Need a printable checklist for choosing your new apartment?

Here's something that's useful for everyone! It's a free printable apartment checklist sheet, available here.

Now that the second half of the school year is approaching, many high school seniors are gearing up to rent their first apartments soon. Obviously, the study of Economics covers the cost of living. But once the student (or adult...I've had friends/relatives use this sheet) has a budget, how does he/she decide on an actual apartment?

This worksheet is the answer. The idea is that the "future renter" brings a copy of this sheet to each apartment viewing. The sheet features tons of categories (number of electrical outlets, size, look of the neighborhood, building amenities, and so forth). There is extra room for notes. This way, the future renter has plenty of info to reflect upon after a day of apartment-viewing, and can make an informed decision.

Obviously, anyone looking to rent a new place will find these useful. For Economics or Life Skills students and teachers, these apartment checklist sheets offer terrific fodder for discussions and questions.

Example #1 - What is the time/money cost of paying for laundry facilities? Lots of kids grow up in homes with washers and dryers. Using the laundry room in an apartment building can easily cost at least $3.00 per load (not including detergent and fabric softener). Some rentals don't have laundry facilities, which means spending a couple of hours at the laundromat each week. Washing only a few loads of laundry a week easily adds up to at least $10.00 a week, or $520.00 a year. Ask your students to calculate the costs of washers and dryers, including energy cost, and then to calculate the savings (over, say, five years) of buying a washer and dryer.

Example #2 - Have students look at the energy costs of an apartment. Spacious places are nice, but how much do they cost to heat and cool?

Example #3 - Deposits/Property damage. Did you know that most states require landlords to return a deposit with interest? If you don't know, don't feel bad...most people assume that because of some thing or another, they can never get a rental deposit back. Not true! Normal wear-and-tear are okay, and the place needn't be spotless when you leave (although actual stains, such as on carpet, can be an issue). Discuss these and other renting financial issues to help create smart consumers.

You get the idea. Enjoy. :)

Economics Today: PIGS, PIIGS, and PIIGGS - International Monetary Crisis

We are watching the news today following the economic crisis on Wall Street and rioting in Greece. There are a lot of terms being thrown around that should be explained and discussed with students by teachers covering these important current events.

PIGS: Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain.
PIIGS: Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain.
PIIGGS: Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Great Britain, and Spain.
[The acronym has changed as more countries have been added to the group.]

Why are these countries "piiggs"? While not all of their economies are hurting like the economy of Greece, they are heavily in debt. A decrease in buying from Greece, the United States, or one another may cause severe recessions (or even depressions) in these countries. Because the world trading economy is so heavily linked, decreased spending by these countries can easily hurt the United States.

Example students can understand: Thousands (or more) American tourists visit Europe each year. These tourists buy necessities (food) and buy souvenirs (goods) when in Europe. Because of the recession in the United States, fewer American tourists have visited Europe. Debt-heavy European countries rely on tourism to support their economies. If American tourists do not visit Europe, the European economy suffers. [For older students, describe the trade goods of Europe and the United States.]

PIIGS from Marketplace on Vimeo.