GENL 120 - Personal Financial Literacy

1 Credits: (1 lecture)

Course Description
This course, which is relevant for all majors, provides instruction in financial literacy skills associated with personal financial management. This skill-based course stresses personal and financial responsibility, and explores the study of careers, income, money, management, and financial planning in the context of personal financial decision-making.

Text
Kabala, M. & Natali, G. (2012).  The missing semester (1st ed.).  Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace. 

Objectives
The student will be able to: 

A. Investigate a career plan related to potential income, college debt, and take-home pay factors.  

B. Evaluate personal finances using a planned budget to manage money.   

C. Identify the costs and benefits of various types of credit including ways to manage debt, e.g., college financing, car loans, mortgages, etc.  

D. Apply appropriate and cost-effective risk management strategies to real-life scenarios. 

E. Describe how saving contributes to financial well-being.  

F. Examine investment strategies and the effect taxation has on rate of return.  

G. Categorize financial professionals and the services they provide. 

H. Determine consumer rights and responsibilities in the marketplace. 

Content
A. Career Planning 

B. Personal Finances and Budgets 

C. Financial Planning and Money Management 

D Credit and Debt 

E. Risk Management and Insurance 

F. Savings and Investment 

G. Financial Professionals 

H. Consumer Rights and Responsibilities 

Student Evaluation
Objectives A through H will be evaluated through homework, projects, quizzes, and exams.