When you were in school, did you learn about managing your money? I remember learning how to write a check — strangely enough, in music class — but that was about it.

A new resource from the Federal Trade Commission takes you through important steps in managing your money. This section of consumer.gov talks about making a budget and opening a bank account, using debit cards, and saving money when you shop. It also gives you information about prepaid cards, using phone cards, and sending money overseas.

It’s not just talk, either. There are tools you can use, too, like a budget worksheet to help you plan what you spend each month. (It even does the math for you.) And there’s a worksheet to help you compare prepaid cards, so you can tell how the fees stack up.     

Since this site launched in late 2012, we’ve heard from teachers and parents that they’re using these resources with their kids and students of all ages. Some have told us they themselves are using the worksheets. 

You can read more about these topics and order free copies of all the materials. Each topic has a one-page article with the steps you need to take deal with that issue. Order as many copies as you want, and we’ll ship them for free.