay
- Research and estimate common monthly living expenses
- Compare income versus expenses to assess financial sustainability
- Build awareness of budgeting and financial decision-making
Instructions
Students will select a career of interest using myBlueprint and record the median annual salary. They will then use an online tax calculator to estimate their monthly take-home income. Next, students will research and estimate typical monthly expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, and personal spending. Finally, students will total their expenses and compare them to their monthly income to determine if their plan is financially realistic.
Students can upload the completed activity to their myBlueprint Career Life Plan portfolio.
Key Highlights
- Connects career exploration with real-world financial planning
- Builds practical budgeting and research skills
- Encourages critical thinking about lifestyle and spending choices
- Helps students understand the cost of independent living
- Supports informed decision-making about future goals