City Life Workbook CITY
LIFE
Real World Skills Workbook
Inside This Unit
1 Apartment Hunting: Decoding Rental Ads
2 Lease Logic: Understanding Your Contract
3 The Paycheck Puzzle: Taxes & Take-Home Pay
4 Budgeting Battle: Managing Monthly Bills
Student Name
Date
Part 1: The Hunt
Finding a place to live is more than just looking at pictures. You have to read the "fine print" to know what you are really paying for.
Option A: Sunset Gardens
$1,250 / month
Features: 1 BR, 1 BA, Hardwood floors, updated kitchen. Close to metro.
Utilities: Water and Trash included. Tenant pays electric and gas.
Requirements: 1st month rent + Security Deposit ($1,250). No pets.
"Modern living in the heart of the city!"
Option B: Pine Valley Apts
$1,050 / month
Features: Studio, 1 BA, Carpet throughout. 15-minute drive to city center.
Utilities: Tenant pays ALL utilities (approx. $150/mo). Parking fee $50/mo.
Requirements: 1st month rent + 2 months security deposit. Pets welcome ($250 fee).
"Affordable and quiet - perfect for starters."
1. Total Move-In Cost: Calculate how much money you need upfront for Option A.
2. Hidden Costs: In Option B, what is the actual monthly cost if you include utilities and parking?
3. Comparison: Which apartment is actually cheaper per month when all fees are included? Explain why.
Part 2: The Utility Bill
METRO ENERGY CO.
123 Power Lane, Metropolis
ACCOUNT NO: 8834-1290
BILL DATE: MAR 15, 2026
DUE DATE: APR 01, 2026
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
ALEX JOHNSON
456 MAPLE AVE, APT 4B
Service Description Amount Monthly Connection Fee $15.00 Electricity Usage (450 kWh @ $0.12) $54.00 Gas Delivery Charge $22.50 Environmental Surcharge $4.25 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $95.75
MESSAGES:
A late fee of $10.00 will be applied if payment is received after April 1st.
Question 1
How much is the actual usage cost of the electricity?
Question 2
What is the total Alex must pay if they pay on April 5th?
Critical Thinking: Alex's budget for utilities is $80 per month. Are they over or under? By how much? What is one way they could lower this bill next month?
Part 3: Solving Life's Hiccups
Scenario: The Empty Account
Jordan just moved into a new apartment. Rent is $1,100 and is due on the 1st of every month. Jordan's car broke down on the 25th of the month, costing $600 to fix.
Now it is the 1st, and Jordan only has $700 in the bank until the next paycheck arrives on the 10th. According to the lease, rent paid after the 5th incurs a $75 late fee .
Problem 1: Identification
What are the two conflicting financial obligations Jordan is facing right now?
Problem 2: Communication
Jordan decides to call the landlord. What should Jordan say to explain the situation and minimize the damage to their reputation as a tenant?
Problem 3: Prevention
How could an "Emergency Fund" have changed this scenario? How much should Jordan try to save for future emergencies?
Adulting 101 Slides ADULTING 101
Mastering the Real World
The Moving-In Reality Check
First Month's Rent
Paid upfront before you even get the keys.
Security Deposit
A buffer for damages (usually one full month's rent).
Don't Forget!
• Application Fees ($30–$100)
• Utility Setup Fees
• Moving Truck Rental
• Pet Deposits ($250+)
Where Your Money Goes
Utilities
Electricity, Water, Gas, Trash. These fluctuate monthly!
Insurance
Renter's insurance is non-negotiable ($15–$30/mo).
Connectivity
Internet and cell phone plans. Don't let them sneak up on you!
Pro Tip: Always budget 15% more than you think you need for utilities.
The Golden Rule of Budgeting
50%
NEEDS
Rent, Groceries, Utilities, Transport
30%
WANTS
Netflix, Dining Out, Hobbies, Gym
20%
SAVINGS
Emergency Fund, Retirement, Goals
The Emergency Fund
Life happens. Cars break down, phones crack, and jobs end unexpectedly.
The Goal:
3–6 Months of Living Expenses
Car Repairs
Average unplanned repair: $500–$700
Health Costs
Deductibles and co-pays add up fast.
Appliance Failure
Fridge died? That's $1,000 you didn't plan for.
What Would You Do?
"You have $200 left in your budget for the month. Your best friend's birthday party is this weekend (est. $100), but your car's 'Check Engine' light just came on."
SHARE YOUR STRATEGY
Adulting 101 Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Lesson: Real World Ready
ADULTING 101
Lesson Objectives
Compare rental advertisements to calculate total move-in costs and recurring monthly expenses.
Analyze a utility bill to identify service fees, usage costs, and late fee structures.
Apply financial reasoning and communication skills to resolve real-world housing and budget crises.
Key Vocabulary
Security Deposit: Refundable fee for damages.
Utilities: Basic services (water, gas, electric).
Fixed Cost: Costs that don't change monthly.
City Life Workbook: Answer Key
Part 1: The Hunt
Q1: Total Move-In (Option A)
Answer: $2,500 (1st month $1,250 + Security Deposit $1,250)
Q2: Hidden Costs (Option B)
Answer: $1,250 ($1,050 rent + $150 utilities + $50 parking)
Q3: Comparison
Discussion: Both cost $1,250/mo. However, Option A includes water/trash, while B has more fees. A requires less upfront cash ($2,500 vs $3,150 for B's 2-mo deposit).
Part 2: The Utility Bill
Q1: Electricity Usage Cost
Answer: $54.00 (Connection fees and gas are separate).
Q2: Late Payment Total
Answer: $105.75 ($95.75 + $10.00 late fee).
Part 3: Solving Life's Hiccups
Scenario Resolution:
Communication: Jordan should call the landlord before the 1st. Explain the emergency, offer to pay $700 now and the remaining $400 + late fee on the 10th.Prevention: An emergency fund of $1,000 (starter) or 3 months of expenses would have covered the $600 car repair without touching rent money.
Slide Presentation Tips
Slide 4 (50/30/20): Ask students if they think 50% for needs is realistic in their local area. For some high-cost cities, rent alone may be 50% of take-home pay.
Slide 6 (Discussion): Facilitate a debate. Some may choose to pay for the car and skip the party. Others might try to carpool or take a bus to save the car repair for later (if possible). Emphasize that there are often no "perfect" choices, only "trade-offs."
