Personal Finance

Course Description:

How will you prepare for life after high school? What are the differences between a commercial bank and credit union? What budgeting and investment methods can you use to help achieve your financial goals? These questions and many more will be answered in this Personal Finance class. This is a one-semester course designed to equip you with essential personal business and financial information. Topics covered include understanding paychecks, taxes, budgets, credit cards, how to read credit reports, the dangers of identity theft, and various expenses associated with living “on your own.”

Units of Study:

• • Unit 1 - SMART Goals and Financial Decision Making

  • Unit 2 - Costs of Financing Education

  • Unit 3 - Budgeting

  • Unit 4 - Careers

  • Unit 5 - Financial Institutions

  • Unit 6 - Investing/Retirement Planning

  • Unit 7 - Paychecks and Taxes

  • Unit 8 - Credit

  • Unit 9 - Large Financial Purchases

  • Unit 10 - Protection from Financial Loss

Necessary Course Materials:

• • Laptop

  • Folder or binder for notes and handouts

Evaluation: Your grade is a direct reflection of your input and learning during the class. It is earned by YOU. Letter grades are determined using the following scale:

• • • • • • • • • A: 90 – 100%

                • B: 80 – 89%

                • C: 70 – 79%

                • D: 60 – 69%

                • F: Below 60%

Fun Fact: My first job was grading wheat at a grain elevator.