We’re excited to introduce three new additions to the StockTrak lesson library, focused on financial topics students will encounter early in their careers: 401(k) Plans, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRA), and Paying for Healthcare using FSA, HSA, and HRA.
While these topics are often treated as long-term considerations, many of the key decisions surrounding them occur within the first few years of employment. These lessons are designed to give students a clear framework for understanding those decisions before they encounter them in practice.
The 401(k) lesson introduces employer-sponsored retirement plans, including matching contributions, vesting schedules, tax treatment, and automatic contributions. Students gain a practical understanding of how these plans function and why early participation can significantly impact long-term outcomes.
The IRA lesson expands on this foundation by examining individual retirement savings strategies. It covers the distinctions between Traditional and Roth IRAs, the role of tax advantages, and how these accounts complement employer-sponsored plans.
The healthcare lesson addresses another complex area of personal finance by breaking down FSA, HSA, and HRA accounts. Students learn how each structure operates and how they can be used to manage healthcare expenses more effectively.
Across all three lessons, the emphasis is on application. Students are guided through how these systems work in real-world contexts, the decisions they will need to make, and the financial implications of those choices.
Each lesson concludes with a short assessment to reinforce key concepts and support comprehension.
We hope these additions provide a useful resource for integrating practical financial decision-making into your courses.
– The StockTrak Team