FIN 1000 Personal Finance

This is an introduction to personal financial planning. The student will focus on practical application and decision-making involving personal budgeting, savings, credit scores, consumer credit cards and loans, insurance, financing major purchases, income tax, investments, retirement, real estate, personal values, and social responsibility. (3 lect.)

Credits

3 credits

Transfer Status

Equivalent to UW

Major Topics

  • Personal Budgeting
  • Savings and Investments
  • Time Value of Money
  • Credit Scores
  • Consumer Credit Cards
  • Consumer Loans and Interest Rates
  • Introduction to Income Tax
  • Insurance (car, life, home, property, rental)
  • Personal Values and Social Responsibility

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Build a budget that includes current spending, projected spending, and variance analysis.

2. Investigate savings alternatives.

3. Calculate present and future values using the time value of money.

4. Interpret a credit report with respect to score, accuracy, and strategies to improve.

5. Compare credit cards and lending institutions for interest rates and terms.

6. Calculate common financial formulas used to make financial decisions including, but not limited to, interest, rate of return, risk, payments on loans, lease versus purchase, and recommended life insurance.

7. Analyze the impact of government intervention in the market with regard to issues such as interest rates, inflation, and taxes.

8. Evaluate sources of financing for a major purchase including home and vehicle.

9. Investigate insurance types and terms.

10. Investigate investment options including but not limited to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, money markets, and virtual currency.

11. Compare interest rates and risk for investments.

12. Investigate retirement and estate planning.

13. Explain personal values related to social responsibility and their effect on budgeting and investment choices.