In this new weekly blog post, Jessica will highlight Just One Resource from our NGPF collection that maybe doesn't get the attention it deserves. Use it this week or bookmark it for later.

[The Resource]  CASE STUDY: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

The Gist: In this challenging case study, students play the role of peer financial counselor (as they often do in our cases) as their clients bring compelling reasons why they'd rather use cash checking businesses instead of checking accounts. It's a unique resource that takes a look at the often very rational reasons that Americans remain un- or underbanked. It's a great topic that doesn't get discussed enough in many finance classes. 

The Best Parts: 

• This case study is CHOCK-FULL of primary source documents -- students view paystubs, fee schedules, advertisements, article headlines, data charts, a bank statement. There's so much "reading the fine print" your students will be experts by the end. 
• It's easy to say, "Of course you should open a checking account! No, you shouldn't use a check casher instead," but this case study offers really compelling reasons, such as convenience and cost, that checking accounts don't always seem like the best option. There's a lot of room for debate and discussion on the topic.
• Students have the opportunity to flex their persuasive writing skills by using data and math as evidence to convince the reader. 

About the Author

Jessica Endlich

When I started working at Next Gen Personal Finance, it's as though my undergraduate degree in finance, followed by ten years as an educator in an NYC public high school, suddenly all made sense.