⚠️ DAY 2 — DEBT5-Day Family Financial Literacy Challenge

“Smart Choices Today, Stronger Futures Tomorrow!”

Welcome to Day 2 of our 5-Day Family Financial Literacy Challenge! 💰📚

Yesterday we explored ASSETS — things that create value and opportunities over time.

Today we’re talking about:

⚠️ DEBT

Debt is something many adults deal with, but not enough young people are taught how it works BEFORE adulthood.

Our goal is not to make families fearful about money.

Our goal is to help youth and families:

✔ think critically

✔ ask questions

✔ understand choices

✔ build confidence

✔ make informed decisions together

💡 What Is Debt?

Debt is money that is borrowed and expected to be paid back — often with extra money called interest.

Examples can include:

• credit cards

• student loans

• car loans

• borrowing money

• payment plans

Some debt can help people grow opportunities.

Some debt can become stressful if not managed wisely.

That’s why learning early matters!

👶 YOUNGER KIDS (Ages 4–7)

“Borrow & Return” Game

Activity

Use:

• toy money

• snacks

• crayons

• stickers

• blocks

Pretend to borrow items from each other.

Then discuss:

✔ What happens when we borrow something?

✔ Why is it important to return it?

✔ How does borrowing make people feel?

Fun Question

💬 “What happens if someone keeps borrowing things but never gives them back?”

This introduces responsibility in a simple way.

🧒 UPPER ELEMENTARY (Ages 8–11)

“Debt or Smart Choice?” Challenge

Read each situation together and decide:✔ smart choice✔ risky choice✔ unnecessary debt

Examples:

• Borrowing for school supplies

• Buying something just because friends have it

• Saving before buying

• Borrowing money for a small business idea

Family Discussion

💬 “What are some ways families can avoid unnecessary debt?”

🧑 MIDDLE SCHOOL (Ages 11–14)

“Real-Life Debt Detective”

Activity

Discuss real-world examples:

• student loans

• credit cards

• car payments

• borrowing for businesses

Ask:

✔ When can debt help someone?

✔ When can debt become harmful?

✔ Why is planning important before borrowing money?

Critical Thinking Question

💬 “How can emotional decisions affect money choices?”

This connects directly to:

• peer pressure

• impulse spending

• advertising

• social media trends

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY TEAM ACTIVITY

“Debt Detectives Around the House”

Families work together to identify:

✔ needs vs wants

✔ smart purchases

✔ unnecessary spending habits

✔ ways to save money together

Examples:

• comparing prices

• cooking at home

• fixing items instead of replacing them

• waiting before making purchases

🎭 FUN ROLEPLAY GAME

“Would You Borrow It?”

Take turns acting out scenarios.

Examples:

🎮 “I want the newest game system right now!”

👟 “All my friends have these shoes!”

📚 “I need supplies for school.”

💼 “I want to start a small business.”

Family members discuss:

✔ Is this a need or a want?

✔ Is borrowing smart here?

✔ What are other options?

🍳 COOKING CONNECTION

Cooking teaches important financial skills too!

Families can discuss:

✔ grocery budgeting

✔ meal planning

✔ reducing waste

✔ cooking at home instead of spending more eating out

💬 “How can cooking become a money-saving skill?”

⭐ BROWNIE POINTS

Families earn extra Brownie Points for:

✔ participating together

✔ creative answers

✔ videos/photos

✔ helping younger siblings

✔ thoughtful discussions

✔ completing activities

💬 TODAY’S BIG QUESTION

What is ONE smart money choice families can make to avoid unnecessary debt?

Leave your answer in the comments and encourage another family to join the challenge! 👇

🧠 QUICK TAKEAWAY

Debt itself is not always “good” or “bad.”

The important questions are:

✔ Why are you borrowing?

✔ Do you have a plan?

✔ Will this help create opportunities or stress?

Learning to ask thoughtful questions today can help build stronger futures tomorrow.

🚀 COMING TOMORROW:

💵 DAY 3 — INCOME

How do people create opportunities, develop skills, and earn money in different ways?

Stay tuned! 💰📚

© 2026 What’s Stirring Family Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

Educational initiatives developed by Dr. Daneell Moore in support of literacy, family engagement, entrepreneurship education, and financial literacy awareness for youth and families.