Entry-Level finance course designed to review basic math skills and their application in a consumer setting. Topics included are income, money management, spending, credit, savings and investing.
Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs):
Students will focus on the following throughout the course.
Review basic math skills and their application in a consumer setting.
Understand the basics of budgeting and develop a plan for spending / saving that has long term and short term components.
Identify the five foundations of personal finance and explain the three basic reasons for saving money.
Describe the difference between simple and compound interest.
Demonstrate how compound interest works and understand the impact of an annual interest rate.
Identify various types of loans and identify the most cost-effective option for purchasing a home or car.
Describe the elements of a credit score, explain the factors that affect a credit score and understand how to obtain a credit report.
Evaluate the role of marketing strategies, peer pressure, and opportunity in purchasing decisions
Understand the role of insurance.
Describe factors affecting take-home pay and identify different types of taxes.
Evaluate investment alternatives: money markets, bonds, single stocks mutual funds, annuities, and real estate
Examine the relationship between diversification and risk and the rule of 72.
Open to 11th and 12th grade students only who have successfully completed Algebra 1 (or equivalent or higher). This course does not meet college admission requirements.