Credit & Borrowing — CashQuest Kids Academy
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Updated September 10, 2026: Lessons 1–9 are now available with current companion downloads, including the revised car-loan comparison in Lesson 4.
CashQuest Kids helps teens and families understand credit files, first-account choices, borrowing costs, and repayment tradeoffs through story-based videos, worked examples, and practical discussion. Watch each lesson with a parent, guardian, or educator, then use the student workbook and matching adult guide.
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01 — NOTHING ON FILE
Start with the difference between having no credit file and having bad credit, then learn the safest first steps for building a record.
Start with the difference between having no credit file and having bad credit, then learn the safest first steps for building a record.
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02 — THE FIRST LINE
Compare teen-safe first-credit paths with an adult, understand tradeoffs, and learn why the first account should fit a real need—not pressure.
Compare teen-safe first-credit paths with an adult, understand tradeoffs, and learn why the first account should fit a real need—not pressure.
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03 — WHAT A PRICE IS
See how interest rate, fees, and time combine into the real dollar cost of borrowing, using concrete teen and family examples.
See how interest rate, fees, and time combine into the real dollar cost of borrowing, using concrete teen and family examples.
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04 — TIME IS PART OF THE PRICE
Compare shorter and longer repayment timelines to see why a smaller payment can still create a larger total cost.
Compare shorter and longer repayment timelines to see why a smaller payment can still create a larger total cost.
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05 — THE FILE STARTS PAYING YOU
Learn how a stronger credit record can reduce borrowing costs and widen future choices—without treating credit as free money.
Learn how a stronger credit record can reduce borrowing costs and widen future choices—without treating credit as free money.
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07 — THE BALANCE THAT REFILLS ITSELF
See why making a payment can leave a credit-card balance almost unchanged. Follow Milo as he separates interest from principal, compares a larger payment, and turns that understanding into a practical repayment plan.
See why making a payment can leave a credit-card balance almost unchanged. Follow Milo as he separates interest from principal, compares a larger payment, and turns that understanding into a practical repayment plan.
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08 — WHO IS WRITING THIS DOWN
Trace information from lenders and servicers to credit-reporting companies, then practice checking evidence and disputing inaccuracies safely.
Trace information from lenders and servicers to credit-reporting companies, then practice checking evidence and disputing inaccuracies safely.
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What You'll LearnCredit in Real Life
Follow the story from an empty credit file to first-account decisions. Pause with a parent, guardian, or educator to discuss the choices before moving on.
Build Confidence
Use worked examples to compare borrowing costs, monthly payments, and repayment time. The student workbook, parent guide, and educator pack provide practice for each lesson.
Gain Practical Tools
CashQuest Kids
Compare possible choices and explain your reasoning. Lesson 4’s car-loan example shows how a smaller monthly payment can still mean paying more overall.
Learn New Approaches
Start with Lesson 1 and continue in order. Complete the practical exercises, discuss questions with a trusted adult, and return to the examples when you need a refresher.
Strengthen Your Foundation