Cash Class: Real World is HERE!
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
CFEE’s “Cash Class” is a series of videos that animate financial literacy education. Through real-life scenarios, challenging obstacles, thought-provoking reflections, and quizzes, these videos reinforce the lessons learned in class.
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.
Cash Class: Real World takes the series a step further, with real teenagers thinking about, talking about, and facing challenges and asking the viewer one important question: WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Not every application leads to an offer — but that doesn’t mean the door is closed. In this episode of Cash Class – Real World, two friends work through the disappointment of a job rejection and brainstorm creative ways to stay on track. From warehouse positions to volunteer opportunities to scholarship strategies, this conversation shows how a “no” can open up paths you hadn’t considered.
Reflection question: How would YOU evaluate your “next best” job opportunity?
What happens when something you love starts to interfere with something you need? A student passionate about dance finds that demanding rehearsal schedules are eating into study time — especially with exams on the horizon. A supportive friend helps them think through how to talk to their instructor and find a schedule that works.
Reflection question: What strategies would YOU recommend for this student to manage the stress of balancing school and stress?
Extra shifts sound great until exam week hits. A student working part-time at a café finds themselves torn between the income they need and the grades they want to protect. Their friend listens and helps them weigh the real trade-offs.
Reflection question: What strategies would YOU suggest to deal with the stress?
Acceptance letters are exciting — until you have two to choose from. Two friends dig into the real-world differences between a two-year diploma program and a longer university path: the cost of living away from home, job prospects at each credential level, and how social factors play into big decisions.
Reflection question: What advice would YOU offer to help make the decision?
Sometimes life rearranges your plans without warning. When a parent loses their job, a teenager’s plans to buy a car have to take a back seat. A mother and teen navigate an honest conversation about tightening the family budget, the real costs of car ownership, and finding creative alternatives like carpooling and transit. A realistic look at how families make hard calls together — and what it means to delay a goal without giving it up entirely.
Reflection Question: How do YOU balance personal expectations and unexpected changes?
What if the career you planned for turns out to be harder — or less enjoyable — than you expected? A student who set their sights on software engineering starts second-guessing everything after a tough coding elective. A friend helps them sort through whether it’s the subject, the teaching, or just the grind of learning something new. A thoughtful conversation about knowing when to push through and when to change direction — and how to make that call without panic.
Reflection Question: What advice would YOU offer about making a decision amid so much uncertainty?
Gig work sounds like the perfect setup — flexibility, independence, earning on your own terms. But is it really? Hana sits down with Mr. Jimson to get past the hype. They dig into the reality of income instability, self-managed taxes, and what it actually costs to go without employer benefits like healthcare and retirement contributions. A clear-eyed look at what gig workers need to plan for — before they quit the day job.
Reflection Question: What factors would be most important to help decide career plans?
Starting a new job is exciting — and terrifying. Two students compare notes: one who’s been at their job for a while, and one who’s just about to walk in for their first shift. From handling difficult customers to managing the cash register to just figuring out how to fit in, this episode is all about what it actually feels like to start something new — and how to make it work. Practical, honest, and encouraging for anyone about to clock in for the first time.
Reflection Question: How would YOU help reduce their anxiety?
A student who works at a bakery has a bigger dream: launching their own catering business after graduation. A supportive friend helps them think through everything that comes with it — startup costs, kitchen equipment, finding clients, dealing with competition, and keeping a life outside of work. A motivating and realistic conversation for anyone with an entrepreneurial streak who wants to know what it really takes to turn a passion into a business.
Reflection Question: How can YOU help her determine the skills she has and the skills she needs?
What does a career in 3D modelling actually look like? After a cousin shows off their work, two students explore how 3D modelling is used across industries — from real estate and automotive design to gaming and product sales. They weigh the pros and cons of working for a company versus going independent, and start thinking about what education paths could get them there. A great starting point for anyone curious about creative tech careers and the different ways to build them.
Reflection Question: What advice would YOU offer to help make decisions?