Financial Decision Inquiry Framework™
A practical inquiry framework for developing informed financial decision-makers.
How FDIF™ Works
FDIF™ follows a nine-stage inquiry process that moves learners from an initial financial situation through evidence gathering, decision-making, reflection, and transfer. The framework is designed so that understanding develops through investigation rather than being delivered as a set of predetermined answers.
The Nine Stages of FDIF™
Each stage serves a distinct purpose while maintaining a continuous inquiry process from initial situation to transfer.
1. Financial Situation
Learners encounter a realistic financial situation that creates the need to investigate, interpret information, and make a decision.
2. Initial Thinking
Learners identify what they currently think, notice, or assume about the situation before additional evidence is introduced.
3. Evidence and Information
Learners examine relevant financial information, compare evidence, and determine what matters most to the decision.
4. Options and Trade-Offs
Learners identify realistic choices, compare advantages and disadvantages, and consider the consequences of each option.
5. Decision
Learners make a financial decision based on the evidence available and the priorities they consider most important.
6. Justification
Learners explain and defend their decision using relevant evidence, reasoning, and financial considerations.
7. Reflection
Learners reconsider their decision, identify what influenced their thinking, and assess whether their reasoning remains sound.
8. Revised Thinking
Learners revise or strengthen their position when new evidence, feedback, or deeper analysis justifies a change.
9. Transfer
Learners apply the reasoning process to a new financial situation, demonstrating that the learning can extend beyond the original problem.
What Makes FDIF™ Different
FDIF™ is designed around guided inquiry rather than direct delivery of financial rules. Learners begin with a situation, work through evidence and competing considerations, make a decision, and then reflect on how their thinking changes.
Experience Before Explanation
Learners encounter the financial situation before being given the conclusions, allowing understanding to develop through inquiry.
Productive Uncertainty
Learners are not given certainty at the outset. They investigate evidence, weigh competing considerations, and develop their own reasoned conclusions.
Changing Your Mind
Learners are encouraged to revise their thinking when stronger evidence emerges. Changing a decision in response to better evidence is treated as intellectual strength, not failure.
FDIF™ in Practice
FDIF™ provides the underlying structure for practical financial learning experiences. Jamie’s Journey is one application of the framework, translating the inquiry process into realistic, classroom-ready investigations where learners work through financial decisions rather than simply receive information.