How do YOU teach kids about financial responsibility?

One of the most important things we can teach students is the importance of personal finance and how to manage their money effectively. And if you’re willing to share your activities and lesson ideas, you can win big through a new contest.

H&R Block Dollars & Sense has partnered with WeAreTeachers.com to create a personal finance lesson plan contest. Every teacher who participates will receive a $15 discount on their 2013 tax preparation at a local H&R Block. There are 4 simple ways to participate: you can follow on Pinterest, like on Facebook, download a lesson plan, or submit your own. It’s that easy–you can find or share great resources and save money at tax time.

If you choose to share your lesson plan through the contest, you’ll also be entered to win $5,000 in classroom grants. Here’s how it works: submit your best lesson plan on personal finance. Ten finalists will be selected by a panel of teachers, along with Dollars & Sense staffers. Teachers with the top three lesson plans will divvy up $5,000 in grants to fund ongoing personal finance education. Here’s the grant prize breakdown:

• 1st place: $3,500
• 2nd place: $1,000
• 3rd place: $500

You’ll need to submit your lesson and application by December 11, 2013. The winners will be announced on January 2, 2014. Good luck!

UPDATE: Over 100 lesson plans and tips have been submitted! View the winners here. The H&R Block discount is still available–simply like their Facebook page.

Disclosure: H&R Block has compensated me for helping to spread the word about this contest. All words and opinions are mine. I only feature resources and companies that I feel confident about recommending to other educators. Thank you for supporting the companies that support The Cornerstone.