There have been many recent policy and program changes in K-12 education across the United States, particularly in area of mathematics. Changes, such as the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and standards-aligned year-end summative assessments, require an increase in student-centered, cognitively demanding activities in the classroom. The authors describe an Algebra 1 project that incorporates pre-algebra critical focus areas, Algebra 1 content standards, and several Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice. "What is Your Time Worth?" is a five-part project requiring students to research a job, find their hourly wage, calculate the taxes and take-home pay for a hypothetical work week, and determine the number of hours of work required for them to purchase durable and consumables goods of their choosing, all while making their thinking and reasoning explicit to their classmates and their teacher--both verbally and in their written work. This realistic, multiple-day, money management activity is a great way to teach important Algebra 1 concepts and problem-solving skills, while keeping students engaged and motivated.