ALL GROWN UP? WEBQUEST

MRS. CASKEY

COMPUTER TEACHER

GREENBRIARMIDDLE SCHOOL

PARMA, OHIO

INTRODUCTION: So you think you know everything, huh? Well, we’ll see…you’re about to complete a Webquest about getting started on your own. Let’s see how well you do on your own…

TASK: Your assignment, should you choose to accept it (yeah, right like you have a choice!) is to complete a Webquest that involves you finding an apartment, opening a checking account, buying a car (not for real…are you kidding?), a cellphone and so much more. Sounds like fun, right? Maybe…but you have to do this within a budget. So here’s your salary and your budget:

Monthly Gross Salary:$2,666.00

Social Security (FICA): - 165.00

Medicare: - 38.00

State Income Tax:- 74.00

Federal Income Tax:- 335.00

After Taxes:$2,053.76

BUDGET:

Housing:$575.00 (or 28% of Net Pay)

Car:$246.00 (or 12% of Net Pay)

Utilities:$53.00 (or 2% of Net Pay…non-negotiable)

Cell Phone:$53.00 (or 2% of Net Pay)

Cable/Internet:$27.00 (or 1% of Net Pay)

Food $370..00 ( or 18% of Net Pay)

Savings$103.00 (or 5% of Net Pay)

Entertainment$103.00 (or 5% of Net Pay)

Misc./Other$$226.00 (or 11% of Net Pay)

For more information on paychecks…check out the web link in the resource area.

PROCESS:

  1. YOU NEED A CHECKING ACCOUNT:

Your first step is to open a checking account for yourself. Go to the webresource area for a link to help you complete your research. In the selection process, be sure to choose a traditional checking account. Choose from which state and then a city you are going to live in. Choose whether or not your checking account will be interest bearing (that’s code for “you will earn money for having your checking account with that particular bank”). When you get to the next section about additional features…we’ll go over those choices in class. At the end, be sure to printout (on the Lexmark) your final selection.

  1. APARTMENT SHOPPING:

Now it’s time to find a place for you to live. Be sure to visit the web links that are listed in the resource area of this Webquest. You will need to live within a budget on this one so make sure that your rent does not exceed $575.00.

Using the weblinks in the Resource area, find an apartment in the area of your choice. When complete, type or printout the following information:

Name of Apartment Complex or Rental:

Landlord’s Name if Available:

Street Address:

City, State, Zip Code:

Phone Number:

Number of bedrooms and bathrooms:

Amount of rent:

What is included in your rent: (examples: heat, water, electricity, cable, etc.)

Terms of lease: (examples: pets allowed? Length of lease?, etc.)

  1. CAR SHOPPING:

Now it’s time to shop for a car. Don’t get too excited…you’re on a budget remember. Your monthly budget for a car payment is only $246.00. You may buy or lease your car. Print out all information related to the purchase, financing and insurance of your vehicle.

  • Be sure to include in your print out:
  • Year/Make/Model of Car:
  • Price:
  • Financing: Name of Bank, Interest Rate and Monthly Payment
  • Insurance Research: What would it cost you per month to have insurance on your car at the age of 18?
  1. SHOPPING FOR A CELL PHONE PLAN:

You’re going to need a cell phone right? Your budget for your cell phone plan is $53.00. Go to the resources area. Figure out what type of phone you want and, in particular, what features you want. Make a printout of your cell phone plan including the cost of the plan. Use the link under the Resources area to help you.

  1. GROCERIES:

You have to eat and you’re going to need personal items as well. You will be going to Netgrocer (see the link in Resources) and shop for the things that you will need in one month’s time. Make sure you complete this list within a class period, because the list doesn’t save. Print your shopping list after you are done. Your budget for this is $370.00.

6. TIME FOR REFLECTION:

You will complete the following activities to complete your project:

  • Make a cover page for your report. Include your name, date and class period. You may add clip art to the cover.
  • Include all printouts from all of your research.
  • Type a three paragraph reflection on your project (5-7 sentences in each paragraph). Use the Resource links to guide your writing. Answer the following questions within the paragraphs:
  • What did you learn about growing up?
  • Is the salary you’ve been given enough to maintain your budget?
  • Do you need to set a budget when living on your own?
  • What did you like about this assignment?
  • What didn’t you like about this assignment?
  • What did you learn from this assignment?
  • Staple everything together and turn your project into your period tray for a grade.

RESOURCES

Paycheck Calculations::

Task One: Checking Account Research

Task Two: Finding an Apartment

Task Three: Shopping for a Car

Financing:

Loan vs. Lease Comparison:

Insurance:

Info:

Task Four: Find a Cell Phone Plan

Task Five: Shopping for Groceries

Task Five: Reflection on Budgeting