Using real-world scenarios, students identify fixed and variable expenses and reflect on how they are similar and different.
Topic
Spend (Budgeting, Buying things, Paying bills)
Subject
CTE (Career and technical education)
Grade Level
High school (9-10), High school (11-12)
Duration
45-60 minutes
Big idea
To manage your cash flow and maintain a budget, it’s helpful to understand different types of expenses.
Essential questions
- What are different types of expenses?
- When might I encounter some of these expenses in my life?
Objectives
- Understand what a fixed expense is
- Understand what a variable expense is
What students will do
- Use the “Differentiating fixed and variable expenses” worksheet to identify fixed and variable expenses presented in real-world scenarios.
- Reflect on the similarities and differences between the two types of expenses.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_differentiating-fixed-variable-expenses_guide.pdf
Student materials
cfpb_building_block_activities_differentiating-fixed-variable-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.
