How these documents connect

  1. Fill in Part AYour own numbers first
  2. Compare Jordan's BudgetSee what filled-in looks like
  3. Jordan's FutureFour choices, three outcomes
  4. Write Your LettersGratitude + City Council

Sample budgets — see what filled-in looks like

Sample Budget · Parts A & C
Jordan's Sample Budget
A fully filled-in example for a realistic 16-year-old in Colorado Springs. Every number is calculated — phone, clothes, food, car, school, and the family costs Jordan doesn't see. Use it to calibrate your own numbers.
Part A examplePart C exampleAge 16 · Colorado Springs
↓ Download PDF
Role-Play Worksheet
Jordan's Future — Four Choices, Three Outcomes
You make four decisions for Jordan — how he addresses the gap in his budget, whether he saves, which college path he takes, and how he approaches service. Each choice leads to a different version of Jordan at 25. The numbers are real. Includes a parent and teacher note at the end.
Role-playSavings mathCollege + loansService decision
↓ Download PDF

Letter templates — two letters worth writing

Personal Letter · Uses Part C Numbers
Sample Letter of Gratitude
A letter to a parent or guardian — written with real numbers from Part C, not just sentiment. Includes notes on why the specific dollar amounts matter more than the tone. This letter works best after you've completed Part C and know the real numbers.
Uses Part C numbersPersonal · Not for resume
↓ Download PDF
Civic Letter · Three Versions · Goes on Resume
Sample Letter to City Council
Version 1 for first-timers. Version 2 for students who did the research. Version 3 for students who keep coming back. Each one is more effective than the last — and the only difference is time. Version 3 is a civic credential. A submitted comment with specific funding data in the public record.
BeginnerIntermediateAdvancedCivic credential
↓ Download PDF

All printable workbooks — the full Lesson Zero set

Printable Workbook · Part A
How Much Do You Cost? (Print Version)
Five expense sections, a totals page, and reflection questions. Fill in by hand. Same content as the interactive website version.
↓ Download Part A PDF
Printable Workbook · Part B
What Are They Buying? (Print Version)
Gift tracking table, income check, comparison table, green and red checklists, and hotline numbers. The safety workbook in print form.
↓ Download Part B PDF
Printable Workbook · Part C
What It Costs to Raise You (Print Version)
Six sections covering housing, food, health, education, clothing, and transportation. The full family picture in one printable document.
↓ Download Part C PDF
Printable Workbook · Summary
Three Numbers, One Lesson (Print Version)
Transfer your totals from all three parts, do the combined wage calculation, and connect your budget to your city's. The complete lesson in one printed form.
↓ Download Summary PDF