Financial Literacy Interactive

Values-Based Budget & Giving Lab

Money choices are not just math. Students build a mini budget, choose what matters, plan generosity, and see whether their spending matches their values.

1. Choose the focus

Each mode uses the same core lab, but starts students with a slightly different financial question.

The point

This is not about judging spending. It is about noticing patterns, protecting needs, and using money on purpose.

2. Build the money picture

Move the sliders. The goal is not perfection; the goal is to notice whether the plan supports stability and priorities.

$2,000monthly income
$0assigned to choices
$0remaining / over budget
0%planned giving rate

Budget pressure

3. Pick your top values

Choose up to three. Then compare those values to the budget choices from the last step.

Values match

4. Sort the choices

Drag each choice into the best category. On touch screens, tap a chip to cycle it through the categories.

5. Community scenario

Money decisions can affect your own goals and the people around you. Draw a scenario, then choose the strongest response.

Scenario will appear here.

Draw a card to begin.

Your decision rule

Finish with one sentence you could actually use before spending or giving.