Course Syllabus

FP/101 Version 2 Foundations of Personal Finance Course Start Date: 10/04/2010 Course End Date: 12/5/2010

Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference. Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is considered the ruling document.

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Facilitator Information
Jennifer Simmons jens855@email.phoenix.edu (University of Phoenix) jens855@aol.com (Personal) 229-291-3864 (EST - Eastern Standard Time) Facilitator Availability I am available from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Eastern Time on most days, but I attempt to reserve Sunday for my family. On Saturdays, I tend to be online in the morning only. If these times are not convenient for you, please let me know. I will be happy to accommodate your schedule, if possible. I provide you with these times to make it easier to communicate with me, and not to limit our contact. I want you to know that, should you need to contact me outside these time frames, you should not hesitate to do so. For emergencies, when you are not able to gain access to messages on the Online Learning System (OLS), please send a message to my personal email address. In the event a third party needs to contact me, please direct them to my contact information listed under "facilitator information." No third party should use your login credentials to gain access to the classroom.

Where to Go to Class
Main: This is the main forum for the class and is where discussion is conducted. It has read-and-write access for everyone. Chat-Room: This is a read-and-write access forum. It is designed as a place to discuss issues not related to the course content. This is the forum to which we will send our bios. Course-Materials: This is a read-only forum, which means you can read messages here but cannot send any. This is where I will post the course syllabus and materials. Individual Forum: You will see one forum with your name on it. This is a private forum, shared only by you and me, the facilitator. Your classmates will not have access to this forum. You can ask questions here. However, if you have general questions about instructions of assignments, please post those in the Main forum, since other students may benefit by that exchange as well.

Where to Submit Your Assignments

Assignment Section: This is where you will submit all formal assignments. Navigate to the Assignments link on eCampus. Locate the link to submit your assignment as an attachment.

To submit auto-graded assignments (such as the midterm/final exams, MyMathLab, Carnegie Learning, ToolWire, and Grammar Exercises), students should provide a screen shot or a copy/paste of the end result as an attachment through the Assignment Link to earn points. Policies
For class policies, please see the "Policies" link on the left side of the Materials page for the course on eCampus. Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within that link. University policies are subject to change so please be sure to read

them at the beginning of each class as it may have changed since your last class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities it is important you read the policies governing your current class modality.

Expectations for Discussion Question Responses

Discussion question responses should be at least 150 to 300 words. For discussion question responses in the Main forum, please post responses to the threads provided. To respond, highlight the appropriate thread, click on Reply, type your response, and post message. Please do not start a new thread for the weekly discussion questions in the Main forum. Unlike your formal written assignments, I do not require that your discussion question responses adhere to specific formatting requirements. However, please make sure to proofread carefully. I will evaluate your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. I expect your discussion question responses to reflect critical thought. Whenever possible, please try to relate the course content to real-world applications from your work experience.

Technical Support
Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 1-877-832-4867, or use the e-mail support form. Answers to the most common issues are found in the Knowledge Base by clicking Help, found at the top of every student Web site.

Feedback
Each week, I will provide grades or scores and comments on your assignments.

Grading Formula

Points

Grade

95+

90-94 A87-89 B+ 84-86 B 80-83 B77-79 C+ 74-76 C 70-73 C-

67-69 D+ 64-66 D 60-63 D<59 F

Course Description
This course provides an overview of the elements necessary for effective personal financial planning and the opportunity to apply the techniques and strategies essential to this understanding. Primary areas of study include creating and managing a personal budget, understanding and paying taxes, working with financial institutions, wise use of credit cards and consumer loans, financing automobiles and homes, and the use of insurance for protecting ones family and property.

Course Topics & Objectives

Week One: Personal Financial Planning List the five steps in the personal financial planning process. Summarize what influences personal financial planning. Identify parts of a financial plan.

Week Two: Money Management

Describe how to organize and prepare personal financial statements. Identify cash management products and services. Complete a personal cash flow statement.

Week Three: Consumer Credit List types of consumer credit. Identify the five Cs of credit.

Week Four: Credit Protection and Repair Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards. Summarize how to protect and correct credit.

Week Five: Avoiding and Managing Debt List good practices for managing debt. Recognize signs of credit trouble. Identify parts of a credit report. Recognize student loan options and implications for the future.

Week Six: Major Financial Assets Explain interest rates.

Outline the decision process for buying a car or house. Summarize the steps in buying a home.

Week Seven: Insurance Summarize the functions of insurance. List characteristics of auto, home, health, disability, and life insurance. Describe the importance of wills.

Week Eight: Tax Management

Explain taxable income and taxes owed. Summarize ways to save money on federal taxes. List steps to file a federal tax return.

Week Nine: Investment and Long-Term Planning Summarize the investment planning process. Explain retirement income needs. List sources of retirement income.

Course Materials
Bajtelsmit, V. L. & Rastelli, L. G. (2008). Personal finance: Managing your money and building wealth. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. All electronic materials are available on your student website.

Point Values for Course Assignments

Point Values for Course Assignments

ASSIGNMENTS Individual (100%) Personal Financial Planning Worksheet (Week 1) Personal Cash Flow Statement (Week 2) The Five Cs Worksheet (Week 3) Midterm Exam (Week 4) Student Loan Summary (Week 5) Buy vs. Lease Scenario (Week 6)

Points

5 5 8 10 5 5

Insurance Matrix (Week 7) Tax Return Worksheet (Week 8) Final Exam (Week 9) Participation/Discussion Questions (3 points per week) Total

10 5 20 27 100

Week One
Personal Financial Planning List the five steps in the personal financial planning process. Summarize what influences personal financial planning. Identify parts of a financial plan.

Course Assignments
1. Course Preparation Read the course description and objectives. Read the instructors biography and post your own in the Chat Room Forum by Week One Day 2. Your bio should be posted within a message ( not an attachment), single spaced, and approximately 150 to 300 words. Consider sharing where you live and work, and information about your family, career goals, hobbies, and interests.

2. Readings & Tutorials Read Ch. 1 of Personal Finance. Read Appendix A. Watch the video, Decision to Own a Home vs. Rent, located at the following link: http://wps.pearsoncustom.com/wps/media/objects/7558/7740063/Videos/1003.mov

3. Week One DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to at least 3 of the 5 Week One DQs in the Main forum. 4. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions). 5. Assignment: Personal Financial Planning Worksheet Resource: Appendix B Complete the Personal Financial Planning Worksheet located in Appendix B. Be sure to answer all questions completely. Post your Personal Financial Planning Worksheet as a Microsoft Word attachment in the Assignments link by Week One Day 7.

Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. Participation All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 1 Deliverables Assignment Bio Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Personal Financial Planning Worksheet Location Due

Chat Room Forum Day 2 (Tuesday) Main Forum Assignments link Ongoing (4 days per week) Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Two
Money Management

Describe how to organize and prepare personal financial statements. Identify cash management products and services. Complete a personal cash flow statement.

Course Assignments
1. Readings & Tutorial Read Ch. 2 & 4 of Personal Finance. Watch the tutorial, Home Budget Calculator, located at the following link: http://wps.pearsoncustom.com/wps/media/objects/7557/7738468/fin-calcs/HomeBudget.html

2. Week Two DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Two DQs in the Main forum. 3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions). 4. Assignment: Personal Cash Flow Statement Resource: Appendix C Complete the Personal Cash Flow Statement located in Appendix C. Keep this statement for your own records, but answer the following questions in at least 300 words: o o o How does a personal cash flow statement help you organize your finances? What was the most interesting thing you learned about completing this worksheet? Did this worksheet provide you with any ideas about how you may want to change your budget (how much you are spending, saving, or reducing your debt)?

Post the assignment as a Microsoft Word attachment in the Assignments link by Week Two of Day 7.

Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement. Participation All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. Summary of Week 2 Deliverables Assignment Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Personal Cash Flow Statement Location Main Forum Assignments link Due Ongoing (4 days per week) Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Three
Consumer Credit List types of consumer credit. Identify the five Cs of credit.

Course Assignments
1. Readings and Tutorial Read Ch. 5 (pp. 107115) of Personal Finance. Review the Five Cs web page located at the following link: http://www.loanuniverse.com/credit.html.

2. Week Three DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Three DQs in the Main forum. 3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions). 4. Assignment: The Five Cs Worksheet Resources: Appendix E Complete the Five Cs Worksheet located in Appendix E. Identify which of the five Cs corresponds to each description in the table. Submit your Five Cs Worksheet as a Microsoft Word attachment to the Assignments Link by Week Three Day 7.

Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement. Participation All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. Summary of Week 3 Deliverables Assignment Participation and Discussion Questions Location Main Forum Due Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: The Five Cs Worksheet

Assignments link

Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Four
Credit Protection and Repair Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards. Summarize how to protect and correct credit.

Course Assignments
1. Readings and Tutorial Read Ch. 5 (pp. 115133) of Personal Finance. Read this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Explore the Frequently Asked Questions section to learn about credit reporting, credit improvement, information correction, identity theft, and other topics in the Annual Credit Report website: www.annualcreditreport.com

2. Week Four DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Four DQs in the Main forum. 3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions). 4. Assignment: Midterm Exam Complete the Midterm Exam located under Assessments on your student Website. You may complete the exam only once. Copy and paste your exam results into a Microsoft Word document. o o o o Press Ctrl + A on your computer keyboard to select all of the text. Press Ctrl + C on your computer keyboard to copy the text. Open a blank Microsoft Word document. Press Ctrl + V on your computer keyboard to paste the text into a Microsoft Word document.

Post the exam as a Microsoft Word attachment in the Assignments link by Week Four Day 7.

Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement. Participation All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. Summary of Week 4 Deliverables Assignment Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Midterm Exam Location Main Forum Due Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Five
Avoiding and Managing Debt List good practices for managing debt. Recognize signs of credit trouble. Identify parts of a credit report. Recognize student loan options and implications for the future.

Course Assignments
1. Readings and Tutorial Read Ch. 6 of Personal Finance. Read The Fair Credit Report Agency and Avoiding Scams sections located at the following link: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre03.shtm.

2. Week Five DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week 5 DQs in the Main forum. 3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions). 4. Assignment: Student Loan Summary Resources: The Fair Credit Report Agency and Avoiding Scams Reflect on how this article may be relevant to your future. Write a short summary of 200-300 words addressing the following questions: o o o What are some future consequences of borrowing too much debt? How do you plan on repaying your student loans? What is one positive thing you can do to keep your student loans under control?

Submit your Student Loan Summary as a Microsoft Word attachment to the Assignments link by Week Five Day 7.

Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement. Participation All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 5 Deliverables Assignment Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Student Loan Summary Location Main Forum Assignments link Due Ongoing (4 days per week) Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Six
Major Financial Assets Explain interest rates. Outline the decision process for buying a car or house. Summarize the steps in buying a home.

Course Assignments
1. Readings and Tutorial Read Ch. 7 of Personal Finance. Read Purchase versus Lease Decision located at the following link: http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/6969/7137133/fin-calcs/BuyvsLease.html

2. Week Six DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Six DQs in the Main forum. 3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses 3 of the 5 discussion questions). 4. Assignment: Buy vs. Lease Scenario Resources: Auto Calculator website: http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/auto/buy-orlease-calculator.aspx Answer the questions presented the way you think you would if you were in the market for a car. Write a paragraph of 200-300 words discussing the following: o o o What recommendation does the calculator make for you? Did the recommendation change the way you previously thought about buying vs. leasing a car? Do you think you will follow the recommendations made by the calculator? Explain why or why not.

Submit your Buy vs. Lease Scenario assignment as a Microsoft Word attachment to the Assignments link by Week Six Day 7.

Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement. Participation All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. Summary of Week 6 Deliverables Assignment Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Buy vs. Lease Scenario Location Main Forum Assignments link Due Ongoing (4 days per week) Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Seven
Insurance Summarize the functions of insurance. List characteristics of auto, home, health, disability, and life insurance. Describe the importance of wills.

Course Assignments
1. Readings and Tutorial Read Ch. 8, 9 (pp.225240), 10 (pp.248260), & 15 (pp. 408417) of Personal Finance. Read Reasons for Having a Will located at the following link: http://wps.pearsoncustom.com/wps/media/objects/7558/7740063/Videos/2101.mov

2. Week Seven DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Seven DQs in the Main forum. 3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions). 4. Assignment: Insurance Matrix Resources: Appendix F Complete the Insurance Matrix in Appendix F. Submit your Insurance Matrix as a Microsoft Word attachment to the Assignments Link by Week Seven Day 7.

Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement. Participation All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. Summary of Week 7 Deliverables Assignment Participation and Discussion Questions Location Main Forum Due Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Insurance Matrix

Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Eight
Tax Management

Explain taxable income and taxes owed. Summarize ways to save money on federal taxes. List steps to file a federal tax return.

Course Assignments
1. Readings & Tutorial Read Ch. 3 of Personal Finance. Watch Focus on Ethics: Reducing Your Taxes located at the following link: http://wps.pearsoncustom.com/wps/media/objects/7558/7740063/Videos/0404.mov

2. Week Eight DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Eight DQs in the Main forum. 3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions). 4. Assignment: Tax Return Worksheet Resources: Appendix G and Appendix H Review Glorias Tax Return located under the Materials link on your Student website. Complete the Tax Return Worksheet. Submit your Tax Return Worksheet as a Microsoft Word attachment to the Assignments link by Week Eight Day 7.

Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement. Participation All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. Summary of Week 8 Deliverables

Assignment Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Tax Return Worksheet

Location Main Forum

Due Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Nine
Investment and Long-Term Planning Summarize the investment planning process. Explain retirement income needs. List sources of retirement income.

Course Assignments
1. Readings & Tutorial Read Ch. 11 & 14 of Personal Finance. Read How Retirement Planning Fits Within Your Financial Plan video located at the following link: http://wps.pearsoncustom.com/wps/media/objects/7558/7740063/Videos/2006.mov

2. Week Nine DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Nine DQs in the Main forum. 3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions). 4. Assignment: Final Exam Complete the Final Exam located under Assessments on your student website. You may complete the exam only once. Copy and paste your exam results into a Microsoft Word document. o o o o Press Ctrl + A on your computer keyboard to select all of the text. Press Ctrl + C on your computer keyboard to copy the text. Open a blank Microsoft Word document. Press Ctrl + V on your computer keyboard to paste the text into a Microsoft Word document.

Post the exam as a Microsoft Word attachment in the Assignments Link by Week Nine Day 6.

Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. Summary of Week 9 Deliverables Assignment Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Final Exam Location Main Forum Assignments link Due Ongoing (4 days per week) Day 6 (Saturday)