2. APARTMENT RENTAL APPLICATION
(Complete separate application for each adult tenant.)
Name: _______________________________________ Social Security Number: ___________
Last, First, Middle
Driver’s Lic/ID #: _______________________ State: _________ Date of Birth: _______________
Month/Day/Year
CURRENT Address:_______________________________ City: ______________ State: _____ Zip: ________
Street/Unit #
Home Phone: ( ) ______________ Work Phone ( ) _______________
How Long? From: ______________ To: _____________ Last Rent Paid: Month ____________ Amt $ ______
Month/Year Month/Year
Owner/Manager: ________________________ Tel: _______________ Reason for leaving: _______________
===============================================================================
PREVIOUS Address:______________________________ City: ______________ State: _____ Zip: ________
Street/Unit #
Home Phone: ( ) ______________ Work Phone ( ) _______________
How Long? From: ______________ To: _____________ Last Rent Paid: Month ____________ Amt $ ______
Month/Year Month/Year
Owner/Manager: ________________________ Tel: _______________ Reason for leaving: _______________
===============================================================================
SECOND
PREVIOUS Address:______________________________ City: ______________ State: _____ Zip: ________
Street/Unit #
Home Phone: ( ) ______________ Work Phone ( ) _______________
How Long? From: ______________ To: _____________ Last Rent Paid: Month ____________ Amt $ ______
Month/Year Month/Year
Owner/Manager: ________________________ Tel: _______________ Reason for leaving: _______________
===============================================================================
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
Company Name: ____________________________ Address: _____________________________________
Phone: ________________ Occupation/Position: __________________ Type of Business: ________________
Name of Supervisor: _____________________ Dates of Employment From: _________ To: _________
Monthly Salary: ____________
===============================================================================
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
Company Name: ____________________________ Address: _____________________________________
Phone: ________________ Occupation/Position: __________________ Type of Business: ________________
Name of Supervisor: _____________________ Dates of Employment From: _________ To: _________
Monthly Salary: ____________
===============================================================================
WHEN DO YOU PLAN TO MOVE IN? DATE: ______________
Applicant represents that statements made are true and correct and hereby authorizes owner’s periodic verification of credit, income and
references to include but not limited to credit, unlawful detainer, and bounced checks and agrees to furnish additional credit references
on request. Applicant agrees to pay for said verification via check made payable to the Apartment Association, which check shall
accompany this Application. Such payment is a part of the application process and is a charge for the administrative costs of application
consideration. If applicant’s check is return “NSF”, owner shall be liable for the charge on demand. The undersigned makes
application to rent housing accommodations designated as:
I hereby apply to rent/lease Apartment No. ______ at _________________________________ for $__________ per month and upon
approval of my Application agree to pay the first month’s rent of $__________ and a security deposit in the amount of $__________.
Applicant Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ________________
Appendix I
Page 2
3. Name: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
SETTING UP A MONTHLY BUDGET
You have now set up a checking account and a savings account, and you have received a debit card from your
bank. You have money in both accounts, and it is time to think about how you will use that money. Soon, you
will begin searching for a job and an apartment. This means you will have money coming in, but you will also
have money going out. You will have to follow a budget (a written plan) to keep track of your income and
expenses. Think about the expenses you listed on Activity 1. You will have some expenses every month, such as
utility bills. You will have other expenses every once in a while, like medical bills. Some expenses will cost the
same amount every month; these are fixed expenses. Other expenses may change from month to month; these are
variable expenses.
Remember that your income must balance with your expenses. Your income should be more than your expenses
so that you can deposit money into your savings account each month in case there is an unexpected expense.
Once you get a job, you will have to follow a monthly budget and keep track of where your money goes.
Review the monthly budget form and cash on hand form.
Read the list of expenses below. Estimate how much you think each bill would cost every month if you had your
own apartment and your own vehicle. Then determine the total. Keep this amount in mind when you search for a
job.
Write the start up cost’s below.
1. Rental Deposits: _____________
2. First month’s rent: _____________
3. Furnishings: _____________
4. Turning on Electric: _____________
5. Turning on Water & Garbage: _____________
6. Turning on the Phone: _____________
7. Turning on Cable if you decide
to get cable for your Television: _____________
Appendix I
Page 3
4. MONTHLY BUDGET FORM
INCOME: AMOUNT:
Pay check ______________
Other ______________
FIXED EXPENSES:
Rent ______________
Phone Bill ______________
Cell Phone Bill ______________
Vehicle Payment ______________
Vehicle Insurance ______________
Medical Insurance ______________
VARIABLE EXPENSES:
Gas Bill ______________
Electric Bill ______________
Groceries ______________
General Shopping ______________
Laundry ______________
Clothes ______________
Entertainment ______________
Vehicle Maintenance & Gas ______________
Miscellaneous ______________
TOTAL INCOME: ______________
TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES: ______________
TOTAL VARIABLE EXPENSES: ______________
MONEY LEFT OVER: ______________
CHECKING ACCOUNT BALANCE: ______________
SAVINGS ACCOUNT BALANCE: ______________
Appendix I
Page 4
5. Name: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
VEHICLE INSURANCE APPLICATION
Westwood Insurance
Applicant Information:
Applicant Name: ___________________________________________
Mailing Address: ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code
Home Phone: _________________________
Years/Months at Current Address: ______________________ Own: ___ Rent: ___
Policy Information
Policy Number: ________________________ Customer ID: ________________________
Total Estimate Premium: $540.00 Term: 12 Months
Payment Plan: Monthly Monthly Payment: $45.00
Application signed by: _________________________________________
Vehicle Description/Use:
Vehicle ID: _____________________________
Make/Model: _____________________________ 4-Door: Yes ____ No ____
Year: _____________________________
Registered State: _____________________________
Date Purchased: _____________________________ New: _____ Used: _____
Miles driven to Work/School (one way): ____________
Days Driven per week: _____________________ Estimated Annual Mileage: ______________________
Antitheft Device used: ______________________________________________________________
Employment Information:
Occupation: _____________________________ Years in current Occupation: ______
Employer: ______________________________ Phone: ________________________
Address: _________________________________________
_________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code
Appendix I
Page 5
6. VEHICLE INSURANCE APPLICATION
(Continued)
Driver Information:
Name: _______________________________________________
License Number: ______________________________ State: _______________
Date Licensed: ________________ Date of Birth: ______________ Gender: Male ___ Female ___
Marital Status: ____________________
Violations/Accidents in the past 3 years: _______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Is there any damage to the vehicle? Yes ___ No ___
Do you park the vehicle on the street? Yes ___ No ___
Has your driver’s license been revoked or suspended? Yes ___ No ___
Are you in the military? Yes ___ No ___
Do you have any physical or mental impairments? Yes ___ No ___
NOTICE: Personal information about you, including information from a credit report may be collected from
other people. This information will be treated confidentially. You have the right to review your personal
information in our files and can request correction of any inaccuracies.
Applicant’s Statement: I have read the above application and I declare that all the statement I have made are
true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Applicant’s Signature: ______________________________ Date: ____________________
Appendix I
Page 6
7. Name: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
FIRST PAY CHECK
You have been working hard at your new job for a month and now it is time to be rewarded for your work. You
are going to get your first paycheck. Look over the words and definitions below so that you will understand the
information printed on your pay check.
Deductions: Money that is subtracted from your gross pay for things like taxes, social
security and insurance.
Federal Income Tax: Money that is subtracted from your paycheck and given to the federal
government to help run the country.
Gross pay or Gross Amount: The total amount of money you earn before any deductions are taken out
of your pay check; if you get paid by the hour, you can calculate this
amount by multiplying the number of hours worked by the amount you
earn per hour.
Insurance: Money that is subtracted from your pay check to pay for your medical
insurance.
Net amount or net pay: The amount of money you are paid after all the deductions are subtracted;
this is the amount of your pay check.
Overtime pay: The amount of money you earn for working more that 40 hours per
week.
Pay Stub: The part of a paycheck that provides information about the pay period,
including the number of hours worked and the deductions taken out of the
pay check.
Regular Pay: The amount of money you earn for working 40 hours each week.
Social Security: Money that is subtracted from your pay check to be saved and paid back to
you when you retire; this is sometimes written as FICA on your pay check.
State Income Tax: Money that is subtracted from your pay check and given to your state’s
government to help run the state.
Carefully review your pay check and then deposit it into your checking account. To deposit a check you must
endorse it. This means you have to sign your name on the back of the check above the line that says, “DO NOT
WRITE BELOW THIS LINE”. You should never endorse a check until you are at the bank ready to make a
deposit. If someone found an endorsed check, he or she could cash it. Endorse your pay check, fill out a deposit
slip and record the transaction in your check register.
Appendix I
Page 7
8. GAS AND ELECTRIC BILL
Utility bills are bills you will probably have to pay to have heat, air conditioning, and water in your
apartment. Electric bills are one kind of utility bill. Electricity is often used for air conditioning and
heating homes. Things like lamps and appliances need electricity to make them work. Gas can also be
used to heat homes and to make stoves and hot water heaters work.
When you move into an apartment, you will need to call the gas and electric company to begin your
service. If you are opening a new account, you might have to pay a deposit to start your service. You
will receive a monthly bill for the gas and electricity you have used. Gas and electricity meters (a type of
machine) will keep track of how much gas and electricity you use.
You will usually receive a gas and electric bill in the mail once a month. Make sure you look at the due
date on the bill as soon as you receive it so that you can pay the bill on time. You can pay your bill by
mailing a check to the gas and electric company or by taking a check to the company’s office. You can
also pay this bill at the grocery store. Because gas and electricity make so many important things work,
you should make sure to pay your bill on time each month so that this service will not be turned off. If
you do not have enough money to pay the bill, try to pay at least half of the amount you owe. This will
show the gas and electric company that you are trying to pay your bill. If you ever get a notice in the mail
that says your gas and electricity are going to be turned off, call the gas and electric company immediately
to make arrangements to bay your bill.
Remember that you can lower your next gas and electric bill by conserving power whenever possible.
Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Adjust the thermostat for your heater and air-conditioner
when you leave the apartment; you do not need to heat or cool the apartment when you are not at home.
You have just received your first gas and electric bill. Study your bill carefully and answer the following
questions.
1. When is your payment for this bill due?
2. How much do you owe for gas?
3. Hw much money do you owe for electricity?
4. What is the total amount you owe?
5. How much is the state and local sales tax?
6. How often do people usually receive gas and electric bills?
7. What are three ways you can pay your gas and electric bill?
8. Look up a gas and electric company in a local phone book. What is the phone number?
9. What should you do if you cannot afford to pay the total amount you owe on your gas and electric
bill?
10. What are two ways you can conserve electricity?
After you have looked over your bill, write a check for the total amount due. Record the amount of the check in
your check register. Then fill out the entry for this bill on your monthly budget form. Decide if you want to mail
the check, take the check to the gas and electric company’s office, or pay the bill at the grocery store. If you mail
it, you will need to by a stamp. If you go to the office, you will need $1.00 to pay for the bus ride. If you pay
your bill at the grocery store, you will need $.75 for the handling fee. When you decide how you will pay your
bill, record any cash spent on your cash on hand form.
Appendix I
Page 8
9. WATER BILL
A water bill is another type of utility bill. Water is essential for bathing, cooking and drinking. When you move
into an apartment, you will need to call the water company to begin your service.
You will receive a bill each month that will show you haw many gallons of water you used during the previous
month. If you are opening a new account, you may have to pay a deposit to start your service.
Make sure you look at the due date on the bill as soon as you receive it so that you can pay the bill on the time.
You can pay your bill by mailing a check to the water company or by taking a check to the company’s office.
You can also pay this bill at the grocery store. Because you use water every day, you should make sure to pay
your bill on time each month so that this service will not be turned off. If you do not have enough money to pay
the bill, try to pay at least half of the amount you owe. If you ever get a notice in the mail that says your water is
going to be turned off, call the water company immediately to make arrangement to pay your bill.
If your bill shows that you have used more water that month than you have in other months, you might have a
water leak. It could also mean that you used too much water during the month. You can conserve water by
making sure you do not leave the water running when it is not necessary. Limit the length of your showers as
well.
You have just received your first water bill. Study your bill carefully, and answer the following questions.
1. When is your payment for this bill due?
2. What is the total amount you owe?
3. What were you charged for other than water and fees?
4. Which portion of the bill should you take with you if you pay in person?
5. What are three ways you can pay your water bill?
6. How often do people usually receive water bills?
7. Look up a water company in a local phone book. What is the phone number?
8. What are two ways you can conserve water?
After you have looked over your bill, write a check for the total amount due. Record the amount of the check in
your check register. Then fill out the entry for this bill on your monthly budget form. Decide if you want to mail
the check, take the check to the water company’s office, or pay the bill at the grocery store. If you mail it, you
will need to buy a stamp. If you go to the office, you will need $1.00 to pay for the bus ride. If you pay your bill
at the grocery store, you will need $.75 for the handling fee. When you decide how you will pay your bill,
record any cash spent on your cash on hand form.
Appendix I
Page 9
10. PHONE BILL
Having a phone allows you to communicate with other people when you are not with them. You can use a phone
to call friends and relatives, to contact your employer or people you work with and to get help if there is an
emergency (for example, by calling 911 if there is a fire or an accident).
When you move into an apartment, you will need to call the phone company to set up an account and get a phone
number. If you have never had a phone account before, you might have to pay a set-up fee.
You will receive a monthly bill for your basic service and any long-distance phone calls you made during the
month. Your bill will list the charge for your basic service, the charge for any long-distance calls made, taxes and
the total amount due. If you do not make any long-distance calls, your bill will be for the same amount every
month. You can pay extra each month for services such as call waiting and caller ID. Since you are just starting
out, you should probably order only basic phone service. If you think you can afford it, you can always add
extra feature later.
When you receive your phone bill, make sure you look at the due date on the bill so that you can pay the bill on
time. You can pay your bill by mailing a check to the phone company or by taking a check to the company’s
office. You can also pay this bill at the grocery store. Because having a home phone is so helpful, you need to
pay your bill on time so that your phone will not be disconnected. If you ever get a notice that you phone is
going to be disconnected, call the phone company immediately to make arrangement to pay your bill.
You have just received your first phone bill. Study your bill carefully and answer the following questions.
1. How much money do you owe for your basic phone service?
2. Do you have any long-distance charges on your bill?
3. What is the charge for taxes?
4. How much is the set-up fee?
5. What is the total amount you owe?
After you have looked over your bill, write a check for the total amount due. Record the amount of the check in
your check register. Then fill out the entry for this bill on your monthly budget form. Decide if you want to mail
the check, take the check to the phone company’s office or pay the bill at the grocer store. If you mail the check,
you will need to buy a stamp. If you go to the office, you will need $1.00 to pay for the bus ride. If you pay your
bill at the grocery store, you will need $.75 for the handling fee. When you decided how you will pay your bill,
record any cash spent on your cash on hand form.
Appendix I
Page 10
11. Name: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
FIRST MONTHLY BUDGET
You should be very proud of yourself for working hard and earning your first pay check. Now that you are
making money and paying bills, you need to begin budgeting your money each month so that you know
exactly what you are spending. Filling out a monthly budget will also help keep you from spending too
much money.
Look at your monthly budget form. Record the amount of your pay check and the amount you will have to
pay for rent. Next fill in the amounts of money you currently have in your checking account, in your savings
account and in cash. Write the amounts you have spent this month on groceries, general shopping and
laundry. In the “Miscellaneous” category, record the amounts you spent on furniture and your apartment
security deposit. You will fill in the remaining blanks on your monthly budget for when you find out how
much your utilities will cost.
Next month, you will be able to estimate most of your expenses because you will know what you spent this
month. This will allow you to fill out your monthly budget form before you spend any money.
Appendix I
Page 11
12. Name: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
ORGANIZING YOUR BILLS
You have paid your gas and electric, water and phone bills for two months now, so you already have six bills
in file. You can see that a lot of paperwork is involved in living on your own. It is important to have some
kind of system to help you organize your bills. You will not always pay your bills the day you get them in the
mail. There will be times when you receive bills a week or more before they are due. You may not have
gotten your pay check yet. You will need to keep these bills until you have received and deposited your pay
check.
Using file folders can help you keep track of your bills. You can label one folder “TO BE PAID” and another
fold “PAID”. Write the due date and bill type for each bill on a piece of paper and paperclip it to the outside
of the “TO BE PAID” folder. Set the folders in a place where you will see them every day, such as in a
standing mail holder on your kitchen countertop. Place the “TO BE PAID” folder on top so that you can
quickly see the due date for each bill.
Each bill will probably have a detachable portion tat you will need to mail with your payment. Keep the other
portion of the bill in case you need to look at it later. Write the date you paid the bill and the check number
on this portion of the bill. Place this portion in the “PAID” folder. This is one way you can organize your
bills.
Review the organizational system explained above and answer the following questions.
1. How many file folders do you need?
2. What titles should you write on the folders?
3. What can you place the folder in?
4. When you receive a bill in the mail, which folder should you place it in?
5. What should you write on the piece of paper you will paperclip to the “To Be Paid” folder?
6. What should you write on the portion of the bill you will keep?
7. Why should you set the folders in a place where you will see them everyday?
8. Why do you think it is important to organize your bills?
Appendix I
Page 12
13. Name: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
BUYING VEHICLE INSURANCE
If you are going to own and drive a vehicle, you must have vehicle insurance in case you have an accident.
Vehicle insurance will protect you by paying bills that you cannot afford to pay, like vehicle repairs and
medical expenses related to driving accidents. To have this protection you will have to pay an insurance
premium. Some insurance plans are cheaper if you pay for 3, 6, or 12 moths at a time. Because you do not
have enough money saved at this time, you will have to make a payment each month. Perhaps in the future
you will be able to save enough money to pay for a year at a time.
Types of Vehicle Insurance:
Liability Insurance: This protects you if you are involved in an accident and it is your fault.
This insurance will pay the other person’s doctor and hospital
bills as well as fix his or her vehicle.
Collision Insurance: This protects you no matter whose fault the accident is. This insurance
will pay to fix your vehicle.
Comprehensive Insurance: This will pay to fix your vehicle if there is a problem because something
other than an accident, like fire or hail damage.
Medical Insurance: If you are involved in an accident, this insurance will pay the doctor and
hospital bills for you and anyone else in your vehicle.
Uninsured Motorist
Insurance: If you are involved in an accident that is the other driver’s fault and he
or she does not have liability insurance, this insurance will pay to
fix your vehicle and will pay your doctor and hospital bills.
In most states, the law says you must have at least liability insurance if you are going to drive. Whether it is a
law in your state or not, you should at least have liability insurance to protect yourself. Without liability
insurance, you might have to spend all your money to pay bills for another person. To get a loan to buy a
vehicle, you will probably have to buy collision insurance as well as keep it at least until you pay off the loan.
You will probably have a deductible for one or more of the insurance plans you purchase. A deductible is an
amount you have to pay before insurance starts to pay. For example, if you had a $200.00 deductible, were in
an accident, and it cost $700.00 to fix your vehicle, you would have to pay $200.00. Then you insurance
company would pay the remaining $500.00.
Insurance can be very expensive. It will be one more thing you have to pay for every month. Keep in mid
that insurance might cost more if you:
• Are Male • Have a Sports Car
• Are under 25 years of age • Have a new vehicle
• Are not married • Have an expensive vehicle
• Have been in one or more accidents • Have to drive as part of your
job
• Have gotten one or more speeding tickets • Do not own you own home
Appendix I
Page 13
14. Name: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
Review the information about vehicle insurance and complete the sentences below.
1. _____________________________ insurance will pay for your vehicle to be fixed if you are in an
accident that is your fault.
2. In most states, the law says you have to have ________________________________ insurance if you are
going to drive.
3. ___________________________________ insurance will pay to have your vehicle’s window fixed if hail
cracks it.
4. If you are in an accident that is not your fault and the other person does not have insurance,
___________________________________ insurance will pay to fix your vehicle.
5. If you are in an accident that is your fault, _______________________________ insurance will pay to fix
the other person’s vehicle.
6. Your vehicle insurance might cost more if you are under ___________ years old.
7. If you take out a loan to buy your vehicle, you will probably have to get
________________________________ insurance.
Now it is time to purchase vehicle insurance. When you make monthly payments, you pay a month in advance.
You will have to purchase collision insurance wince you took out a loan to buy your vehicle. The cost of your
insurance will be $45 a month. Fill out the vehicle insurance application form. Write a check to pay your first
bill and record the transaction in your check register.
Appendix I
Page 14
15. Name: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
CREDIT CARDS
If you have a credit card, you can charge the money you owe for something and pay for it later. Credit cards
allow you to purchase expensive items now and pay for them a little at a time. For example, you might need to
buy a new couch for your living room. Since furniture is expensive, it would probably take you a long time to
save enough money to buy a couch. If you had a credit card, you could charge the full price and make a payment
each month until it is paid off.
Credit cards are convenient, but they can also be risky. You might be tempted to use your credit card too often
for things you would not normally buy. When you get a credit card, you will be given a credit limit based on
how much money you make and how good your credit history is. Your credit limit will probably start at $500 or
$1000. You will not be allowed to charge more than this amount but you should try not to charge this much
money. I could take you a very long time to pay it back, especially if you could pay only the minimum amount
due each month.
Your credit card company will send you a statement every month listing all the charges you made during the past
month. The statement will also tell you the total amount of money you owe, the minimum amount you have to
pay that month and when your next payment is due.
If you make a payment after the due date or do not make a payment at all, the credit card company will charge
you a late fee of $30 to $40. You should always pay your bills on time. Late payments will make your credit
history look bad and they can also make it difficult for you to get more credit cards, student loans or a loan to buy
a house.
When you receive your statement, you should try to pay the entire amount you owe. If you do not pay your entire
balance, you will have to pay interest on what you owe. Your statement will list the annual percentage rate
(APR) that the company will use to calculate your interest. When you get your first credit card, your APR may
be high, as high as 25-30 percent! That means that if you charge $1000 and have this balance for an entire year,
you will have to pay an extra $250-$300 just in interest. This is why it is so important to pay your entire balance
each month. If you cannot pay the entire balance, you should pay as much as you can because you have to pay
interest only on the amount you owe. The less money you owe, the less interest you have to pay.
The first credit card you should probably get is a gas card that allows you to charge your gas when you fill up
your gas when you fill up your vehicle. You will not be able to charge too much money with this type of credit
card because it will have a low credit limit, like $300. Gas cards will also prevent you from buying too many
things because you can only use a gas card at a gas station. You would probably be much more tempted to
charge a lot of money at a department store than a gas station. Many gas cards also require you to pay the entire
balance each month, so you should not have to pay high interest charges.
1. Why is it important to always pay your bills on time?
2. Why should you try to pay your entire credit card balance each month?
3. What are two risks involved with having a credit card?
4. What is one reason that a gas card should be your first credit card?
Appendix I
Page 15
16. Dear Parent/Foster Parent/Guardian:
We are currently learning about driving-related items, such as road signs, car owner’s manuals, insurance cards,
and the reading skills needed to interpret them. During this unit, your child will learn to use the vocabulary
words associated with driving-related items, understand the symbols and abbreviations used on driving-related
items and the use of driving related items in everyday life. At the end of the unit, your child will complete a
project that demonstrates his or her ability to read and interpret these items. To extend your child’s learning, any
at-home practice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Below are several activity suggestions:
• Discuss vehicle maintenance with your child. If you have the owners’ manual for your vehicle,
look through it together.
• Have your child make a list of road signs he or she sees while you are driving. Ask your child to
sketch several of the signs and explain what they mean.
• If you have access to the Internet, have your child look up driving rules for your state.
• Help your child review the road sign study sheet he or sheet received in class.
• Look over your insurance policy with your child. Compare the information printed in your policy
to the information printed on your insurance card.
• Look over your driver’s license with your child. Review the information listed on the license.
Discuss what each abbreviation and code means.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Appendix I
Page 16
17. WRITING A CHECK
Now that you have a checking account, you will be able to write checks to pay for your expenses. Remember
that whenever you write a check you must have at least that much money in the bank.
Ask your foster parent for a voided check so you may practice the following:
Steps for writing a check:
1. Write the date on the blank in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Write the name of the payee (the person or company you are writing the check to) on the blank after
the words “Pay to the Order of”.
3. Write the money amount in numerals in the box with the dollar sign next to it.
4. Write the money amount in words on the long blank space below the “Pay to the Order of” line.
Write the cents amount in numerals as a fraction of 100. Then draw a line from the fraction to the
word “dollars” at the end of the blank so that no one can add anything to what you have written.
5. Write what the check is for on the memo line in the lower, left-hand corner. This will help you
remember what you used the check to pay for.
6. Sign the check on the blank in the lower, right-hand corner. You must sign your full legal name (first
and last name; no nicknames).
Appendix I
Page 17
18. USING A CHECK REGISTER
Now that you have deposited $1250.00 into your checking account, you will need to use a check register to keep
a record of how you spend your money. You will write all banking transactions (checks, fees, deposits and
withdrawals) in your check register so that you will always know exactly how much money is in your checking
account. This will help keep your check register from getting out of balance. Out of balance means that you and
y our bank do not agree on how much money is in your checking account.
Ask your foster parent to give you a copy of the check register found in their check book.
Steps for recording a Transaction:
1. If you are recording a check, write the check number in the “Check Number” column.
2. Write the Month and date in the “Date” column.
3. Write a brief description of the transaction.
4. Record the amount of a check or withdrawal in the “Payment or Withdrawal” column, the amount of a
bank fee in the “Fee” column, and the amount of a deposit in the “Deposit” column.
5. Add or subtract to find the new balance. (Add if you are putting money into the account and subtract
if you are taking money out of the account).
Record the following transactions in the check register below. Calculate the balance after you record each
transaction.
1. Deposited a pay check for $50 on May 31.
2. Check #1436 written for gas at Rudy’s Gas Station in the amount of $15 on June 1.
3. Bank Service Fee of $6 on June 1.
4. Check # 1437 written for groceries at the Super Market in the amount of $23.50 on June 3.
5. Withdrawal of $20 on June 5.
Write your initial deposit of $1250 in your check register. Your balance will also be $1250. Give the deposit
slip to your teacher. Throughout this program, record each banking transaction in your check register and then
give your check, deposit slip or transfer form to your foster parent.
Appendix I
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19. OPENING A SAVINGS ACCOUNT
The money in a savings account is kept in a bank, just like the money in a checking account; however, the money
in a savings account is used differently. It is not withdrawn on a regular basis; it is saved in the bank so that the
amount will grow over time as more money is deposited. You can withdraw money whenever you need to, but
most banks charge a fee if you withdraw money from your savings account more than two or three times per
month. While your money is in a savings account, the bank pays you interest. The interest is calculated using a
percentage of the total amount in the savings account.
Reasons to Open a Savings Account:
1. Your money will be safe if it is in a savings account; it cannot be stolen, lost or destroyed.
2. You earn more money if your money is in a savings account because the bank pays you interest.
3. Having a savings account can help you save more money. If you want to use the money, you have to
go to the bank to withdraw it. Since you must plan ahead, you will be less likely to spend your money
carelessly.
4. You will have money saved in case there is an emergency or an unexpected expense.
5. A savings account can help you save money to buy something specific, such as a piece of furniture or
a car.
6. Having a savings account allows you to have overdraft protection in case your checking account
becomes overdrawn. This means that if there is no money left in your checking account, money from
your savings account can be transferred to your checking account. Maintaining yoru check register
should prevent your checking account from becoming overdrawn; however, you could make a mistake
when you are adding or subtracting or you could forget to record a transaction. This is why overdraft
protection is a good idea.
Appendix I
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20. USING A DEBIT CARD
When you open a checking account at a bank, you can apply for a debit card. You can use your debit card to
withdraw money from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) instead of having to go to your bank. While it is
often more convenient to use an ATM, you must be aware that many ATMs charge a fee when you withdraw
money. You can also use debit cards to pay for items and services at many businesses, including gas stations,
grocery stores and restaurants.
A debit card looks a lot like a credit card, but a debit card works differently. The money you withdraw or spend
using a debit card is taken directly from your checking account. You cannot pay for something with your debit
card unless you have at least that amount in your checking account.
After you make a withdrawal or pay for something using your debit card you must record the transaction in your
check register. If you forget, your check register will be out of balance and you might write a check for more
money than you actually have in your account. Then, your account will be considered overdrawn. If you do not
have enough money in your account to cover the check you wrote, the bank will charge you a fee also. The bank
will NOT pay the check and will send it back to the person or company you wrote the check to. That company
will also charge you a fee and may put your name on a National List. You may not be able to write any more
check until you have paid all the money you owe.
Now that you have opened a checking account, you are ready to apply for a debit card. Remember, it is very
important to record all debit transactions in your check register.
Answer the questions below.
1. What is the most money you can withdraw per day using your debit card?
2. How much money will you be charged for using your bank’s ATM?
3. How much money will you be charge if you need a replacement card?
4. What should you do if your card is lost or stolen?
5. What are two benefits of using a debit card?
Appendix I
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21. FINDING AN APARTMENT
Congratulations! You got the job you applied for! Now that you have a job and will be earning money every
month, you can start looking for y our own apartment. When choosing an apartment you should think about what
will best suit your needs. Carefully consider the price, location and size of each apartment you look at. You
should also take note of any special features, such as a laundry room, swimming pool or fitness center. Some
apartments also have restrictions such as not allowing pets. You can find this information in the classified section
of your local newspaper, in free apartment magazines displayed at places like grocery stores and gas stations, and
on the Internet. Many towns also have apartment-locating services that can help you find an apartment.
Look at the apartments for rent in an Apartment Guide Booklet. Choose five apartments to consider. Answer the
questions below for each apartment complex. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What is the rent each month?
2. How many bedrooms does the apartment have?
3. What are some of the apartment’s features?
4. Are there any restrictions listed? What are they?
5. Would this apartment meet your needs? Why or why not?
Once you decide an apartment will meet your needs, you should call the landlord and make arrangements to see
the apartment. Review the information about the five apartments you selected. Choose the three apartments you
like best. You can “see” your top three choices in the Westwood Apartment Guide Booklet. Then decide which
apartment you will rent and fill out the apartment rental application.
Appendix I
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22. GOING BACK TO SCHOOL
Even though you are working full time, it is still possible to continue your education. There are many places
where you can take courses. Four-year colleges and universities offer a wide variety of courses. Unfortunately,
this is probably the most expensive option. Many towns also have community colleges that are less expensive,
but they do not offer as many courses. If you are interested in attending a college or university, you can apply for
financial aid, grants and scholarships. Business and technical schools are also very popular. They offer courses
that teach specific skills in a shorter amount of time than most colleges and universities. Business and technical
schools are kind of expensive but usually offer financial aid. Many local libraries and other learning centers also
offer a variety of courses.
Westwood has a community college that offers a variety of courses that are not too expensive. Each course costs
$50. Read the course schedule below and choose one class to take. Since your education is such a good
investment, you have decided to pay for the class with money from your savings account. Go to the bank and
withdraw $50 from your savings account. Adjust your savings account balance on your monthly budget form and
record the transaction in your savings account register.
Course Day Time
Introduction to Business Computer Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Applications Basics of Monday 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Photography
Introduction to College Algebra Wednesday 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Accounting Monday & Wednesday 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Therapy Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Criminal Justice Saturday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Restaurant Management Monday & Wednesday 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
1. What course did you decide to take?
2. What kinds of activities might you have to give up because you will be at school?
Now that you have signed up for a course, you will have to buy the book the professor has chosen to use for the
course. Go to a bookstore that has new and used books and fid the book you need. If you buy a new book, it will
cost $20. If you buy a used book it will probably have writing on the pages and be worn but it will cost only $5.
Decide if you want a new or used book and write a check to pay for it. Record the transaction in your check
register.
Appendix I
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