SOMERSET ACADEMY CANYONS Personal Finance Course Syllabus

Transcription

1 SOMERSET ACADEMY CANYONS Personal Finance Course Syllabus Instructor: Mr. Michael Symonds School Year: Phone: (561) (main office) Instructor Textbooks: Personal Finance a Lifetime Responsibility Hardcover 2009 COURSE DESCRIPTION: Understanding financial management concepts is an important life skill. From credit to insurance to taxes, it is imperative that students understand the consequences of their choices. Wisely managing their money, students become citizens that are more responsible. A thorough understanding of financial concepts, with practical application through activities and projects, will enable students to leave this course with applicable, useful skills for life. This course surveys the basic personal financial needs of most individuals and emphasizes the basics of budgeting, saving, checking, investments, credit, the wise use of insurance, and paying and preparing income tax returns. After high school, students face a world filled with possibilities, and the more knowledge they can acquire, the higher the probability that their financial future will be secure. Students taking this course will learn to better prepare for their financial futures. Course Objectives: o Explain how saving and investing builds financial security. o Explain how money-management skills benefit financial health. o Create a budget that includes savings, expenses, and investments. o Explain the dangers of poor financial habits. o Discuss and determine principles of credit. o Distinguish various ways of managing liquid assets including savings, checking, and money market accounts. o Explain why insurance is purchased, who the various policy types protect and how they reduce risk. o Discuss retirement savings, including social security, and prepare a plan for the future.

2 PREREQUISITES: Digital Information Technology COURSE LENGTH: Two Semesters DISABILITIES POLICY: In compliance with the American with Disability Act (ADA), all qualified students enrolled in this class are entitled to reasonable accommodations. Please notify the Instructor during the first week of class as to any accommodations needed for this course. CLASSROOM RULES & CONSEQUENCES Rules 1. Each student must arrive to class on time and prepared. 2. Cell phones must be placed in classroom cellphone holder before the bell rings (school policy) each student will have an assigned slot number. 3. There is to be no late work. If there is an issue, the student must me before the assignment is due. Be PROACTIVE not REACTIVE. You re young adults and will be treated as such. 4. Each student must act in a manner that does not interfere with the education process. 5. Students must have mutual respect for both teacher and fellow classmates. 6. Electronic devices may not be used or seen in class; Desktop computers provided in classroom. If phones or electronics prohibited are seen by myself: First time offense: I will hold on to the device until the end of the school day Second time offense: I will have the device brought to the office for parental pick up the following school day Third time offense: After school detention MATERIALS LIST: Notebook for Class Folder for Assignments Pencil and Pen USB drive with at least 2 GIG COURSE OUTLINE: UNIT I: Income Learning to Earn Chapter 1: Career Planning Section 1 Your Income and Your Career Section 2 Finding and Applying for Jobs Section 3 Interviewing and Pre-employment Testing Chapter 2: Job and Career Success Section 1 Success from the Start Section 2 Promotions and Lifelong Learning Section 3 Entrepreneurship: Owning Your Own Business

3 UNIT II: Managing Your Money Chapter 3: Financial Planning Section 1 Establishing Healthy Financial Habits Section 2 Sharing as Part of a Financial Plan Section 3 Keeping Records and Paying Taxes Chapter 4: Budgeting Section 1 Defining Your Goals Section 2 Working Out Your Budget Section 3 Using Your Budget Chapter 5: Checking Accounts Section 1 Basic Banking Concepts Section 2 Checking Account Tools Section 3 Using a Checking Account UNIT III: Saving and Investing Chapter 6: Saving Starting Now! Section 1 Saving Goals Section 2 Savings How-To Chapter 7: Investment Options Risks and Rewards Section 1 Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds Section 2 Other Types of Investments Section 3 Advice, Information, and Transactions UNIT IV: Spending Wisely Chapter 8: Influences on Buying Decisions Section 1 Needs vs. Wants Section 2 Advertising Section 3 Making Buying Decisions Chapter 9: Transportation Section 1 Transportation Choices Section 2 Buying and Maintaining a Car Chapter 10: Housing Section 1 Alternatives in Housing Section 2 Buying a Home

4 Chapter 11: The Necessities Food & Clothing Section 1 Buying Food Section 2 Buying Clothing Chapter 12: Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Section 1 Increasing Consumer Awareness Section 2 Basic Consumer Rights UNIT V: Credit and Debt Chapter 13: Credit: Helpful or Hurtful? Section 1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit Section 2 Types of Credit Chapter 14: Using Credit Wisely Section 1 Obtaining Credit Section 2 Using Credit UNIT VI: Financial Risk Management Chapter 15: Auto and Home Insurance Section 1 Insuring Your Auto Section 2 Insuring Your Home and Property Section 3 Interviewing and Pre-employment Testing Chapter 16: Health and Life Insurance Section 1 Choosing Health Care Insurance Section 2 Buying Life Insurance

5 SOMERSET CANYONS HIGH SCHOOL Personal Finance Course Syllabus This is a graded assignment. Return this page only to the teacher. Failure to return this page after the due date results in a continued loss of points until this page is returned. Student Name (Printed) Block/Period # I reviewed the syllabus and policies with my son/daughter. We understand what is expected of him/her. I agree to support my son/daughter and the teacher to ensure a successful year. I would like the teacher to keep me apprised of academic or behavioral problems. I understand that the teacher is available each school day, as well as after school with prior coordination, to meet with me. To contact the teacher, I will him or call the school or personal number provided on the syllabus. ( and phone numbers are listed in the syllabus.) Does your son/daughter have any special needs (e.g., visual or audio, learning disabilities, language, etc.) with which I can assist him (her)? I prefer to discuss with you privately. Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature Parent Contact Information Name: Telephone Home: Cell Phone: Preferred method of contact: Best time to be reached: Name: Telephone Home: Cell Phone: Preferred method of contact: Best time to be reached: