Students work with a partner to brainstorm typical household expenses and then categorize those expenses as either fixed or variable.
Topic
Spend (Budgeting, Buying things, Paying bills)
Subject
CTE (Career and technical education), Math
Grade Level
High school (9-10), High school (11-12)
Duration
15-20 minutes
Big idea
Understanding and managing different types of expenses can help you control your cash flow and follow a budget.
Essential questions
- What are different types of expenses?
- What are common fixed and variable expenses?
Objectives
- Understand the differences between fixed and variable expenses
- Identify examples of fixed and variable expenses
What students will do
- Work with a partner to brainstorm typical household expenses and record them on the “Categorizing expenses” worksheet.
- Identify those expenses as fixed or variable.
- Reflect on how to reduce their own expenses.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_categorizing-expenses_guide.pdf
Student materials
cfpb_building_block_activities_categorizing-expenses_worksheet.pdf
Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.
