Why this matters
Financial stress is one of the biggest, and least talked about, barriers to college success. It's uncomfortable, and it's also mentally expensive: your brain keeps working on money problems in the background, even when you're trying to focus on something else.
This module won't tell you to follow a strict budget or stop buying coffee. It will help you see your financial situation more clearly, and give your money a plan that fits your real life.
What you'll be able to do
By the end of this module:
-
Objective A: I can build a realistic zero-based budget that assigns all available income to specific categories.
You'll show this in Mile Marker #5 -
Objective B: I can identify at least one pattern in my spending habits and describe one small change I want to make.
You'll show this in Mile Marker #5 -
Objective C: I can explain what financial wellness means and describe how it connects to my overall wellbeing.
You'll show this in Mile Marker #5 -
Objective D: I can use AI tools safely for budgeting exploration without sharing personal financial information.
You'll show this in Mile Marker #5
AI Literacy: BE behaviors in this module
- BE Safe
- BE Responsible
Lessons in this module
-
Trail Tool
Dollar Tracker
Look back: where your money actually goes.
-
Trail Tool
Budget Builder
Look ahead: give every dollar a job.
-
5.1
Skill Spotlight: Quantitative Reasoning
Thinking clearly with numbers, which you already do every day.
-
5.2
What Is Financial Wellness?
A feeling of steadiness you can work toward from wherever you're starting.
-
5.3
Where Does My Money Go?
You can't manage what you can't see. Awareness comes first.
-
Trail Tip
Financial Aid at OCTC
The presentation, the steps to get and keep your aid, and who to ask.
-
Mile Marker
Mile Marker #5: Understanding My Money
The assignment, with support, and a form you can fill in and save.
-
Wrap Up
Module 5 Wrap Up
Pull it together before you head back to your course.