Launch: Paying Off Large Debts: Difference between revisions

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=== '''Launch: “The Debt Payoff Challenge”''' ===
=== '''15-Minute Debt Payoff Challenge''' ===
'''Scenario Overview:'''


Present the students with a fictional scenario where they owe a total of '''$10,000 in student loans''' across three separate loans, each with different interest rates and monthly payment requirements. Their task is to develop a repayment strategy that minimizes the total interest paid and enables them to pay off the debt as efficiently as possible.
==== '''Materials Needed:''' ====


'''Socratic Questions:'''
# '''Debt Profile Sheet''':
 
#* '''Loan A''': $4,000 at '''6%''' interest
* '''What factors did you consider when deciding on your repayment strategy?'''
#* '''Loan B''': $3,000 at '''8%''' interest
* '''How does interest affect the total amount you pay over time?'''
#* '''Loan C''': $3,000 at '''5%''' interest
* '''What are the benefits and challenges of paying off debts quickly versus slowly?'''
# '''Monthly Income''':
 
#* '''$1,500''' monthly income, with '''$1,200''' in fixed expenses, leaving '''$300''' for loan repayment.
----
# '''Repayment Options''':
 
#* Loan A: '''$50''' minimum
=== '''Challenge Overview:''' ===
#* Loan B: '''$75''' minimum
Students are given a scenario in which they owe '''$10,000''' across three loans with varying interest rates. They must analyze repayment options, calculate the impact of extra payments, and create a plan that minimizes interest payments while aiming to pay off the debt quickly.
#* Loan C: '''$45''' minimum
----
#* Extra payments can be allocated to any loan.
 
# '''Loan Repayment Worksheet''': To track interest and payments.
=== '''Materials Needed:''' ===
# '''Calculators''' (optional, for speed): To calculate how extra payments impact interest and the repayment timeline.
 
# '''Debt Profile Sheet''': Each group will receive the following loan details:
#* '''Loan A''': $4,000 at '''6%''' interest rate
#* '''Loan B''': $3,000 at '''8%''' interest rate
#* '''Loan C''': $3,000 at '''5%''' interest rate
# '''Monthly Income''': Each group has a '''$1,500''' monthly income to allocate. Fixed expenses (e.g., rent, groceries) total '''$1,200''', leaving '''$300''' for loan repayment.
# '''Repayment Options''': Each loan has a minimum monthly payment:
#* Loan A: '''$50'''
#* Loan B: '''$75'''
#* Loan C: '''$45''' Students may allocate the remaining '''$300''' as extra payments to any of the loans.
# '''Loan Repayment Worksheet''': Includes formulas to calculate monthly interest and track total interest paid. Students will use this to monitor their repayment progress and make decisions.
# '''Calculators or Online Loan Payoff Calculators''': These tools will help students calculate how interest accumulates and how extra payments affect the payoff timeline.


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=== '''Steps:''' ===
=== '''Steps:''' ===


==== '''1. Introduction (5 minutes)''': ====
==== '''1. Introduction (3 minutes)''': ====


* Present the scenario: “You owe '''$10,000''' across three loans with different interest rates. Your goal is to create a repayment plan that minimizes interest paid and pays off the debt as quickly as possible.”
* Briefly introduce the scenario: "You owe '''$10,000''' in student loans across three loans with different interest rates. You need to create a plan to minimize interest and pay off the debt as efficiently as possible with '''$300''' for extra payments after covering fixed expenses."
* Clarify the concepts of '''interest rates''', '''minimum payments''', and how extra payments can reduce the total interest paid over time.


==== '''2. Strategy Phase (15–20 minutes)''': ====
==== '''2. Strategy Phase (7 minutes)''': ====


* Groups should analyze the loans and decide on their strategy:
* In groups, students will:
** Should they pay the minimum on all loans, or make extra payments on one loan?
** Decide how to allocate the '''$300''' extra payment.
** If extra payments are made, which loan should they target first? Encourage discussion on different strategies:
** Discuss which loan to prioritize based on the interest rates and total cost.
** '''Debt Snowball Method''': Focus on paying off the smallest balance first to build momentum.
** Consider the '''Debt Snowball''' vs. '''Debt Avalanche''' method in their discussion.
** '''Debt Avalanche Method''': Focus on paying off the loan with the highest interest rate first to save the most money in the long run.
* Encourage groups to decide:
** Should they pay the minimum on all loans or make extra payments on one loan?


==== '''3. Presentation Phase (10 minutes)''': ====
==== '''3. Group Presentations (4 minutes)''': ====


* Each group presents their repayment strategy, including:
* Each group briefly presents their repayment strategy:
** Which loan they prioritized for extra payments.
** Which loan they prioritized for extra payments.
** How they allocated the $300 of extra payments.
** How they distributed the $300 extra payment.
** Their rationale for minimizing interest or paying off loans more quickly.
** Their reasoning (Debt Snowball or Avalanche).


==== '''4. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)''': ====
==== '''4. Quick Reflection and Discussion (1 minute)''': ====


* Review the groups’ strategies and compare outcomes.
* Ask the Socratic questions to quickly reflect on strategies:
* Discuss the following:
** Which strategies were most effective at saving money?
** How might emotions like motivation or the fear of debt influence their decisions?
** How important is it to balance short-term sacrifices with long-term financial benefits?


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=== '''Socratic Questions for Reflection:''' ===
=== '''Socratic Questions for Reflection (A/B Choices):''' ===


# '''Why might someone choose to pay off a smaller loan first, even if it costs more in interest?'''
# '''Why might someone choose to pay off a smaller loan first, even if it costs more in interest?'''
#* A) Because it feels rewarding to eliminate a loan quickly and build momentum.
#* B) Because it may not be the most financially efficient choice, and they prefer tackling higher-interest loans first.
# '''How does focusing on the loan with the highest interest rate impact long-term financial health?'''
# '''How does focusing on the loan with the highest interest rate impact long-term financial health?'''
# '''What other factors, such as changes in income or unexpected expenses, could influence the repayment plan?'''
#* A) It saves more money over time because less interest accumulates.
 
#* B) It may take longer to pay off smaller loans, but it avoids the emotional satisfaction of clearing small balances.
----
# '''What factors (income changes, emergency expenses) might affect a repayment plan?'''
 
#* A) A sudden change in income or an emergency expense might force you to slow down repayments or reallocate funds.
=== '''Why It Works:''' ===
#* B) A windfall, like a bonus or gift, could allow for faster repayment, but it's hard to predict.
 
* '''Real-Life Skills''': Students learn how interest works and are introduced to effective debt management strategies.
* '''Critical Thinking''': The activity encourages students to think through the trade-offs between emotional satisfaction (paying off smaller loans) and financial efficiency (paying off higher-interest loans first).
* '''Engagement''': By simulating a real-world financial challenge, students gain practical skills that are directly applicable to managing their own finances.


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=== '''Optional Add-Ons:''' ===
=== '''Why It Works in 15 Minutes:''' ===
 
# '''Bonus Scenario''':  Introduce a situation where students receive a '''$1,000 windfall''' (e.g., a gift or bonus). Students must decide whether to use it for debt repayment or savings.
# '''Unexpected Setbacks''':  Introduce an unexpected financial setback, like a '''$300 car repair''' or other emergency, forcing students to re-evaluate their repayment plan.


----This format should provide a comprehensive, engaging, and reflective experience for the students, helping them understand the dynamics of managing student loans and making financial decisions.
* '''Focused Learning''': Students quickly analyze and prioritize loan repayment strategies, learning to balance emotions and financial efficiency.
* '''Real-World Application''': The activity simulates real-life financial decision-making, encouraging practical insights into managing debt.
* '''Engagement''': The brief but intensive exercise keeps students engaged and encourages rapid critical thinking.
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