Housing Overview Slides Blueprint for Independence
Housing Hunt
Basics
Finding where you'll live is the first step to independence. Let's look at the options.
Lesson 1: Analyzing Housing Options
Types of Housing
Apartments
Most common for adults. Can be a studio, 1-bedroom, or shared with roommates.
Dorms
Common at colleges or trade schools. Usually includes meals and shared spaces.
Supported Living
Homes shared with others where staff provides help with daily tasks.
The Price is Right!
I'm going to show you a listing for a local apartment. Your job is to guess the monthly rent without going over!
"Wait... rent isn't the only cost? What else do we pay for?"
Beyond the Rent
Utilities
Electricity, water, gas, heating, and trash collection.
Connectivity
Internet and cell phone plans (essential for most adults).
Security Deposit
A one-time payment (usually 1 month's rent) held for damages.
Renters Insurance
Protects your stuff if there is a fire, flood, or theft.
Amenities: The Perks
Amenities are features that make a place better to live in. Some save you money, some just add comfort.
In-unit Laundry
Parking Spot
Near Public Transit
Gym or Pool
Discussion Prompt
Which amenity is a "MUST HAVE" for you, and which is just a "NICE TO HAVE"? Why?
Housing Hunt Worksheet Housing Hunt
Blueprint for Independence
Student Name
Date
Finding the right place to live means balancing what you want with what you can afford . Use this worksheet to compare three different housing listings in your area.
Listing #1: _______________________________
Option A
Monthly Rent
$
Security Deposit
$
Amenities Included (Laundry, Parking, Utilities, etc.)
One thing I LOVE about this place:
Listing #2: _______________________________
Option B
Monthly Rent
$
Security Deposit
$
Amenities Included
One thing I LOVE about this place:
Final Decision
1. Based on the two options above, which one would you choose? Why?
2. Think about your income. If you earn $1,800 a month, and the rule is to spend no more than 30% on rent ($540), do either of these options work? Explain.
Housing Price Guide The Price is Right
Teacher Guide
Instructional guide for the housing cost simulation game.
Objective
To build student awareness of local housing costs and the discrepancy between "what looks nice" and "what is affordable."
Setup
Find 3-4 local rental listings (Zillow, Apartments.com) ranging from "Budget" to "Luxury."
Facilitation Steps
1
The Reveal
Show photos of Listing #1. Highlight amenities (e.g., "This studio has hardwood floors and is near the train station"). Do NOT show the price yet.
2
The Bidding
Students write their guesses for the monthly rent on mini-whiteboards or scrap paper. Remind them: "Closest without going over wins!"
3
The Truth
Reveal the actual rent. Ask: "Who was shocked by this price? Is this affordable for someone working a minimum-wage job?"
4
The Hidden Fees
For each listing, reveal if it requires a application fee, pet deposit, or if it includes utilities. Add these to the "real" price.
Key Discussion Points
The 30% Rule: Explain that financial experts suggest spending no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Calculate what that looks like for a typical local wage ($15/hr = ~$2,400/mo gross = $720 max rent).
Compromise: If a place is too expensive, what can we change? (Location, roommates, smaller size, fewer amenities).
Red Flags: Discuss what to look out for in listings (Too good to be true prices, lack of photos, strange payment requests).
Budget Basics Slides Blueprint for Independence
The Zero-Based
Budget
Every dollar has a job to do. Let's make a plan for your money.
The Goal: Income - Expenses = $0
Give Every Dollar a Job
A zero-based budget means that every dollar you earn is assigned to a category before the month begins.
If you have money left over, it's not "extra"—it goes to Savings or Emergency Funds .
$0
Remaining Balance
Needs vs. Wants
The "Needs"
Rent & Utilities
Groceries (Healthy food)
Transportation to Work
Health/Medicine
The "Wants"
Streaming Services
Eating Out / DoorDash
New Clothes (Trends)
Gaming & Subscriptions
Step 1: Know Your Income
Entry-Level Job
Earning $15/hour full-time after taxes (Take-home pay).
~$1,800 / month
SSI Benefits
Supplemental Security Income for individuals with disabilities.
~$943 / month (2024)
Critical Thinking
How does your housing search from yesterday change if you only have $943 total for the month? What options are left?
"Budgeting isn't about restriction; it's about freedom to spend on what matters."
Zero Based Budget Worksheet The Big Spend
Blueprint for Independence
Student Name
Part 1: The Bean Challenge Reflection
You were given 20 beans to represent your monthly income. How did you distribute them?
Rent
# Beans
Food
# Beans
Fun
# Beans
Savings
# Beans
My Zero-Based Budget
Target Total Income
$1,800.00
Category Fixed/Variable Budgeted Amount Rent Where you sleep Fixed $ _________________ Utilities & Internet Power, water, web Variable $ _________________ Groceries Food for home Variable $ _________________ Transportation Bus pass, gas, etc. Fixed $ _________________ Phone & Subscriptions Cell plan, Netflix Fixed $ _________________ Personal & Entertainment "Want" money Variable $ _________________ Savings / Emergency For the future Variable $ _________________ Total Expenses (Must equal $1,800) $ _________________
Did you hit zero? If not, what category did you have to adjust to make it balance? Sample Budget Key Answer Key
Sample Budget Scenario
Teacher Use Only
This is an example of a successful zero-based budget for a student earning $1,800/month. Use this to guide student discussions about realistic costs.
Category Sample Amount Reasoning Rent $ 650.00 Shared 2BR apartment or small studio. Utilities & Internet $ 150.00 Average electric/water + basic high-speed web. Groceries $ 350.00 ~$80-90 per week for healthy home-cooked meals. Transportation $ 100.00 Monthly bus pass or gas for local commuting. Phone & Subscriptions $ 80.00 Smartphone plan + one streaming service. Personal / Fun $ 150.00 Coffee, movie, or small hobbies. Savings / Emergency $ 320.00 Buffer for "Life Happens" moments. Total Income ($1,800) - Total Expenses $ 0.00 PERFECT BALANCE
Teaching Tip: SSI Scenario
If using the SSI income ($943) , students will likely need to cut "Savings" and "Fun" significantly, or move into shared housing (rent < $400).
Common Student Error
Students often forget utilities or underestimate the cost of groceries. Use this sample to push back on unrealistic numbers (e.g., "$50 for groceries for a month").
Transit and Travel Slides Blueprint for Independence
Route Master
Planning how to get where you need to go—on time and on budget.
Your Mobility Toolkit
Public Transit
Buses, trains, subways. Cheapest, but requires a schedule.
Paratransit
Door-to-door service for individuals with disabilities.
Ride-Shares
Uber/Lyft. Convenient but very expensive for daily use.
Micromobility
Biking, scooters, walking. Great for short distances.
Reading a Bus Schedule
Stop Name A.M. Times
Main St & 4th 7:12 | 7:42 | 8:12
Library Plaza 7:19 | 7:49 | 8:19
Transit Center 7:30 | 8:00 | 8:30
Work Office 7:45 | 8:15 | 8:45
Scenario
If you need to be at your desk by 8:00 AM, which bus must you catch at Main St?
Always leave a 10-15 minute "buffer" for delays!
The Price of Mobility
Savings Option
Monthly Transit Pass
$80.00
Unlimited rides, fixed cost.
Convenience Cost
Daily Ride-Share (Round Trip)
$20.00 / day
20 work days = $400.00 / month!
In your budget, where would that $320 difference go?
Commute Calculator Worksheet Commute Calculator
Blueprint for Independence
Student Name
The Mission
You have a new job at Sunshine Community Center . You must be there by 8:30 AM every Monday through Friday. Use a real transit app (Google Maps, Transit, or local site) to plan your route from your current home.
Route #1: Public Transit
Departure Time
Bus/Train #
Arrival Time at Work
Walk Time (to/from stops)
Route Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Monthly Cost Comparison
Monthly Pass
$ ____
Ride-Share (1x/wk)
$ ____
Total Budget
$ ____
If your bus is 10 minutes late, will you still be on time for work? What is your "Back-up Plan"?
Race to Work Scenarios Race to Work
Scenario Activity Cards
How to play:
Cut out these cards and give one to each student or small group. They must use phones or computers to find the fastest and cheapest way to reach their destination by 8:00 AM.
SCENARIO A
The Early Shift
You work at the City Hospital Cafeteria . Your shift starts at 7:00 AM . You live near the Public Library.
Target: 7:00 AM Budget: Low
SCENARIO B
The Trade Student
You have classes at the North Tech Campus starting at 8:30 AM . You live downtown at the City Center Apartments.
Target: 8:30 AM Budget: Medium
SCENARIO C
Retail Rush
You work at the Valley Mall . You need to be there for opening at 10:00 AM . You live 5 miles away in a suburb with no train.
Target: 10:00 AM Budget: Flexible
SCENARIO D
Night Owl
You have a dishwashing job at The Bistro . Your shift ends at 11:30 PM . How do you get home safely?
Return: 11:30 PM Safety: Priority
Home Hacks Slides Blueprint for Independence
Home Hacks &
Daily Life
Executive functioning for the real world: Eating, cleaning, and maintaining your space.
The 3-Step Meal Plan
1
Inventory
Check what you already have. Look in the pantry, fridge, and freezer before you buy anything new.
2
Schedule
What nights will you cook? When will you be out? Plan for leftovers to save time and money.
3
The List
Write down ONLY what you need. Categorize by aisle (Produce, Dairy, Frozen) to shop faster.
The $15 Dinner Challenge
How can you feed 4 people a healthy, filling meal for under $15? Let's brainstorm ingredients.
High Value Items
• Rice & Beans
• Pasta & Jarred Sauce
• Frozen Vegetables
• Whole Chicken (if on sale)
Budget Killers
• Soda & Sugary Drinks
• Pre-cut Fruit
• Individual Snack Packs
• Name Brand Cereals
Home Maintenance Checklist
Weekly Tasks
Take out the trash
Clean the bathroom
Laundry (Sheets/Towers)
Wipe kitchen counters
Landlord vs. You
You: Changing lightbulbs, plunging a simple toilet clog, replacing smoke detector batteries.
Landlord: Leaky pipes, broken appliances, electrical issues, roof leaks.
Always put repair requests in WRITING!
Pantry Planner Worksheet Pantry Planner
Blueprint for Independence
Student Name
My Weekly Dinner Plan
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Grocery List
Produce & Dairy
Pantry & Canned Goods
Protein & Frozen
The $40 Challenge
Estimate the cost of your list. Can you stay under $40.00 for this week's ingredients?
Est. Total: $ ________
One budget-saving trick I used:
"By failing to plan, you are planning to fail." — Benjamin Franklin
Household Cheat Sheet Household Cheat Sheet
Clogged Drain?
Try a plunger first (slow, firm pumps).
Remove the hair/debris from the strainer.
Pour hot (not boiling) water down.
STOP if it's still stuck—call the landlord!
Power Out?
Check if neighbors' lights are out.
Check your circuit breaker box.
Reset any "tripped" switches.
Call the utility company to report.
Cleaning Rhythm
Daily
• Wash dishes / Load dishwasher
• Wipe kitchen table
• Take out trash (if full)
• Make bed
Weekly
• Vacuum or mop floors
• Clean bathroom (toilet/sink)
• Laundry (clothes & towels)
• Dust electronics
Monthly
• Wash windows
• Clean out the fridge
• Replace AC filters
• Deep clean oven/microwave
Kitchen Safety Rules
Grease Fire?
Never use water! Smother with a lid, baking soda, or a fire extinguisher.
Safe Storage
Keep raw meat on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent drips.
Professional Maintenance Request Template
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing to report an issue with [Item, e.g., the sink] in Apartment [Number]. The problem is [Describe briefly]. Please let me know when someone can come to fix this. My phone number is [Number].
Best regards, [Your Name]
Resilience Ready Slides Blueprint for Independence
Life Happens
Resilience
Preparing for the unexpected. Because a plan is only good until it meets reality.
The "Life Happens" List
Financial Shocks
Losing your job, getting a parking ticket, or rent increase.
Health Crisis
Sudden illness, injury, or mental health emergency.
Logistics Fail
Missed the last bus, phone screen broke, or flat tire.
Home Disaster
Fridge breaks, pipe bursts, or locked out of apartment.
4 Steps to Problem Solving
01
Pause
Take a deep breath. Panic makes it harder to think clearly.
02
Identify
What is the immediate problem? What is the goal?
03
Resources
Who can help? What tools do I have (Emergency fund, bus pass, friends)?
04
Act
Choose the best option and try it. If it fails, try the next one.
Your Community Safety Net
2-1-1 Helpline
Call for help with food, housing, or crisis counseling.
Food Pantries
Community locations that provide free groceries if you're short on cash.
Transition Case Manager
The professional who helps you navigate adult services.
Discussion
Independence doesn't mean doing it ALONE. It means knowing who to call when things get tough. Who are 2 people in your life you can always call in an emergency?
Life Happens Cards Life Happens
The Reality Simulation Cards
Instruction:
FINANCIAL
The Job Cut
The store is slow, and your hours were cut. You will earn $300 LESS this month than you planned.
ACTION: Find $300 to cut from your current budget.
TRANSIT
The Flat Tire
Your bike (or car) has a flat tire. A repair will cost $50 , and you have to take an Uber to work today ($15 ).
ACTION: Subtract $65 from your "Savings" or "Fun" category.
HOME
Fridge Fail
Your refrigerator stops working overnight. All your groceries (worth $80 ) are spoiled and must be thrown out.
ACTION: How will you eat for the rest of the week?
TECH
Screen Smash
You dropped your phone. The screen is black. You need a phone for work and bus schedules. A new one is $200 .
ACTION: Do you have enough in "Savings" to cover this?
ADMIN
The Rent Hike
Your landlord sends a notice. Starting next month, your rent is going up by $75 . This is a permanent change.
ACTION: Update your monthly budget template.
HEALTH
Flu Season
You are sick for 3 days and don't have paid sick leave. You lose $180 in wages and spend $30 on medicine.
ACTION: Calculate the total loss and adjust your budget.
Crisis Contingency Plan Worksheet Crisis Contingency
Blueprint for Independence
Student Name
A Contingency Plan is your "Plan B." It is what you do when your first plan fails. Use this sheet to identify your backup resources before you need them.
My Emergency Circle
Primary Contact (Parent/Mentor/Friend)
Name: _______________________________
Phone: _______________________________
Secondary Contact (Case Manager/Employer)
Name: _______________________________
Phone: _______________________________
Community Safety Net
2-1-1
Call this for local resources like food, shelter, and medical assistance.
Identify a local Food Pantry or Community Kitchen near where you plan to live:
Scenario Practice
"You just got a $500 medical bill you weren't expecting. You don't have enough in your savings to pay it right now."
Step 1: The Immediate Action
Step 2: Who do you call for advice?
Step 3: What budget category can you cut to start paying it off?
