Major Concepts/Contents: This course is designed to make students aware of the financial challenges confronting them in daily living.  Included will be such topics as how to make intelligent decisions in spending and saving; how to maintain good financial records; how to avoid financial disasters that result from the unwise use of credit and credit cards; information about banking services, insurance choices, and investment choices; and how to prepare income tax forms. 

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will be provided in a classroom or a lab utilizing individualized instruction and electronic learning services. Textbooks, workbooks, simulation projects, and appropriate financial software, Internet activities and alternative resources may be used.

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students will be required to demonstrate their mastery of skills through activities, tests, projects, and presentations.

Essential Objectives: On completion of this course, students will be able to

• Maintain and reconcile a personal checking account.
• Prepare a personal budget.
• Calculate salary and payroll deductions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits, risks, and management of credit cards and loans.
• Calculate interest rates for loans, credit cards, and interest income.
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different saving and investment opportunities.
• Complete a stock market simulation. 
• Complete basic income tax forms.
• Demonstrate the role of being an educated consumer in today's technological world.
• Select appropriate insurance for a given situation.
• Use appropriate financial software for maintaining records.

Last Revised: July 18, 2005