This series of 8 learning packages introduces users to important independent living skills, including opening a checking account, wise use of credit, renting an apartment, and consumer shopping skills.
Each package is a self-contained unit, packaged in an attractive binder, that includes:

• Instructor's Notes
• A pad of "Competency Requirements"
• Award-winning video (running time: 15-20 min.)
• Computer software program
• Five copies of a handbook
• A pad each of "Student Activity Worksheets"
• A pad of "Assessment Checklists"
• Assessment Checklist Answer Key

1. Banking: Credit and Loans
   • Definitions of such words as credit, loans, collateral, principal, default, credit history, etc.
   • The importance of collateral in getting a loan.
   • Having a good credit history.
   • Why your capacity is important to a bank.
   • Types of infomation requested on a credit application.
   • How your monthly loan payments are calculated.
   • Getting the lowest possible interest rate on a loan.
   • And more.
2. Banking: Checking and Savings
   • Definition of words such as deposit, withdrawal, transaction, FDIC, FSLIC, interest, balance, etc.
   • How to complete a withdrawal slip and a deposit slip.
   • The importance of keeping account numbers confidential.
   • Writing a check.
   • Service charge and when a bank uses it.
   • Keeping an accurate checkbook ledger.
   • And more.
3. Skills for Buying a Car
   • Kinds of cars and trucks available.
   • Costs of cars.
   • Gas mileage.
   • The importance of car insurance.
   • Making a checklist before you go car shopping.
   • Having a trusted mechanic look at a car you are interested in.
   • Negotiating the price of a car.
   • The "Blue Book."
   • And more.
4. This Apartment's for You
   • Three different types of apartments.
   • Determining how much rent you can afford.
   • Benefits of having a roommate.
   • Questions to ask when looking at an apartment.
   • Security deposit.
   • Definitions of lessor, lessee, landlord, lease, evict, and more.
   • The importance of paying rent on time.
   • Understanding a lease before you sign it.
   • And more.
5. Getting Around in Today's World
   • Three ways to find your way around.
   • Four ways to get where you want to go.
   • Using a map.
   • Three types of public transportation.
   • How to read a subway map.
   • Managing your time when trying to get somewhere.
   • And more.
6. On Your Own
   • Definitions of lease, lessee, lessor, premises, security deposit.
   • Items that are included in a lease.
   • Checking an apartment for existing damages when you move in.
   • An apartment hunting checklist.
   • Keeping an apartment clean.
   • Making a budget.
   • Paying bills on time.
   • And more.
7. Life Skills for the Telephone
   • Using the phone book to find a number.
   • Another way to find someone's number.
   • 3 ways to contact the police or fire department.
   • Using a pay phone.
   • Who pays for 800, 911, 900, 976, and collect calls.
   • Why you shouldn't give credit card or personal information over the phone.
   • Area codes.
   • And more.
8. Consumer Shopping
   • Planning your grocery list.
   • Finding and using coupons.
   • Checking prices.
   • Shopping for the best buys in a store.
   • Price per unit.
   • Cost per serving.
   • Information on a food label.
   • The order in which ingredients are listed on a label.
   • And more.