Module 1: Introduction to Money Management

Instructor Guidance

Section 1: Welcome to Module 1 – Start Where You Are

Quote: “Managing your money is a skill – and skills can be learned.”
Instructor Guidance:

• Welcome learners warmly and introduce the theme of the session.
• Emphasise that money management is a learnable skill, not something you're born with.
• Reassure learners there are no wrong answers today—just reflection and growth.

Icebreaker – “If I had £500 right now…”
Encourage learners to share how they would spend or save £500. This opens up discussion on spending habits, priorities, and money attitudes.

Section 2: What Is Money Management?

Quote: “It’s how you earn, spend, save, and control your finances.”
Instructor Guidance:

• Break down each part (earn, spend, save, control) with simple examples.
• Ask learners: “Which of these do you find easiest or hardest?”
• Encourage discussion but keep it supportive and non-judgmental.

Section 3: Why It Matters

Key Point: Financial stability → reduced stress → better choices → more focus at work
Instructor Guidance:

• Explain the chain effect: good money habits can improve overall wellbeing.
• Use real-life examples (e.g., being able to afford transport to work, or manage bills calmly).
• Invite learners to share how financial stress has affected their focus or energy before.

Section 4: Group Discussion – How Money Impacts Your Life

Prompt: “Have you ever felt in control—or out of control—with money?”
Instructor Guidance:

• Encourage honesty, but remind learners they only need to share what they’re comfortable with.
• Consider small groups or pairs if learners are shy.
• Facilitate gently—keep the tone reflective, not critical.

Section 5: Financial Wellbeing

Definition: “Feeling secure and in control of your finances.”
Instructor Guidance:

• Write the definition clearly on a board or flipchart.
• Ask: “What might financial wellbeing look like in everyday life?”
• Emphasize that it’s not about being rich—it’s about feeling stable and confident.

Section 6: Activity – My Money Habits

Handout: “In the past month, I spent money on…”
Instructor Guidance:

• Hand out the worksheet and give 5–10 minutes of quiet time to complete.
• Encourage learners to be honest—this is for self-reflection, not sharing unless they choose.
• Optional: Discuss general trends as a group (e.g., “a lot of us spend on food and takeaways”).

Section 7: Summary & Share

Prompt: “What surprised you?”
Instructor Guidance:

• Invite 2–3 learners to reflect aloud—what they learned about their habits, or something they hadn’t noticed before.
• Acknowledge all contributions positively.
• Reinforce that awareness is the first step toward better money choices.

Section 8: Careers Reflection

Scarlet Smith is a Project Controls Apprentice at EDF. Scarlet discusses what she does in her role. What job within the horticultural industry might you be interested in exploring?