May 08, 2024

Interactive: *Fees and Charges Apply

You thought you were spending $19, but five mysterious fees later at the checkout the total is now $27.25...
 

CNN's interactive activity called *Fees and Charges Apply will give students a realistic look at the total they'll pay for certain purchases after "junk fees" are added. Whether it's concert tickets, hotels, or even just paying rent...are you aware of how many additional fees can get tacked on to the sticker price?

Questions:

  • In your own words, what are junk fees?
  • Can you identify any recent purchases where you noticed additional fees? What were these fees for?
  • Do you think it is ethical for companies to charge extra fees that are not clearly disclosed upfront? Why or why not?
  • You are booking a hotel room online and notice a breakdown of costs including a "resort fee" and a "service fee." What steps would you take to understand these fees? Would you still complete the booking?

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Looking for more interactive resources? Be sure to check out the NGPF Interactive Library. 

About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan grew up with and maintains a love for learning. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a degree in Business Administration and worked in sports marketing for a number of years. After living in Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, and Minnesota, the call of education eventually brought Ryan back to his home state of Wisconsin where he was a Business and Marketing teacher for three years. In his free time he likes to spend time with his wife and daughter, play basketball, read, and go fishing. Now with NGPF, Ryan is excited to help teachers lead the most important course their students will ever take.

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