Financial literacy is an important life skill. But adding new lessons can be challenging when time is already limited in the classroom.
The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge offers a simple way for educators to introduce these concepts in just one class period with little to no preparation.
Running through April 15, 2026, the challenge allows educators to introduce financial literacy in 60 minutes or less. Students explore real-world money decisions, while educators can launch the activity with little to no preparation.
Key Takeaways
- The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge offers free financial literacy activities that fit into a single class period.
- Educators can run the experience with little to no prep time.
- Using only a laptop or tablet, students learn through interactive games focused on credit and budgeting decisions.
- Schools with multiple educators participating may be eligible for banners, badges, trophies, and cash awards for school supplies.
- The challenge runs through April 15, 2026.
Why The Intuit Hour Of Finance Challenge Works For Busy Classrooms
Introducing new financial education resources can be difficult when classroom time is limited.
The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge was designed to fit into existing schedules. Educators can run the activity in one class period without redesigning their lesson plans.
The experience is:
- Plug-and-play
- Free
- Designed to run in under 60 minutes
- Accessible with little to no prep time
- Open to educators across all subjects with no financial expertise required
Based on educator feedback, we’ve included exciting new financial literacy activities that make the program easier. The updates make the program easier to run and easier to integrate into existing classrooms.
“The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge has really supercharged what I’ve been teaching in the classroom. I’ve been able to bring real-world financial concepts to life in a way that can often be difficult for high school students. In just one hour, I’ve been able to make financial education exciting and relevant.”
— Jeremy Bryson, Business Teacher, Laurel Highlands High School
How Can You Teach Financial Literacy To High School Students In One Class Period?
Financial literacy is most effective when students can practice real-world decisions instead of only reading about them.
The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge provides interactive financial literacy activities that fit into a single class period. Students explore credit and budgeting decisions through online games and earn certificates of completion.
Get Started In Three Simple Steps
- Register: Sign up for the Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge to receive your classroom join code.
- Invite: Share the game link and join code with your students. No student accounts are required and no personal information is collected. If you can’t find your code, you can recover it with your email address.
- Play: Students choose a game and begin learning immediately.
No financial expertise or lesson planning is required.
What’s New For 2026: Plug-And-Play Games And School-Wide Rewards
Many financial literacy resources require multi-day lessons or significant preparation.
The 2026 Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge takes a simpler approach. Students participate in interactive digital experiences that fit within a single class period.
Educators can introduce financial literacy without adding extra planning time. This year also introduces expanded recognition for educators that participate together.
Schools with multiple educators joining the Challenge may be eligible for:
- School banners
- Digital badges
- Trophies
- Up to $100 per educator for school supplies
Review official challenge rules for more information.
Choose Your Game: Credit Climber Or Money Magic
As part of the 2026 challenge, Intuit partnered with Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) to expand activity options.The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge includes two interactive financial literacy games. Each helps students practice financial decisions they will encounter in everyday life.
Intuit Credit Climber
Intuit Credit Climber introduces students to the fundamentals of credit and the impact of everyday financial decisions.
Students explore how actions like paying bills on time or managing credit balances can influence financial outcomes. Powered by Intuit Credit Karma, the experience reflects real-world credit scenarios.
Students learn concepts such as:
- Credit scores
- Credit utilization
- Responsible borrowing
- Long-term financial habits
Next Gen Personal Finance Money Magic
NGPF Money Magic focuses on fundamental budgeting principles, weighing trade-offs, and managing spending versus saving. Students practice balancing short-term choices with long-term goals while helping Magician Enzo realize his dream of performing in Vegas.
Key concepts include:
- Budgeting basics
- Spending decisions
- Financial trade-offs
- Short-term and long-term planning
Both games encourage critical thinking and help students build practical financial skills.
As Fortune described the experience, the Challenge offers “an interactive learning experience that reflects the complexity and trade-offs students will soon face in the real world.”
Who It’s For And What Students Learn
The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge works across a wide range of classrooms and learning environments. Educators in many areas have successfully used the activity, including:
- Math
- Social studies
- Career and technical education (CTE) and business courses
- Advisory periods
- After-school programs
- Community-based youth programs
Students leave the experience with practical knowledge they can apply right away. ~65% of students reported they felt more confident managing their personal finances after the Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge.
Students who complete a game also receive a certificate of completion, recognizing their participation and learning.
Ready To Bring Financial Literacy Into Your Classroom?
Small classroom moments can lead to meaningful learning opportunities. The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge gives educators a straightforward way to introduce financial literacy activities without adding extra preparation time.
In one class period, students can explore credit decisions, practice budgeting trade-offs, and begin building financial confidence.
The Challenge is open to educators nationwide between now and April 15, 2026.
Missed Our Professional Development Session?
You can still learn how to run the Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge in your classroom.
Watch the recording of the virtual training session to see the games in action and learn how educators are participating in the challenge.
Watch the recording
Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge FAQs
Is the Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge free?
Yes. The Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge is completely free for educators and schools.
What age group is it designed for?
The challenge is designed primarily for middle and high school students but can be taught by any interested educator.
How long does the activity take?
The activity is designed to fit within a single class period and can be completed in 60 minutes or less.
Do teachers need financial expertise?
No. The challenge requires no prior financial expertise and is designed to be easy to run.
When does the Challenge take place?
The 2026 Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge kicked off February 23 and runs through April 15, 2026.
