CFEE’s “Cash Class” is a series of animated videos that animate financial literacy education. Through real-life scenarios, challenging obstacles, and thought-provoking reflections, these videos reinforce the lessons learned in class. Each video is carefully designed to cover all Learning Indicators within a specific Outcome for the Financial Literacy 10 course.
They should serve as a supplement to in-class instruction, helping students stay engaged and consider the real-life implications of what they are learning.
Our Upbringing Shapes Our Future
The first episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at how background, values, culture, and social media influence our financial habits.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.1, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
Do you ever wonder why one friend clings to every dollar while another can’t wait to spend it? In this video, we follow Emma and Jordan as they uncover how their family backgrounds and cultural values influence their money habits. We also explore diverse cultural perspectives and talk about the role social media plays in stoking impulsive spending. Understanding these influences helps viewers identify their own money stories and decide which habits to keep or change.
Reflection question: Which influences have shaped your money habits the most – family, culture or online trends? How could you keep the helpful parts and let go of what doesn’t serve you?
The Price of Peace
The second episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at how peer pressure, social media, and unexpected expenses can cause stress and anxiety, impacting our mental health and wellbeing.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.2, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
Meet Sam, a new fast‑food worker whose first paycheque triggers a rollercoaster of emotions. After friends pressure her to splurge on concert tickets and social media bombards her with must‑have purchases, Sam quickly discovers that unmanaged spending brings stress, anxiety and even health consequences. When an unexpected phone‑repair bill arrives, she’s tempted by get‑rich‑quick schemes and gambling apps. Ultimately, Sam regains control by tracking expenses, setting up automatic savings and seeking support instead of pretending everything is fine.
Reflection question: Have you ever delayed checking your account because you feared the numbers? What small step could you take today—tracking spending for a week, setting a micro‑savings goal or talking to someone—to reduce money stress?
Navigating Financial Services
The third episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at the pros and cons of different financial institutions and accounts, and strategies for finding trusted financial advice.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.3, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
Ethan just got his first job and needs a place for his paycheque. Should he choose a traditional bank, a member‑owned credit union, an online bank, or an Indigenous institution? In this episode, we compare the advantages of each. Viewers also learn the difference between chequing and savings accounts, the pros and cons of debit versus credit, and why direct deposit is a secure and convenient way to get paid. We wrap up by showing how to find trustworthy financial advice—avoiding biased content and seeking reputable sources.
Reflection question: If you were Ethan, which institution would you choose and what features—low fees, physical branches, member ownership—matter most to you?
How Do You Get Paid?
The second episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at different forms of employment, paycheque deductions, and the financial implications of employer benefits.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.4, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
Paydays are great—until your pay disappears. In this video, we demystify how earnings are structured. We also touch on self‑employment and so‑called “passive” income, noting that even passive streams require effort. Understanding pay frequency (weekly, bi‑weekly or monthly) helps you plan, and we break down typical deductions on a Canadian pay stub: income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums. Knowing these deductions helps you set aside the right amount for taxes if you’re self‑employed. We finish by contrasting jobs with benefits (health insurance, vacation, pensions) against those offering higher pay but less security and encourage viewers to align their work choices with their lifestyle goals.
Reflection question: Which earning style—hourly wages, salary, commission, gig work or building your own business—best fits the life you want? How do you plan to manage taxes and benefits?
Budgeting Basics
The fifth episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at the essentials of building a powerful and effective personal budget, including setting realistic goals and establishing a healthy budgeting mindset.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.5, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
We’ve all had that moment where a paycheque evaporates into iced coffees, impulse buys and mystery “FunbutUnwise” charges. In this instalment, we strip budgeting down to the essentials: distinguishing needs (bus pass, rent, school supplies) from wants (Uber rides, fancy sneakers) and using a simple three‑question test before spending. Viewers learn to set short‑, medium‑ and long‑term goals and to break big goals into manageable weekly savings targets. We discuss budgeting tools—from pen‑and‑paper to apps and spreadsheets—and emphasize building an emergency fund so unexpected expenses don’t derail your plans. Finally, we remind viewers that a budget isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making room for what matters.
Reflection question: What’s one thing you’re saving for, and which small purchase could you swap or skip to reach that goal faster?
Save Smart
The sixth episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at savings goals and strategies, simple vs. compound interest, and the importance of an emergency fund.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.6, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
Saving isn’t about being boring—it’s about buying yourself options. This episode guides students through setting short‑, medium‑ and long‑term savings goals, from concert tickets to a first car. Viewers learn to “pay yourself first” by sending money straight into savings before spending and might try the 50/30/20 rule (50 % needs, 30 % wants, 20 % savings). We explain the difference between simple and compound interest—how compound interest lets your money earn money over time—and why starting early matters. The video also stresses the importance of an emergency fund and clarifies the difference between saving (accessible, lower risk) and investing (long‑term growth with higher risk).
Reflection question: What small habit—automatic transfers, rounding up purchases, skipping a weekly takeout—could help you start building savings today?
Investing 101
The seventh episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at the concept of investing vs. saving your money, the importance of diversification for long-term financial health, and different investment options and accounts.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.7, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
Investing might sound like something only adults in suits do, but it’s simply another tool for building freedom. We introduce the concept of investing and explain that growth comes with risk. A higher potential reward usually means more volatility, so diversification (spreading your money across different assets) is key. The video compares common investment options and also covers the basics of Canadian investment accounts. Lastly, we illustrate how compound growth accelerates over time, showing why starting early—no matter how small—is powerful.
Reflection question: If you had $100 to invest, what future goal would you want it to help you achieve? How comfortable are you with the possibility of ups and downs along the way?
Credit Crunch
The eighth episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at the pros and cons of different forms of borrowing and how to decide what is right for you, what makes up a credit score, and good debt vs. bad debt.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.8, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
When Alex’s laptop screen cracks right before finals, they explore different borrowing options—payday loans, buy‑now‑pay‑later plans, a starter credit card and a line of credit. This episode teaches viewers how credit works and why a good credit score matters. We compare the pros and cons of common borrowing products, highlight the dangers of high‑interest payday loans and deferred‑payment plans, and help students recognize “good debt” (planned, affordable, builds credit) versus “bad debt” (expensive, unnecessary or predatory).
Reflection question: Have you thought about what your credit score could unlock—or block—in the future? How can you use credit wisely to build a strong financial foundation?
Scam Proof
The eighth episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at common scams students encounter, practical ways to protect yourself and your data, and what to do if you fall for a scam.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.8, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
Phishing texts, fake job offers and sketchy online stores are everywhere, but with a little know‑how, you can spot the signs and stay safe. In this episode, we expose common scams that target students, from emails masquerading as your bank to “too good to be true” prize notifications. We share red flags—urgent or threatening language, poor grammar, unfamiliar sender addresses and requests for personal data—and stress the importance of trusting your instincts. The video outlines practical ways to protect yourself and provides a step‑by‑step recovery plan if you do fall for a scam.
Reflection question: What’s one change you can make this week—updating a weak password, turning on two‑factor authentication, or reviewing your privacy settings—to strengthen your digital defences?
Your Future, Your Plan
The tenth episode of the “Cash Class” series looks at lifestyle, careers, and how we can build a path toward the future we want.
This video was specifically designed to address all of the Learning Indicators of Outcome FL10.10, and serve as a real-life scenario companion piece to the Building Futures in Saskatchewan curriculum correlations.
What kind of lifestyle do you want? How does your career fit into that? And what steps can you take today to start building toward it? In this final episode, we bring everything together—career goals, finances, personal values, and wellbeing. We explore how the life you want tomorrow connects with the choices you make today, and why your plan should grow with you. From setting priorities to adjusting your goals when things change, this video helps you map out a future that reflects what really matters to you.
Reflection question: What are five areas of life that are important to you—and one goal you could set in each?