Holiday Money Moves Slides
Financial Literacy & Safety
Holiday Edition
Holiday Money Moves:
Shop Smart, Stay Safe!
Master three simple questions so you keep your money safe, avoid rip-offs, and enjoy the season stress-free.
Learning Objective Spot common holiday scams, make smart spending choices, and protect your personal information.
Roadmap
Our Three Big Questions
1
Topic 1
How do I know if something is a scam?
Spot fake online stores, sneaky delivery texts, and deals that are too good to be true.
Spot the Red Flags
2
Topic 2
How do I avoid spending more than I have?
Set simple spending limits, make a plan, and stop impulse shopping before it starts.
Smart Spending Habits
3
Topic 3
How do I protect my money & info?
Lock down passwords, avoid risky public Wi-Fi, and guard card details like treasure.
Lock It Down
💡 Pro Rule: Never rush when money is on the line!
Question 1
How Do I Know If It’s a Scam?
Theme: Scams Watch for Red Flags
Prices Too Good to Be True
A brand new $120 jacket for $14.99? It's almost always a fake store designed to take your cash.
Crazy High Pressure
"Only 3 minutes left!" or "Buy right now or lose your account!" Scammers rush you so you don't think.
Weird Payment Requests
Asking to be paid with Apple/Target gift cards, Zelle, CashApp, or crypto. Real stores never do this!
Suspicious Links & Typos
Web addresses with weird spellings like amaz0n-deals.net or strange random characters.
🚩 Golden Rule for Scams: When you feel rushed or surprised, PAUSE and verify with an adult or teacher.
Real-World Examples
3 Holiday Traps to Watch Out For
Fake Delivery Texts
"Your USPS package is stuck! Click this link and pay $1.50 to get it delivered."
⚠️ Truth: Postal services won't text you for credit card fees!
Fake Social Media Ads
Ads on TikTok or Instagram showing 90% off gaming consoles or trendy sneakers.
⚠️ Truth: Anyone can buy an ad. Never buy directly inside social apps.
"Free" Gift Card Giveaways
"You won a $500 Walmart gift card! Just fill out this survey and enter your phone number."
⚠️ Truth: It's an info-harvesting trick to steal data or spam you.
🛡️ The Fix: Open a brand new browser tab and type the official website name yourself.
Question 2
How Do I Avoid Overspending?
Theme: Spending Plan Your Cash
Rule 1
The "Cap" List
Write down who you are buying for before you shop. Set a strict dollar limit for each person (e.g., $10 max).
No list = overspending!
Rule 2
The 24-Hour Wait
See something you suddenly must have? Leave it in your cart for 24 hours. Most impulse urges disappear by morning.
Cures impulse buys!
Rule 3
Count Sneaky Costs
A $20 item often ends up costing $32 once you add shipping fees, taxes, and gift wrap. Always check the final checkout total first.
Check shipping first!
💰 Smart Money Mantra: "If I have to borrow money to buy it, I can’t afford it right now."
Question 3
How Do I Protect My Money & Info?
Theme: Protection Lock It Down
Never Buy on Public Wi-Fi
Danger Zone
Free mall and coffee shop Wi-Fi has no security. Hackers on the same network can copy passwords and card numbers. Use mobile data or shop at home!
Look for the Lock Icon & "HTTPS"
Safe Checkout
Check the address bar before entering payment info. Safe stores start with https:// (the "S" stands for Secure) and show a tiny padlock icon.
Guard Your Social Security Number & PINs
Never Share
No shopping website ever needs your Social Security Number, your ATM PIN, or your full birthday to sell you an item. If they ask, exit immediately!
🔐 Pro Safety Move: Use a prepaid gift card or digital wallet (Apple/Google Pay) so stores never see your real bank account.
Hands-On Practice
Partner Activity: Scam or Smart Move?
Pairs: 3 Minutes
With your partner, read each scenario below. Decide: Is it a SCAM or a SMART MOVE? Be ready to explain WHY!
A
The "Package Hold" Text
Marcus gets a text: "Your package cannot be delivered. Click here to confirm your address and pay a $0.99 fee: usps-post24.info"
Scam or Smart Move?
B
The $15 Cap
Sofia wants to buy gifts for 3 friends. Before opening shopping apps, she writes down: "Max $15 each. Total budget: $45." She sticks to it.
Scam or Smart Move?
C
Mall Wi-Fi Checkout
Leo finds discounted headphones while sitting at the mall food court. He connects to "Free_Mall_Guest_WiFi" and enters his debit card number.
Scam or Smart Move?
🗣️ Turn to your neighbor and share your thoughts for A, B, and C!
Check Your Answers
Debrief: How Did You Do?
Scenario A: 🚨 SCAM
The link usps-post24.info is fake. Postal carriers never text demanding a card payment to release standard mail.
Don't Click! Delete the text
Scenario B: ✅ SMART MOVE
Sofia set a budget and a per-person cap before looking at items. This stops impulse spending and keeps cash under control.
Budget Champ! Planned ahead
Scenario C: 🚨 RISKY MOVE
Public Wi-Fi is unencrypted. Anyone nearby could intercept his card details. Leo should switch to cellular data or wait until he is home.
Security Risk! Use mobile data
👏 Key Takeaway: You don't have to be a tech expert—just be careful, plan, and double-check!
Key Takeaways
Your Holiday Shopping Checklist
1. Spot Scams
- ✓ Ignore countdown timers
- ✓ Never pay with gift cards
- ✓ Verify URLs carefully
Pause before you click.
2. Spend Smart
- ✓ Set a strict list with limits
- ✓ Wait 24 hours on big wants
- ✓ Account for shipping & tax
Stick to your list.
3. Guard Info
- ✓ Shop on private Wi-Fi/Data
- ✓ Check for the lock icon
- ✓ Keep PINs & SSN private
Keep data safe.
🎁 The holidays are about sharing and gratitude—not getting scammed or going broke!
Before You Go
Quick Exit Ticket
Complete on your paper / card
1
Topic 1: Scams
What is ONE major red flag that an online deal might be a scam?
2
Topic 2: Spending
Name ONE rule or habit that helps you avoid spending more money than you have.
3
Topic 3: Protection
Why should you avoid buying gifts or entering passwords while on public mall Wi-Fi?
Turn in your exit ticket to your teacher on your way out! Happy & Safe Shopping!
