Hacks – skills and shortcuts – are used in many life settings.  For personal finance, here are some tips that can help stop money leakages:

• Only use credit cards with financial advantages, such as cashback; always pay off credit card balances on time.
• Making weekly payments, instead of monthly, helps to save interest and reduces the amount owed faster.
• Pay off loans/debts with the highest interest rates first.
• You might consider paying off a debt with another loan if the new loan has a much lower interest rate.
• When shopping online, leave the item in the cart for several days or weeks; the price may be lower or you may decide you don’t really need the item.
• Consider bulk purchases with friends to qualify for free shipping.
• Take advantage of seasonal sales.
• Unsubscribe from email offers.
• Avoid household clutter to save time and money.
• Cook your own meals; online videos and recipes offer fast, easy meals.
• Talk to others for investment advice.

For additional information on personal finance hacks, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

• Have students tell their personal experience with tech, travel, or personal finance hacks.
• Have students create a video to dramatize various personal finance hacks.

Discussion Questions 

1. How would you decide if a personal hack will be of value to you?
2. Describe actions that might be used to communicate personal finance hacks to others.