Virtual Money Fair

Please select the virtual money fair page for your desired province below. (Note: we’ll be adding every province in the coming days, so check back soon if yours isn’t listed yet)

Enter
Close this Window
A Program of CA

Supported by

Français
Back to Resources Print

If I Had a Million Dollars

Category: Movies, Music & TV | Age Group: 16+

TOPIC:

Money Management

RESOURCES NEEDED:

Access to the following website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHacDYj8KZM which has a copy of the Barenaked Ladies song “If I had a Million Dollars.”

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY:

As teens mature into young adults and prepare to enter the world of employment and money management it is important for them to be prepared to handle the challenges that come with varying financial situations. Having teens pause to reflect upon how they would use their money provides a good opportunity for discussions around recognizing the importance of balancing their finances. They need to recognize the need to avoid carrying excessive debt and the importance of establishing a good balance between spending and saving. By using the popular Barenaked Ladies song as a starting point, these topics can be addressed in a non-threatening and relaxed manner.

THE ACTIVITY:
  • There are many different lotteries currently active. Begin the discussion by making reference to one particular lottery and asking your son or daughter why they think lotteries are so popular and why people buy tickets.
  • Ask your son or daughter what they think the winners of lotteries do with their winnings.
  • Ask your son or daughter if they have heard the Barenaked Ladies song “If I Had a Million Dollars” and then play the recording.
  • Once this has been done and any discussion has been completed, ask your son or daughter what they would do if they had a million dollars.
  • According to their response, examine such topics as: the idea of paying one’s self first; the need to avoid unnecessary debt; the importance of saving and investing; the significance of paying debts and bills on time; building a good credit rating etc.
FOLLOW-UP IDEAS:
  • Ask your son or daughter if they know of any other songs that relate to money and listen to those to see what attitudes are being expressed.
WEBSITES: