Paycheck Power Workbook Week 1 Week 1
Adulting Math Bootcamp
PAYCHECK
POWER
Mastering the math of your money before it even hits your bank account.
Student Name
Date
This Week's Mission
• Calculate Gross vs. Net Pay
• Decode a standard paystub
• Project earnings for different career paths
1.1 The Anatomy of a Paycheck
Vocabulary Essentials
Gross Pay: The total amount of money you earn ____________ taxes and deductions are taken out.
Net Pay: Often called "take-home pay," this is the amount ____________ all deductions.
Deductions: Money taken out of your paycheck for ___________, ___________, or retirement.
The Big Three Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Paid to the IRS to fund national programs.
FICA (Social Security)
Fixed at 6.2% for retirement benefits.
FICA (Medicare)
Fixed at 1.45% for senior healthcare.
Calculation Sandbox
If Jordan earns $20 per hour and works 40 hours a week...
1. Gross Pay Calculation: $20 x 40 = $________
2. If 20% is taken for all taxes, how much is deducted? $________
3. Jordan's Net Pay: $________
Show your work here:
1.2 Stub Detective
Use the paystub below to find the specific lines of information.
CITY TECH SOLUTIONS, INC.
123 Innovation Way, Suite 400
PAY STATEMENT
Employee: ALEX RIVERA
Pay Period: 09/01/26 - 09/14/26
EARNINGS
RATE
HOURS
TOTAL
Regular
$24.50
80.00
$1,960.00
Overtime
$36.75
4.00
$147.00
DEDUCTIONS
AMOUNT
Federal Tax
$231.77
FICA-SocSec
$130.63
FICA-Med
$30.55
Health Ins.
$85.00
GROSS: $2,107.00
TOTAL DEDUCTIONS: $477.95
NET: $1,629.05
1. What was Alex's total hourly gross earnings for this period?
2. Prove Alex's OT is "Time and a Half" with math.
3. What % of total gross went to Federal Tax? (Round %)
4. Projected annual NET income (26 periods)?
Pro-Active Challenge
The Job Offer Comparison
Decide which job offer is better for your financial goals.
Option A: Warehouse Lead
• Pay: $18.50/hr | 45 hrs/week
• (5 hrs at 1.5x OT)
• Health Ins: $0 (Co. paid)
Option B: Tech Apprentice
• Salary: $42,000 / year
• 40 hrs/week (No OT)
• Health Ins: $120/mo deduction
Task 1: Calculate Monthly Gross Income
Opt A (4 wks)
Opt B
Task 2: Estimate Monthly Net Pay (22% tax)
Opt A Net
Opt B Net (incl. Ins)
Decision: Which job and why?
Paycheck Power Answer Key Week 1 Answer Key
Adulting Math Bootcamp: Week 1
Paycheck Power Teacher Guide
1.1 Anatomy of a Paycheck
Vocab:
Gross: BEFORE | Net: AFTER | Deductions: TAXES, INS.
Sandbox (Jordan):
Gross: $800.00 | Deducted: $160.00 | Net: $640.00
1.2 Stub Detective (Alex)
1. Total Gross: $2,107.00
2. Proof (OT): $24.50 x 1.5 = $36.75 (Matches stub)
3. Fed Tax %: ($231.77 ÷ $2,107) x 100 = 11%
4. Annual Net: $1,629.05 x 26 = $42,355.30
Pro-Active Challenge: Job Offers
Option A (Warehouse)
Reg: $740 | OT: $138.75
Monthly Gross: $3,515.00
Net Monthly: $2,741.70
Option B (Apprentice)
Yearly: $42,000 ÷ 12
Monthly Gross: $3,500.00
Net Monthly: $2,610.00
Reasoning: Option A pays more because company pays insurance and OT adds value.
Budget Blueprint Workbook Week 2 Week 2
Adulting Math Bootcamp
BUDGET
BLUEPRINT
Transforming your net pay into a plan for the life you actually want to live.
Student Name
Date
This Week's Mission
• Differentiate Fixed vs. Variable Expenses
• Master the 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule
• Balance a monthly spending plan
2.1 The Two Types of Spending
Defining Expenses
Fixed Expenses
Costs that stay the ___________ every month.
Variable Expenses
Costs that ___________ depending on usage.
The 50/30/20 Golden Rule
50%
NEEDS
Survival basics: Housing, utilities, transportation.
30%
WANTS
Lifestyle choices: Dining out, subscriptions.
20%
SAVINGS / DEBT
Future proofing: Emergency fund, retirement.
Quick Math Check
If your monthly net pay is $3,200, calculate your targets:
Needs (50%)
$__________
Wants (30%)
$__________
Savings (20%)
$__________
2.2 The Budget Fixer
Marcus's monthly NET income is $2,800. Current spending:
Expense Category Amount Rent/Utils Fixed Need $1,400 Car/Ins Fixed Need $450 Groceries Variable Need $350 Dining Out Variable Want $300 Subs Fixed Want $60 Savings Savings $50 Entertainment Variable Want $190
1. Calculate total spending. Is he over/under his $2,800 net?
2. What % of income currently goes to "Needs"?
3. Under 50/30/20, how much should he put in Savings?
4. Propose two specific cuts for Marcus.
Cut 1: ... because ... | Cut 2: ... because ...
Pro-Active Challenge
Building Your First Future Budget
Use your Week 1 monthly net pay to build a balanced budget.
Budget Blueprint Answer Key Week 2 Answer Key
Adulting Math Bootcamp: Week 2
Budget Blueprint Teacher Guide
2.1 The Two Types of Spending
Fixed: SAME | Variable: CHANGE
50/30/20 Check ($3,200):
N: $1,600 | W: $960 | S: $640
2.2 Budget Fixer (Marcus)
1. Total: $2,800.00 (Exactly even)
2. Needs %: ($2,200 ÷ $2,800) = 78.5%
3. Target Savings: $2,800 x 0.20 = $560.00
4. Cuts: Needs to cut WANTS (Dining/Entertainment) and eventually move/lower Rent to hit the 50% target.
Pro-Active Challenge: Career Budget
Teacher Checklist:
Does Monthly Net match Week 1?
Does Total Budget = Monthly Net? (Balanced)
Are the numbers realistic for their career choice?
Credit Crush Workbook Week 3 Week 3
Adulting Math Bootcamp
CREDIT
CRUSH
The math behind interest, credit scores, and why "minimum payments" are a trap.
Student Name
Date
This Week's Mission
• Calculate Interest using APR
• Decode a Credit Card Statement
• Visualize the total cost of debt over time
3.1 The Price of Borrowing
Vocabulary Essentials
APR: The annual interest rate for ____________ money.
Principal: The original amount borrowed or ___________.
Interest: Extra money paid for using ___________ money.
The Credit Card Math Hack
Monthly Int. = (Balance x APR) ÷ 12
Practice: $1,000 balance | 24% APR
Step 1: APR ÷ 12
24% ÷ 12 = ____%
Step 2: Balance x Rate
$1,000 x 0.02 = $____
Minimum Payments
Most of a min. payment goes to ___________, not the _____________.
3.2 Credit Card Decoder
FAST-CASH VISA
Stmt Date: 10/15/26
Summary
Prev. Bal:$1,200.00
New Purchases:$2,500.00
New Balance:$2,550.00
Payment Info
Min Payment:$65.00
Due Date:11/10/26
Min. Payment Warning
If pay min...
Only min
Pay off in...
12 years
Total Interest...
$3,420.00
1. Total cost if only making min payments?
2. Interest if full balance paid by Nov 10th?
3. Monthly Interest Rate based on $50/mo charge?
Pro-Active Challenge
The Power of Extra Payments
Laptop: $1,200 | 18% APR.
Plan A: Min Payment ($35/mo)
Takes 4 years.
Total Interest:$480.00
Plan B: Aggressive ($100/mo)
Months to Payoff (~13):
Plan B Total Paid
$__________
Total Savings
$__________
Why does paying more save so much?
Credit Crush Answer Key Week 3 Answer Key
Adulting Math Bootcamp: Week 3
Credit Crush Teacher Guide
3.1 Price of Borrowing
APR: BORROWING | Principal: SPENT | Interest: EXTRA
Practice: 24% ÷ 12 = 2% | $1,000 x 0.02 = $20.00
3.2 Credit Decoder
1. Total: $2,550 + $3,420 = $5,970.00
2. Grace period interest: $0.00
3. Monthly Rate: $50 ÷ $2,500 = 2%
Pro-Active Challenge: Smarter Payments
Plan B (13 months x $100) = $1,300.00
Savings: $1,680 - $1,300 = $380.00
Conclusion: Paying more reduces Principal faster, which shrinks future Interest charges.
Shopping Savvy Workbook Week 4 Week 4
Adulting Math Bootcamp
SHOPPING
SAVVY
Using math to decode "sales," calculate tips instantly, and master unit pricing.
Student Name
Date
This Week's Mission
• Use the "10% Mental Shortcut" for tips
• Calculate Unit Price for value comparisons
• Factor in sales tax and discounts accurately
4.1 The Percent Power Play
The 10% Shortcut
Move decimal point one place to the ____________.
Total: $45.00
10% = $4.50
Total: $82.30
10% = $________
Total: $12.00
10% = $________
To find 20% (Tip)
Find 10%, then __________ it.
To find 5% (Tax)
Find 10%, then __________ it.
Unit Pricing
Unit Price = Total $ ÷ Units
Opt A: 24 oz for $4.80
$________ /oz
Opt B: 64 oz for $11.52
$________ /oz
4.2 Grocery Grind
Challenge 1: Detergent
Liquid (92 oz)
$12.99
$________ /oz
Pods (42 ct)
$13.50
$________ /pod
Challenge 2: The Sale Trap
Jacket originally $80.00. Which sale is better?
SALE A: 25% OFF
$________
SALE B: $15 OFF + 10% OFF
$________
Challenge 3: Dinner Receipt
Subtotal: $114.50
Tax (8%):$________
Tip (20% on subtotal):$________
Pro-Active Challenge
The Party Planner's Budget
Budget: $150.00 for 15 friends.
• Pizzas ($14 ea) | Soda ($2.50 ea) | Chips ($4.25 ea)
• Sales Tax: 9.5%
Item Qty Total Pizza ____ $________ Soda ____ $________ Chips ____ $________ Subtotal: $________ Tax (9.5%): $________ GRAND TOTAL: $________
Leftover Logic:
Shopping Savvy Answer Key Week 4 Answer Key
Adulting Math Bootcamp: Week 4
Shopping Savvy Teacher Guide
4.1 Shortcuts & Unit Pricing
10% $82.30: $8.23 | 10% $12.00: $1.20
Unit Price: Opt A: $0.20/oz | Opt B: $0.18/oz
4.2 Grocery Grind
Detergent: Liquid: $0.14/oz | Pods: $0.32/ct
Sales: A: $60.00 | B: $58.50 (B is better)
Receipt: Tax: $9.16 | Tip (20%): $22.90
Pro-Active Challenge: Party
Check: Subtotal x 1.095 must be < $150. Ensure pizza/soda quantity is enough for 15 guests.
Home Base Workbook Week 5 Week 5
Adulting Math Bootcamp
HOME
BASE
The math of independent living: deposits, utilities, and move-in costs.
Student Name
Date
This Week's Mission
• Calculate total move-in costs
• Decode a utility bill (kWh and therms)
• Compare values by cost per square foot
5.1 The Cost of Entry
Vocabulary
Security Deposit: Held for ___________.
Renter's Insurance: Protects ___________.
Utility Logic
Electric (kWh)
Gas (Therms)
Square Footage & Value
Apt 1: 500 sq ft @ $1,500
$3.00 /sq ft
Apt 2: 800 sq ft @ $2,000
$________ /sq ft
5.2 Bill Breakdown
METRO UTILITIES
Electric (570 kWh): $68.40
Elec. Delivery: $15.00
Gas (18 Therms): $19.80
Water/Sewer: $45.00
TOTAL: $148.20
1. Delivery Charge % of Electric Supply?
2. If 800 kWh used, what is Supply cost?
3. Split bill with 2 roommates (3 total)?
Pro-Active Challenge
The Move-In Math Challenge
The Lofts
Rent: $1,450 | Deposit: 1.5x Rent | Fees: $75+$120 | Ins: $22
Total Move-In Cash Needed
$_________________
If weekly Net Pay is $600, how many weeks of 100% savings needed?
Home Base Answer Key Week 5 Answer Key
Adulting Math Bootcamp: Week 5
Home Base Teacher Guide
5.1 Cost of Entry
Apt 2 Value: $2,000 ÷ 800 = $2.50 /sq ft
5.2 Bill Breakdown
1. Delivery %: ($15 ÷ $68.40) = 22%
2. 800 kWh Supply: 800 x $0.12 = $96.00
3. Split 3 ways: $148.20 ÷ 3 = $49.40
Pro-Active Challenge
Rent ($1450) + Deposit ($2175) + Fees ($75+$120) + Ins ($22) =
Total: $3,842.00
Weeks needed ($600 pay): 6.4 weeks
Life Measures Workbook Week 6 Week 6
Adulting Math Bootcamp
LIFE
MEASURES
Using math to build, cook, and travel your way through independence.
Student Name
Date
This Week's Mission
• Scale kitchen recipes using fractions
• Calculate Area/Perimeter for DIY projects
• Project fuel and travel costs
6.1 Measuring Life
Scaling Recipes (Serves 4 to Serves 2)
1 1/2 cups flour -> ________ cup
3/4 tsp salt -> ________ tsp
2 1/4 cups milk -> ________ cups
1/3 cup sugar -> ________ cup
DIY Area & Estimates
Gallon covers 350 sq ft.
How many gallons for 2 coats on a 180 sq ft room?
Travel formula: Dist. = Speed x Time
300 miles @ 60 mph takes ________ hours.
6.2 Weekend Warrior
Project 1: Bedroom Floor (14ft x 12ft)
Area: ________ sq ft
Perimeter: ________ ft
Box covers 30 sq ft ($45 ea). Boxes needed: ________ | Total: $________
Project 2: Commuter Fuel
44 miles/day | 25 MPG car | $3.50/gal gas
Weekly Gal (5 days):________ gal
Weekly Cost:$________
Pro-Active Challenge
Ultimate Road Trip Planner
480 miles one way (960 Round Trip). 4 Friends.
24 MPG | $3.80/gal
Total Gas $: $________
65 mph | 1 hr stops
Total Time: ________ hrs
The Split ($120 hotel included):
$_________________ per person
Life Measures Answer Key Week 6 Answer Key
Adulting Math Bootcamp: Week 6
Life Measures Teacher Guide
6.1 Recipes & Travel
Scaling: Flour: 3/4 c | Salt: 3/8 tsp | Milk: 1 1/8 c
Paint: 360 sq ft total = 2 gallons needed.
Travel: 300 / 60 = 5 hours.
6.2 Weekend Warrior
Floor: 168 sq ft | 52 ft | 6 boxes ($270)
Commute: 8.8 gal/wk = $30.80 /week
Road Trip Challenge
Time: 7.4 + 1 = 8.4 hrs
Gas: 40 gal x $3.80 = $152.00
The Split: ($152 + $120) ÷ 4 = $68.00 per person
