Teaching behavior strategies using Budget Challenge

Over the past few months I've dedicated much of my time outside of school to sharing financial literacy instructional strategies on the H&R Block Budget Challenge and Budget Challenge websites. 

If you hadn't heard, H&R Block is giving away $3 million in classroom grants and scholarships using H&R Block Budget Challenge.

Educators may find today's post particularly helpful...

"As shared in an earlier post… “Money management decisions are often simple tasks requiring timely and consistent choices. Students must learn early on the value of establishing a system that works for them to manage day-to-day money management tasks.” Consider using our decision-making matrix as a resource to help your students connect with a strategy that will lead to positive financial behavior throughout our simulation."

Strategies to help with H&R Block Budget Challenge	I’m comfortable with…
I struggle with…	My computer	My phone	Paper / pencil
Budgeting	Use the H&R Block Budget Challenge interactive Budget and Cash Flow spreadsheet to establish your budget. Save it in an electronic folder.	Use the H&R Block Budget Challenge interactive Budget and Cash Flow spreadsheet [Google Spreadsheet version] to establish your budget. You can access Google sheets on a smart phone.	Print and use the H&R Block Budget Challenge Budget and Cash Flow spreadsheet to establish your budget.
Saving / retirement	Make it automatic! Identify a savings / retirement goal and direct deposit into your Budget Challenge 401k. Take full advantage of the employers match.	Make it automatic! Identify a savings / retirement goal and direct deposit into your Budget Challenge 401k. Take full advantage of the employers match.	Make it automatic! Identify a savings / retirement goal and direct deposit into your Budget Challenge 401k. Take full advantage of the employers match.
Paying bills	Automate what bills you can for future payments by setting payment dates on due dates. Make sure you’re not paying unnecessary fees. Set calendar alerts for uninterrupted time 3-4 times a week to pay bills.	Use the Budget Challenge App to automate bills for the due date when they’re received. Make sure you’re not paying unnecessary fees. Set phone alerts for uninterrupted time 3-4 times a week to pay bills.	Establish a regular routine that includes a go-to place for bills and uninterrupted time; Establish self motivating “If-Then” goals (ie IF I pay my bills THEN I can watch TV)