Description

Looking for an engaging way to start your financial literacy unit or class? This financial literacy game serves as an icebreaker and a way to get students thinking about the costs associated with living independently.

How it works: The Google Slides display common items and expenses, along with a price. Students will work together with their group to determine whether they think the actual price of that item is higher or lower than the price shown. Each correct answer is worth one point, and the group with the most points wins.

Here’s an example: Do you think the average price of a regular-sized fast food combo meal is higher or lower than $9.85?… Higher! In 2025, the average cost is $11.56.

Topics include: Common food and restaurant items, car costs (including gas, payments, and insurance), housing costs, school and daycare costs, and other topics, including wages and average American debt.

The Google Slides are fully editable and can be customized to include the costs of trending items or items that are specific to your location.

What’s included:

• Fully Editable Google Slides
• Fully Editable Student Recording Sheet
• ‘Higher or Lower?’ Desk Sign for students to use to show their answer

Prices in this game are accurate as of July 2025. Sources for each price are cited in the presenter’s notes of the slides. This game will be updated regularly to keep up with changing prices; however, the slides are fully editable if you need to make changes to any of the prices.