Lesson 4: Decoding debt & credit

Teen Girl Learning Series | Lesson 4

Lesson 4 is divided into 2 parts to help you decode debt and understand credit—what they are, why they’re important, and how to establish a healthy relationship with both.

By the end of this lesson, you'll both know:

  1. What debt is and how someone can acquire debt
  2. The difference between good debt and bad debt
  3. How interest rates work
  4. What a credit score is and it’s importance



Activities and Conversation Starters

  • Lesson 4.1 Understanding Debt & Interest Rates

    Share your feelings towards debt and credit cards with each other. Then pretend to finance a car to practice.

    View and download PDF


    • Lesson 4.2 Building Your Credit Score

      Review scenarios approving or denying a loan request and discuss the reasoning for your decisions.

      View and download PDF

Ready for your next lesson?

Say goodbye to Lesson 4—and hello Lesson 5! Up next is all about planning for your future. We’ll cover college costs, career aspirations, and ways to compare your options to help you decide the path best for you.


Note: Lessons do not have to be taken in order.

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