Personal Finance
Course Name:
Personal Finance
Teacher Name:
Mr. Cecere
Email:
rcecere@greenville.k12.sc.us
Phone Number:
864-355-8639
Course Description:
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This one-half unit (.5) Personal Finance course fulfills the requirement for graduation credit. It is designed to help students develop skills to make informed financial decisions, manage financial resources, and plan for future financial success.
Using experiential activities, students will learn the basic principles of personal finance and how to manage their money in a global economy, which include budgeting, banking, insurance, mortgages, savings, investments, inheritance, retirement, tax, and estate planning. Students will also learn about consumer protection laws, internet safety, and cyber security, enabling them to safeguard financial information against technology-based attacks.
Student Learning Outcomes:
By the successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
Complete a MonthlyBudget
Cost of college/trade school and how it will be paid off
Know the fundamentals of Investing
Steps to buying a home and what is needed
Understanding the power of Compound Interest
Manage Credit
Banking
FundamentalsTaxes and Insurance
Students will develop skills to build financial security.
1. Define basic investment concepts (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds, Rule of 72, simple and compound interest).
2. Explain the relationship between risk and the rate of return and the importance of risk management.
3. Identify funding requirements for different stages of life (e.g., post-secondary,parenthood, housing, retirement).
4. Analyze the impact of Social Security benefits on retirement planning.
5. Differentiate types of long-term retirement investments (e.g., Roth and traditional IRA’s, 403(B), 401(K), defined-benefit plans, annuities, and target date funds).
6. Describe types and purposes of estate planning (wills, trusts, gifts, and contributions).
7. Develop a personal investment portfolio.
8. Explain the roles of insurance in financial planning.
Course Outline
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Paying for College Alternatives to 4-Year Colleges
Career
Buying A Car
Buying a House
Budgeting
Investing
Banking
Types of Credit
Managing Credit
Behavioral Economics
Taxes
Insurance
Consumer Skills
Cryptocurrency
Entrepreneurship
Philanthropy
Paying for College Alternatives to 4-Year Colleges
Career
Buying A Car
Buying a House
Budgeting
Investing
Banking
Types of Credit
Managing Credit
Behavioral Economics
Taxes
Insurance
Consumer Skills
Cryptocurrency
Entrepreneurship
Philanthropy
Paying for College Alternatives to 4-Year Colleges
Career
Buying A Car
Buying a House
Budgeting
Investing
Banking
Types of Credit
Managing Credit
Behavioral Economics
Taxes
Insurance
Consumer Skills
Cryptocurrency
Entrepreneurship
Philanthropy
Paying for College Alternatives to 4-Year Colleges
Career
Buying A Car
Buying a House
Budgeting
Investing
Banking
Types of Credit
Managing Credit
Behavioral Economics
Taxes
Insurance
Consumer Skills
Cryptocurrency
Entrepreneurship
Philanthropy
Required Materials:
Notebook/Paper
Pencil/Pen/Coloring Pencils/Markers
Chromebook
Class Expectations:
Be on time
ID worn at all times
Be prepared to work
Participate in Discussions
Do the assignments on time
No cell Phones, No headphones, No headwear(Hoodies and Hats)
Be respectful,helpful,and use good manners
No Passes first 10 minutes /Last 10 minutes
Makeup Work Policy
Timeframe:
Make-up work for excused absences should be completed within five school days of the student's return to school, according to the Greenville County Schools policy. Course Policies:
Grading Practices:
Students must complete 60% of the course objectives and not have more than 5 absences to receive credit for the course. Your grade will be computed as follows:
Majors - Tests and Projects = 60% of your nine-week grade. We will have a test or a project for nearly every unit. Most tests will contain multiple-choice questions and essays. Explanations of the projects will be provided way in advance of the due date. Project due dates will also be on my calendar.
Minors - Homework, Quizzes, and in-class assignments (including bellwork/journaling) = 40% of your nine-week grade. You will need to be studying each night. Homework is not accepted late. Quizzes are weekly and are generally scheduled for Fridays. Quizzes will cover the information studied during the week.
Projects: You will participate in project assignments throughout the course. These projects are meant to increase comprehension of the material, develop research skills, and help you become actively involved in the learning process. Projects count as a major grade; therefore, you must understand the importance of completing these assignments on time and to the best of your ability. Projects submitted late will result in a loss of a letter grade. Students will be given ample time and clear directions on all projects.
Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the quarter on the date designated by the school administration. This exam counts as 20% of the final course grade.
Late Work Policy:
For CP and Honor Courses:
Missing or late work for Majors & Minors will be accepted up to 5 class periods after the assigned due date. There will be a 10-point deduction for each class period the work is late.
For AP and IB Courses:
Missing or late work for Majors & Minors will be accepted up to 3 class periods after the assigned due date. There will be a 20-point deduction for each class period the work is late.
Retake Policy
At WHS, we believe that not all students learn at the same pace, and it may take time for many to master content. Therefore, students should be allowed to demonstrate their learning throughout the course and to complete a “mastery assignment.” They will be allowed to replace two minor grades in CP courses, one minor grade in Honors courses, and one major grade per quarter in both CP and Honors courses. IB Courses will not have mastery assignments given.
Makeup Work Policy
Students who miss classwork or tests due to illness, an approved absence, or suspension must have the opportunity to make up the work. This should be arranged with the individual teacher, such as myself. If a request is made through the school counseling office due to an extended absence or extenuating circumstances, teachers will be contacted via email. Teachers should respond within 24 hours to ensure that assignments are completed promptly. You will receive an email with instructions for submitting items and the specific due dates. This will also apply to homebound assignments.
Statement about Mastery Assignment and AI
Mastery Assignment Statement: Each quarter, students will have the opportunity to complete a Major Mastery Assignment designed to demonstrate proficiency in key standards. Successful completion may allow the score to replace the lowest major grade in the gradebook for the quarter. To be eligible, students must have made a good-faith attempt on all prior major assignments. Students who receive a 0% on a previous major assignment due to refusal to attempt or submit work will not be eligible to complete the Major Mastery Assignment for that quarter.
Administrative Rule on AI & Technology:
Technology and AI may be used in this course to support learning when approved by the teacher. Students may only use District-approved AI tools and applications accessed through ClassLink. AI may be used only for assignments where teacher permission has been given and according to the directions provided. Unauthorized use of AI is considered plagiarism and a violation of the Greenville County Schools Student Behavior Code. Students may not enter personally identifiable information into any AI or technology platform that has not been approved by the District.