Bank Bound Slides Money Moves: Part 1
VAULT LAUNCH
Your guide to opening your first bank account and taking control of your financial future.
Why a Bank?
Security
Money in a bank is insured by the FDIC (up to $250k). If the bank burns down, your money is still there.
Convenience
Direct deposit for your job, online shopping, and easy transfers to friends through apps.
Growth
Start building a financial history and earn a small amount of interest on your savings.
The Dynamic Duo
Checking
Your "Everyday" Account
Used for daily spending
Connected to your debit card
Usually no limit on transfers
Savings
Your "Future" Account
Earns interest over time
For emergency funds & goals
Limits on monthly withdrawals
Choosing a Bank
Traditional Banks
Physical branches you can walk into. Famous names like Chase or Wells Fargo.
Credit Unions
Member-owned non-profits. Often have lower fees and better customer service.
Online Banks
No physical branches. Higher interest rates on savings, great mobile apps.
Watch out for:
Monthly Maintenance Fees
Overdraft Fees ($30+ each!)
ATM Fees from other banks
The Toolkit
1
Photo ID
Passport, State ID, or Student ID (varies by bank)
2
Social Security Number
Necessary for tax and identity verification
3
An Adult (if under 18)
Most banks require a parent/guardian as a co-signer
4
Opening Deposit
Often as low as $25 to start the account
Account Opener Worksheet VAULT LAUNCH CHECKLIST
Lesson 1: Account Access
Name:
Date:
Task 1: Bank Comparison
Choose two banks (one traditional and one online or credit union) and research their "Student" or "Teen" checking account options.
Bank Name
Minimum Opening Deposit
Monthly Service Fee (Is it waived for students?)
Overdraft Protection Fee
ATM Access (Any free ATMs nearby?)
Bank Name
Minimum Opening Deposit
Monthly Service Fee (Is it waived for students?)
Overdraft Protection Fee
ATM Access (Any free ATMs nearby?)
Task 2: Identity Prep
Are you ready to walk in?
Check the boxes for the items you currently have or know how to get. For items you don't have, write down your plan to obtain them.
Primary Photo ID
Learner's Permit, State ID, Passport
Social Security Number
Know where card is or have it memorized
Joint Account Holder
Adult co-signer required if under 18
Opening Deposit
Cash or check amount ready for day one
Task 3: Final Call
Based on your research, which bank would you choose and why?
What is one question you would want to ask the banker before signing any documents?
Bank Bound Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
VAULT LAUNCH GUIDE
Lesson 1: Account Access
Money Moves Series
Duration
45–60 Minutes
Goal
Choose Bank & Prep ID
Key Vocab
FDIC, Credit Union
1 Instructional Sequence
Hook (5 min)
The Safest Place?
Debate Mattress vs. Bank. Introduce FDIC Insurance . Ask: "If the bank building burns down, where is your money?" Explain that the government guarantees it up to $250,000.
Direct (15 min)
Vault Launch Slides
Present account types. Focus on Checking (spending) vs. Savings (growing). Emphasize that minors must have a parent co-signer for the account due to legal contract age limits.
Activity (20 min)
Guided Research
Students use the Account Opener Worksheet . They must find two real banks online. Goal: Find "Student Checking" accounts with $0 monthly fees.
Closing (10 min)
Walk-In Readiness
Review Task 3. Ask for volunteers to share their "Deal-Breaker" question for the banker. Collect worksheets to check student understanding of ID requirements.
Discussion
"Why might a bank give students a free account but charge adults $10? Is it a gift or a marketing strategy?"
"If you lost your ID on the way to the bank, could you still open an account? Why is the 'Social' so important?"
Teacher Tips
Scaffolding: Provide pre-printed bank comparison charts for students without reliable internet access.
The Age Out: Remind students to check if their account stays free after they graduate high school or college.
Swipe Sense Slides Money Moves: Part 2
SWIPE SENSE
Mastering your debit card, avoiding fees, and tracking every dollar.
Meet Your Plastic
PREMIUM
**** **** **** 1234
CARD HOLDER
YOUR NAME HERE
It's NOT a Credit Card!
Debit cards take money directly from your checking account immediately . If the money isn't there, the card gets declined (or you pay a fee).
PIN
Personal Identification Number. Never share this with anyone.
CVV
3-digit security code on the back for online shopping.
Using an ATM
Survey
Look for hidden cameras or "skimmers" on the card slot.
Cover
Block the keypad with your hand when typing your PIN.
In-Network
Only use ATMs from your bank to avoid $3-$5 fees.
Take Receipt
Always grab your receipt and double-check your balance.
The Fee Trap
Overdraft Fee
This happens when you spend more than you have. The bank covers it but charges you $30 - $35 for the "favor."
Pro Tip: Turn OFF "Overdraft Protection." Your card will just be declined instead of charging you a fee.
Other "Wallet Eaters"
Minimum Balance Fee: If your account drops below a certain amount.Paper Statement Fee: Charging you $2-$5 to mail you a paper bill.Inactivity Fee: If you don't use the account for months.
Your Digital Shield
Set Alerts
Get a text every time your balance drops below $20 or a purchase over $50 is made.
Use MFA
Multi-Factor Authentication adds a second layer of security to your mobile banking app.
Weekly Routine:
Ledger Legend Worksheet THE LEDGER LEGEND
Lesson 2: Money Mastery
Student:
Date:
Banking apps are great, but they don't show "pending" transactions correctly all the time. Real pros keep their own ledger to know exactly how much they can spend without hitting a $35 overdraft fee.
Task 1: The Weekend Ledger
Starting Account Balance $120.00
Enter these transactions in the ledger below:
1. Movie (Debit) -$14.50
2. Snacks (Debit) -$11.25
3. Birthday Check (Deposit) +$25.00
4. New Sneakers (Debit) -$85.00
5. Maintenance Fee (Debit) -$5.00
Date Description Debit (-) Credit (+) Balance -- Beginning Balance $120.00
Task 2: Avoiding the Trap
The Overdraft Question
Imagine the bank has a $35 overdraft fee. If you forgot about that $5 maintenance fee and tried to buy a $30 video game on Sunday afternoon, what would happen if you had "Overdraft Protection" turned ON? Calculate the total cost of that $30 game below.
Weekly Habit
What is the most important time of the week to check your account balance? Why?
Security
What are the first three steps you should take immediately if you lose your debit card?
Swipe Sense Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
SWIPE SENSE GUIDE
Lesson 2: Money Mastery
Money Moves Series
Duration
50–60 Minutes
Goal
Master Ops & Security
Key Vocab
Debit, Overdraft, Ledger
Ledger Answer Key
Transaction Debit (-) Credit (+) Balance Beginning Balance -- -- $120.00 1. Movie Ticket $14.50 -- $105.50 2. Snacks $11.25 -- $94.25 3. Birthday Check -- $25.00 $119.25 4. New Sneakers $85.00 -- $34.25 5. Maintenance Fee $5.00 -- $29.25
Discussion
"Is it more embarrassing to have your card declined at the register or to pay $35 later for a $5 burger?"
"Why do banks make 'Overdraft Protection' sound like a positive service when it typically creates debt for young spenders?"
Digital Shield
Public Wi-Fi Warning
Stress the dangers of banking on public networks. Hackers can use 'Man-in-the-Middle' attacks to capture logins.
The Habit
Set a Low Balance Alert at $20. This acts as a 'soft decline' warning before they actually run out of funds.
