PERSONAL FINANCE

Course Length:  Trimester

Credits:  0.5

Grade Level(s):  10-12

Prerequisite:  None

Text:  None

LCC College Now Credit:  4 credits for BA 218, Personal Finance

 

Course Description:  This course provides students practical knowledge needed to become a responsible consumer in today’s society.  Students will gain skills needed in everyday adult living.

 

Outcome

Introduced

Applied

Tested

Understand Post-High School Opportunities

 

 

 

Self-assessment activities

x

x

 

Post-high school educational opportunities

x

x

 

Career research

x

x

 

Employment forms (SS#, W-4, W-2)

x

x

x

Paychecks:  Gross pay, deductions, net pay

x

x

x

Develop Savings and Checking Accounts

 

 

 

Banks/credit unions/other institutions

x

x

x

Banking services

x

x

x

Types of savings accounts

x

x

x

Computing interest

x

x

x

Check writing

x

x

x

Deposit slips

x

x

x

Check register

x

x

x

Account reconciliation

x

x

x

Online services

x

x

x

Debit/ATM transactions

x

x

x

Develop a Financial Plan and Budget

 

 

 

     Personal balance sheet

x

x

x

     Cash flow statement

x

x

x

     Fixed vs. variable expenses

x

x

x

     Reviewing spending and saving patterns

x

x

x

     Preparing a practical budget

x

x

x

     Preparing a budget

x

x

x

Learn About Investment Opportunities

 

 

 

Compound interest

x

x

x

Investment strategies

x

x

x

Certificates of deposit

x

x

x

IRAs and 401Ks (traditional/Roth)

x

x

x

Stocks (preferred/common)

x

x

x

Mutual funds

x

x

x

Bonds

x

x

x

Government securities

x

x

x

Other investments

x

x

x

Complete Income Tax Forms

 

 

 

State forms (Oregon 40S, 40)

x

x

x

Federal forms (1040EZ, 1040A, 1040)

x

x

x

Understand How to Appropriately Use Credit

 

 

 

Types of credit

x

x

x

Credit rights and responsibilities

x

x

x

Consumer credit legislation

x

x

x

Credit bureaus and credit reports

x

x

x

Credit card features

x

x

x

Credit card statements

x

x

x

Credit dispute resolution

x

x

x

Credit denial

x

x

x

Calculating simple interest

x

x

x

Calculating APR

x

x

x

Bankruptcy

x

x

x

Develop Basic Insurance Knowledge

 

 

 

Automobile

x

x

x

Health

x

x

x

Life

x

x

x

Property

x

x

x

Personal property

x

x

x

Understand Housing Opportunities

 

 

 

Tenant rights and responsibilities

x

x

x

Landlord rights and responsibilities

x

x

x

Renting, leasing, or buying

x

x

x

Rental applications

x

x

x

Amortization of house payments

x

x

x

Actual cost of buying a house

x

x

x

 

Evaluation:

            50% Class assignments                                                                            

            30% Tests                                                                                         

            20% Employability (attendance, work habits, participation, etc.)