Personal Finance

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/

http://playspent.org/

http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/deps/career/business/Personal_Finance.pdf
Our Class Content is in line with the State Content Standards for Personal Finance.


Welcome to Personal Finance!

Congratulations on enrolling in Personal Finance!  This course is devoted to a topic that will be a huge part of the rest of your life—understanding and making the most of your finances.  This course will cover real world topics which include income, money management, spending and credit, as well as saving and investing. You will be designing personal and household budgets utilizing checking and saving accounts, gain knowledge in finance, debt and credit management and evaluate and understand insurance and taxes. This course will provide a foundational understanding for making informed personal financial decisions and inform how individual choices directly influence occupational goals and future earnings potential. 

Materials

Materials you will need on a daily basis:          Notebook, pen/pencil, pocket folder to hold handouts

Classroom Management

ü All students are expected to be in the classroom when the bell rings.

ü All required materials are to be brought to class each day.

ü Passes will be issued when needed. Please do what you need to do before class time.

ü Students are encouraged to complete any missed assignments within a timely fashion. 

ü Students are encouraged to attend extra-help sessions as soon as the need arises.  I will be available for extra help Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 2:05-3:00 p.m.

ü Cell phone use is not allowed in class. 

Assessment Methods

·        Performance based assessments

·        Tests

·        Quizzes

·        Written Projects

·        Computer Based Projects

·        Rubrics-NEASC Critical Thinking

·        Homework Policy-Per Board of Education

Course Outline and Learning Objectives

1.     Money and Income

The student will be able to

·        Differentiate between needs and wants

·        Analyze the effects of education and training on income

·        Distinguish the value of benefits as it relates to income

·        Examine the importance of taking responsibility for personal financial decisions

·        Describe how ethics and values influence decisions

·        Discuss ways of taking responsibility for personal financial decisions

·        Examine how limited resources impact our decisions

·        Develop financial goals

2.     Budgeting/Spending Plan

The student will be able to

·        Develop, implement and review a budget

·        Identify the purpose of a budget

·        Decribe the Pay-Yourself-First principle

·        Establish budget goals based on needs and wants

·        Examine a variety of record keeping methods

·        Evaluate the concept of delayed gratification and its impact on a budget

3.     Credit and Bankruptcy

The student will be able to

·        Identify the purpose of credit

·        Explain the importance of credit management

·        Explain credit and bankruptcy laws

·        Compare and contrast sources of credit

·        Analyze and prepare credit/loan documents

·        Identify factors that affect the choice, cost, legal and ethical aspects of using credit

·        Evaluate various credit protection strategies

4.     Savings and Investments

·        Compare and contrast various financial institutions

·        Differentiate between savings and investments

·        Analyze the relationship between risk and return

·        Explore the time value of money

·        Examine various savings and investment alternatives

·        Participate in a stock market simulation game by creating and maintaining a portfolio

·        Evaluate the role of financial advisors in portfolio management and development

5.     Taxes

Student will be able to

·        Examine the different types of taxes-local property, state sales, local, state and federal income

·        Examine various documents for reporting taxes.

·        Analyze the costs and benefits for paying taxes

·        Examine the repercussions of tax fraud and unethical tax practices

·        Prepare tax forms

·        Identify multiple ways to obtain necessary tax forms and filing information

6.     Protecting your Assets

Students will be able to

·        Explain the choices for financial and personal risk protection

·        Compare and contrast ways to manage the possibility of financial loss

·        Analyze the concept of contingency plans that provide for emergency cash flow

·        Identify types and levels of risk

·        Create a risk management plan

·        Examine unethical claims and practices and how the costs are passed on to consumers.

Academic Integrity

Cheating is academic dishonesty, and it is a major violation of academic integrity.  Copying other students' assignments, allowing other students to use your work, looking at class notes or other students’ papers during a quiz or test are all examples of cheating.  Cheating is never a viable solution to academic problems. 

            It is within this context that the following policies are established: 

ü The first time a student is caught cheating: the student will be given a zero on the assignment with the opportunity to redo the task within the next 72 hours.  The two grades will be averaged together to compute the final grade.

ü If the infraction occurs again, the student will receive a zero on the assignment without the opportunity to redo it.  In addition, a phone call will be made home and guidance personnel will be notified.

Attendance/Tardy Policy and Disruptive Behavior

           

            Board policy will be followed.