Spent, Looking for Change

Directions: Watch the Video Spent, Looking for Change and complete the questions below

1. What was your overall reaction to the film?

1. Which characters’ stories did you identify most with and why?

1. Did this film help increase your knowledge and/or interest in this issue? Why?

1. We learned in the film that nearly 70 million Americans use alternative financial services (AFS). In the US, there are more check cashers and payday lenders than there are Starbucks and McDonalds’ combined. Why do you think AFS establishments are so prevalent?

1. Is it more important for you to pay a fee on your paycheck and receive it immediately, or deposit it for free but wait 2-5 business days to access it?

1. In the film, Justin is searching to buy a house, but is limited by his bad credit and inability to prove credit worthiness. Some new companies are looking at cell phone data, bill pay history and job history to determine credit worthiness. What other aspects of a person’s financial life could be used to help determine credit worthiness?

1. What would you like to see taught in a financial literacy course that you didn’t learn?

1. In the film, Debbie is working towards paying off her student loans while simultaneously trying to jump start her career in fashion. The class of 2013 graduated with on average $35,200 of college-related debt —a figure we see rise year after year. What are the implications of a generation graduating with this much debt?

1. Tiffany had to quit her job and use alternative financial services in order to provide personal care for her sick mother. 50% of Americans aren’t prepared to handle an unanticipated financial shock like a medical issue or home repair. Has your family experienced a financial ‘shock’ and didn’t have available funds? How did your family handle it?