Michele Moeller has been a Business Teacher for 23 years at Canon-McMillan High School in Canonsburg, PA. We asked to interview her about her experience using Budget Challenge. Here's what she had to say.
How long have you been teaching the class you use Budget Challenge in?
I have been teaching Business Math for my entire career as a Teacher.
How many years have you used Budget Challenge?
I have been using Budget Challenge in my Seniors Business Math class since 2015.
What aspects of Budget Challenge do you find most beneficial to your students?
I love that they have the ability to use a budget that predicts future cash flow and helps them to begin to understand how important it is to not just know that a bill is due but to see how all of their spending decisions impact them in the future. It really helps them to make better decisions. This is so much more beneficial than just a basic Expense/Income Budget that does not account for the timing of inflows and outflows.
What part of the simulation do your students find most challenging?
Students have difficulty remembering not to neglect the Cash Flow Budget Tool (CFB).
What do you like most about the program?
I mean, I really love the entire program. It has everything you need (even if a student starts late) to teach an entire Personal Finance course and also allows you to adjust it to your classroom needs. I use it mainly as a short unit on personal finance topics before I begin business-related topics. It has continued to improve year in and year out with the feedback teachers provide.
What tips do you have for new teachers using Budget Challenge?
Definitely sign up for a free Teacher Play account and try it. Don't expect to be perfect the first year you try it. I've added things over the years to fit my needs.
Do you have a Budget Challenge story that is especially memorable?
I don't have a specific memorable moment that I can recall except to say that this project-based learning has really helped many of my seniors understand the importance of the financial responsibilities that come along with having a checking/savings account, 401 (k), and credit card account.