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Counseling & Life SkillsSelf-AwarenessBasic Emotion RecognitionComplex Emotion IdentificationEmotional Nuance & Mixed FeelingsBuilding Positive Self-ImageRecognizing Strengths & Growth AreasAccurate Self-AssessmentPersonal Values IdentificationCultural & Individual Identity ExplorationValues-Based Decision MakingSelf-ManagementStop-and-Think StrategiesDelaying GratificationIndependent Impulse ManagementIdentifying Stress TriggersShort-Term Goal SettingSMART Goals DevelopmentGoal Monitoring & AdjustmentBuilding Perseverance & ResilienceInternal Motivation DevelopmentComprehensive Stress Reduction PlanningSocial AwarenessRecognizing Others' FeelingsDemonstrating EmpathyRespecting Individual DifferencesUnderstanding Cultural DiversityComplex Empathetic ResponsesMultiple Viewpoint ConsiderationMulti-Perspective AnalysisChallenging Stereotypes & BiasRelationship SkillsActive ListeningClear Verbal & Nonverbal CommunicationBuilding Positive FriendshipsWorking Cooperatively in GroupsCommunicating Personal BoundariesRespecting Others' BoundariesAssertive ExpressionPeaceful Problem-SolvingContributing to Team GoalsComplex Conflict NavigationMediation & NegotiationHealthy Romantic RelationshipsResponsible Decision-MakingDaily Problem IdentificationBrainstorming Multiple SolutionsEvaluating Pros & ConsRecognizing Risks & ConsequencesApplying Ethical FrameworksInformed Risk-Benefit DecisionsRoot Cause AnalysisMindfulnessMindful BreathingBody Scan MeditationDaily Mindfulness ApplicationDaily Self-Care RoutinesBalancing Life DemandsAdvocating for Wellness NeedsMental Health SupportUnderstanding Anxiety SymptomsWorry Management StrategiesProgressive Muscle RelaxationRecognizing Depression SignsBuilding Mood-Supporting RoutinesBehavioral Activation for MoodUnderstanding Grief StagesHealthy Grief CopingCreative Expression of LossBehavioral SupportDaily Check-In ProceduresDaily Goal Setting & ReviewRecognizing Escalation Warning SignsRequesting Breaks & SupportSelf-Calming During DistressUnderstanding Positive ReinforcementToken Economy ImplementationBehavior Chart TrackingAnalyzing Behavior PatternsIdentifying Antecedents & ConsequencesDetermining Behavior FunctionFunction-Based InterventionsIndividualized Behavior ContractsData-Driven Behavior AdjustmentTherapeutic ApproachesThoughts-Feelings-Behaviors ConnectionRecognizing Thinking PatternsChallenging Negative ThoughtsPositive Self-Talk PracticeThought Record TrackingAdvanced Cognitive RestructuringComprehensive CBT PlansBehavioral Activation TechniquesBuilding Positive ExperiencesExposure Hierarchies for AnxietyPresent-Moment AwarenessNon-Judgmental ObservationSelf-Soothing & DistractionComplex Emotion LabelingReducing Emotional Vulnerability (PLEASE)DEAR MAN CommunicationGIVE Skills for RelationshipsFAST Skills for Self-RespectRadical Acceptance PracticeCrisis Survival Skills (TIPP)Understanding Trauma EffectsTrauma Responses & TriggersIdentifying Trauma FeelingsGrounding TechniquesRegulation During Trauma DistressSafe Place VisualizationProcessing Through NarrativeDeveloping Trauma StoryPersonalized Safety PlanningGroup SupportTurn-Taking & SharingGroup Conversation SkillsSharing in Supportive EnvironmentLearning from Similar ChallengesBuilding Community & BelongingNavigating Peer RelationshipsGroup Skill PracticeGroup Mental Health EducationStress & Anxiety UnderstandingCrisis Support & SafetyKnowing When to Seek HelpIdentifying Mental Health CrisesGrounding During CrisisUsing Crisis HotlinesBuilding Support NetworksAccessing Mental Health ResourcesWarning Signs & Coping StrategiesDeveloping Personal Safety PlansUnderstanding Suicide Warning SignsGatekeeper Skills for PeersDigital LiteracySocial MediaTechnology BasicsProductivity ToolsInternet and Online ResearchWeb Design and PublishingDigital CitizenshipOnline Safety and PrivacyEmerging TechnologiesFinancial LiteracyMaking Financial DecisionsBanking and AccountsConsumer SkillsSaving and InvestingCredit and DebtEmployment and IncomeTaxesInsuranceMajor PurchasesEconomic ConceptsFinancial PlanningCollege & Post-Secondary PlanningCareer ExplorationUnderstanding Post-Secondary OptionsCollege Research & SelectionAdmission RequirementsCollege Application ProcessPersonal Statement WritingFAFSA CompletionScholarship Search & ApplicationsUnderstanding Student LoansContinuing Education PlanningInterview PreparationResearching EmployersCommon Interview QuestionsSTAR Method ResponsesProfessional Interview PresenceVirtual Interview SkillsInterview Follow-UpJob Search SkillsUnderstanding Job PostingsEffective Job Search StrategiesNetworking for OpportunitiesResume Writing BasicsAction Verbs & AchievementsTailoring Resumes to JobsCover Letter WritingProfessional ReferencesProfessional CommunicationBusiness Email EtiquettePhone & Voicemail ProfessionalismMeeting ParticipationPresentation SkillsProfessional Work EthicTime Management & ProductivityTeamwork & CollaborationAdaptability & 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Adulting The Life Game

A comprehensive simulation-based lesson for 10th-grade students to practice essential adulting skills, including budgeting, career selection, and managing unexpected life events.

JJosie

Adulting The Life Game

A comprehensive simulation-based lesson for 10th-grade students to practice essential adulting skills, including budgeting, career selection, and managing unexpected life events.

JJosie

The Regular Bills: Fixed Expenses

These costs STAY THE SAME every month.

Utilities

Car Payment

Insurance

Phone Bill

Action Step:

Draw Fixed Expense Cards. Choose the ones that match your lifestyle and record them on your tracker.

BALANCE YOUR BUDGET


Paying Your Bills

Old School: Checks

A written order to pay money from your account. Still used for rent and big purchases!

Pay to: ________________ Date: ________

Amount: $____________

New School: Digital

Online Bill Pay

Automated recurring payments.

Debit Cards

Immediate deduction from bank account.


Everyday Necessities

Groceries

Home cooking vs. Ready-to-eat

Transport

Gas, Maintenance, or Transit fares

Personal Care

Toiletries, Haircuts, Gym

These are VARIABLE expenses.

They change based on your choices and lifestyle habits.

"Watch the small things; they add up fast!"


What's Left?

DISCRETIONARY INCOME

The money left over after ALL your bills and needs are paid.

Movies

Dining Out

Fashion

Hobbies

Warning: If this number is negative, you must cut spending elsewhere!


Life's Curveballs!

The Chaos Factor

Life rarely goes exactly as planned. Some months are easy, some are hard.

  • Car repairs (-$500)
  • Work bonus (+$300)
  • Medical bill (-$200)

DRAW TIME!

Each group draw 3 Life Event Cards. Adjust your tracker immediately.

Good Luck!


The Safety Net: Savings

The Emergency Fund

Money set aside for UNEXPECTED costs so they don't become debt.

Target Goal:

3 to 6 months of expenses.

Why Save?

  • Peace of Mind

    No stress when the car breaks.

  • Future Goals

    A house, a wedding, a trip!


The Dilemma

What would you do?

"Your group has $400 left after bills. You planned to save it for an emergency fund. Suddenly, your best friends invite you on an expensive trip next month. It costs exactly $400."

Instant Gratification

Long-term Goals

Opportunity Cost


The Reflection

Let's talk about the journey:

  • What was the most challenging part?
  • What cost surprised you the most?
  • One thing you'd do differently next time?

You Finished the Simulation!


Your Future Starts Now!

Independent living is a journey, not a destination. Keep practicing your skills and making smart financial moves.

YOU'VE GOT THIS!

Turn in your Budget & Tracker Worksheet for review.

(Allow 15 minutes for selection.)

[Display Slide 8]

"Next: fixed expenses. These are bills that stay roughly the same every month. Utilities, car payments, insurance. I'm handing out Expense Cards. Pick your 'fixed' bundle and add them to your tracker."

4

Life Events & Debrief

[Display Slide 10-11]

"Next up: variable expenses. Food, fun, and transport. These change based on your choices. Use your remaining income to choose grocery and entertainment tiers from your Expense Cards."

[Display Slide 12]

"Ready for the curveballs? I'm giving each group three Life Event Cards. Some are bonuses, some are catastrophes. Discuss how they impact your budget and adjust your worksheets."

(Distribute Life Event Cards. Allow 30 minutes for adjustment.)

[Display Slide 15]

"We've reached the end! Let's reflect. What was the most challenging part? What surprised you most? One thing you learned?"

Final Wrap-up

"Thank you for participating. Independent living is complex, but with a plan, it's manageable. Turn in your worksheets, and remember—your future starts now!"

  • Aim for a positive "Discretionary Income" balance before Life Events.
  • Think long-term: What happens if your rent increases next month?
  • Significant portions are incomplete or contain multiple mathematical errors.
    Worksheet is largely incomplete or inaccurate; minimal effort shown.

    Teacher Comments & Feedback

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