Exactly. That sounds like an effective project. I’d like to see an entire math curriculum use real-life applications. Not just personal finance, either, but mathematics as it applies to many different careers. (I haven’t found one yet.)
Then you need to speak directly to your average run of the mill technology teacher (Other wise known as one of the smartest people you will ever meet).
You want to teach Algebra, Geometry and Trig, and the student is interested in construction. Give them a housing problem. How much lumber will be required to construct a house that is X number of cubic feet. How much concrete is required to pour a slab foundation, how much more would you need for a basement?
The student is interested in Culinary, You need to seat 75 guests in a room that is 30 x60, can you seat more people using square, rectangular, or round tables?
The student is interested in Automotive. Have them design a windshield wiper. seriously look at one of those closely just to see how much geometry is involved in that.