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Lesson Plan: Lifelong Lerning with Michael Bordenaro.

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Who Is Michael Bordenaro?

While detailed bios aren't readily available, Michael Bordenaro runs a YouTube channel with 343K subscribers (per your info), where he discusses real-world financial topics—like the dangers of living paycheck to paycheck, excessive spending habits, and the importance of emergency savings (YouTube, Facebook).



Why Financial Literacy Should Be a Lifelong Goal

For High Schoolers and Beyond

  • Building independence early: Learning to budget, save, and avoid debt early enables financial confidence when students graduate.

  • Adapting to life’s changing needs: Careers, family, healthcare, and housing costs evolve over time. Lifelong financial education helps everyone stay agile and resilient.

  • Fostering smart habits: Consistent learning discourages poor decisions like overspending or neglecting savings—a common theme in Bordenaro’s videos (YouTube).

  • Countering widespread illiteracy: A lack of financial understanding is prevalent—Bordenaro notes half of Americans lack basic financial literacy, which leads to poor money management (YouTube).

The Power of Free, Accessible Learning

  • Online reach: Platforms like YouTube democratize financial learning, cutting costs and offering insights from experienced creators like Michael Bordenaro.

  • Instant, varied formats: With tutorials, stories, actionable tips, and case studies all available at no cost, learners can choose what fits their style.

  • Timely updates: Changing financial landscapes demand updates—content creators can respond faster than traditional textbooks.

  • Equity in education: Regardless of zip code or income, anyone with internet access can become financially savvy.



Florida (Sunshine State) High School Lesson Plan

Lesson Title

Financial Literacy as a Lifelong Journey: Learning from Michael Bordenaro



Standards Alignment – Florida B.E.S.T. Standards

ELA.9–10.FI.1.1 – Define personal financial planning and the importance of using SMART goals. ELA.9–10.FI.2.1 – Explore methods for earning income and strategies for managing money, including saving and spending wisely. ELA.9–10.FI.3.1 – Explain reasons for budgeting and how to develop a personal budget.



Lesson Objectives

  1. Understand why financial literacy isn’t just a one-time unit but a lifelong necessity.

  2. Identify accessible financial education resources like YouTube and apply their lessons.

  3. Develop a personal finance goal plan and build a basic monthly budget.



Materials

  • Michael Bordenaro’s YouTube video on living paycheck to paycheck or saving (choose one).

  • Access to internet and viewing setup.

  • Worksheets: “SMART Goal Planner” and “Monthly Budget Template”.



Lesson Steps (90 minutes)

  1. Introduction (10 min)

    • Start with a question: “Why should we keep learning about money even after graduation?”

    • Collect student responses.

  2. Watch Video (10 min)

    • Play Bordenaro’s video on budgeting or saving (YouTube).

  3. Group Discussion (15 min)

    • Break into small groups to discuss:

      • “What main message does Bordenaro communicate?”

      • “How can his advice help us now and later?”

      • “What free resources do you already use or know?”

  4. SMART Goals Activity (15 min)

    • Students individually craft a financial goal using the SMART framework (e.g., “I will save $300 in three months for emergency fund”).

  5. Budget Building (20 min)

    • Use the budget template:

      • List monthly earnings and typical expenses.

      • Allocate savings, necessities, and discretionary funds.

  6. Share & Reflect (10 min)

    • Volunteers share their goal and budget.

    • Group discusses benefits of continuing financial education beyond school.

  7. Wrap-Up & Take-Home Assignment (10 min)

    • For homework, students find another free online financial education resource (e.g., Khan Academy, CFPB, Investopedia, or Bordenaro’s other videos) and prepare a 5-minute explanation of its value.




Final Thoughts

Financial literacy isn’t just a class—it’s a life tool. Michael Bordenaro’s content shows how accessible, real-life financial guidance can empower everyone, especially young learners, to make smart decisions. Embedding this into high school education through engaging lessons aligned with Florida standards helps build a foundation that lasts well beyond graduation.

 
 
 

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