BUSINESS AND PERSONAL FINANCE

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of money management and finance. They will learn what to do with their money by learning about their financial options and responsibilities – and they will learn about the consequences of mismanaged finances. Personal Finances will go beyond personal financial issues to address business financial issues. Sources of funding, accounting, inventory and payroll management, types of business ownership, developing a financial plan and pricing, costing and growth strategies are just some of the topic that will be covered.

PREREQUISITIES:

None

PRE-ASSESSMENTS:

A pretest will be given to determine the student’s present level of knowledge in writing and math skills

POST-ASSESSMENT:

A post-test will be given to the students to determine their growth in the course content, and to determine the strength and weakness in the learning system.

GOALS:

• To develop an understanding of employability skills and careers in financial management
• To evaluate the need for good business and personal financial planning skills
• To identify opportunity cost and trade-off involved in making choices about how to use scarce financial resources
• To develop an understanding of personal resources and recognize that more of the wants and needs of members of a society can be satisfied if wise consumer decisions are made
• To identify and relate personal interest, wants and abilities to career choices and assess how conditions in the labor market that may affect their career choices.

CAREER OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course the student will:

• Be aware of the careers in financial management
• Be able to describe the skills necessary for employment in business and personal finance
• Evaluate career choices and long-term options based on personal criteria
• Formulate long term career goals
• Use appropriate technology to function effectively in various occupations requiring business and personal financial planning skills

POSSIBLE ENTRY LEVEL JOBS

• Sales associates
• Office Clerk
• Bank Teller

LESSONS THAT DEVELOP GOALS AND TIME SCHEDULE (SEQUENTIAL)

Unit/Chapters DAYS

Unit 1 Planning Personal Finances 4

Chapter 1 Personal Financial Planning 4

Chapter 2 Financial Accepts of Career Planning 4

Chapter 3 Money Management Strategy 4

Chapter 4 Consumer Purchasing Strategies and Legal Protection 4

Unit 2 Banking and Credit

Chapter 5 Banking 4

Chapter 6 Consumer Credit 4

Chapter 7 The Finances of Housing 4

Unit 3 Investing Your Financial Resources

Chapter 8 The Fundamentals of Investing 4

Chapter 9 Stocks 4

Chapter 10 Bonds and Mutual Funds 4

Chapter 11 Real Estate and Other Investment Alternatives 4

Unit 4 Protecting Your Finances

Chapter 12 Planning Your Tax Strategy 4

Chapter 13 Home and Automobile Insurance 4

Chapter 14 Health, Disability and Life Insurance 4

Chapter 15 Retirement and Estate Planning 4

Unit 5 Introduction to Business Finance

Chapter 16 Introduction to Financial Management for Business 4

Chapter 17 Sources of Funding 4

Chapter 19 Managing Payroll and Inventory 4

Unit 6 Organization and Financial Planning

Chapter 20 Types of Business Ownership 4

Chapter 21 Developing a Financial Plan 4

Chapter 22 Pricing, Costing and Growth 5

TEXT:

It is important for the student to keep all hand outs to help when preparing project, demonstrations, or studying for tests or quizzes. A variety of resources will be used to meet the goals of this course. Business and Personal Finance will be text used. It will be the student’s responsibility to return the book in good condition at the end of each class period. The fine of $43.00 will be due for lost or damaged books.

COURSE INFORMATION:

Testing – The teacher will administer tests and quizzes throughout the course to determine the individual student’s development as well as the effectiveness of the teaching system being employed. The teacher will give quizzes occasionally, and at the end of each unit as well as an end-of-semester final exam.

Assignments – Students will complete the majority of their assignments in class with a few special assignments to be worked on partially or completely at home when appropriate.

Homework Policy – The teacher will five assignments daily. Most of the assignments will be completely entirely in class. Occasionally an assignment will be completed at home. The teacher will accept assignments when directions have been followed, the assignment is complete, the paper is labeled, neatness, and legibility are evident.

Make-Up Work – To receive full credit, students have two (2) days for each day missed because of an absence. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with the teacher to determine the work to be completed.

ACROSS THE CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES:

1. Preparation
2. Writing—Students will put into practice writing techniques, which they have developed in their English class. Writing assignments and essay questions on exams will be part of their grade.
3. Reading/Learning Strategies—A notebook is required to keep assignments. Notes will be used in this class.

Evaluation Procedures:

You will be evaluated on a combination of exams, quizzes, group projects, class participation, oral reports, and notebook, and homework.

All work will be assigned a point value. A percentage grade will be determined by dividing total point earned by total points possible. A letter grade will be assigned based on the following scale:

A---------90% and above (Excellent)

B---------80%-89% (Above Average)

C---------70%-79% (Average)

D---------60%-69%

F----------59% and below

RECEIVING GRADE REPORTS:

On a bi-weekly basis, the teacher will post progress reports on ISIS, which can be viewed on line at your convenience. Quarterly grades will be sent home at the end of each quarter.

COMMUNICATION:

If you wish to reach me, you may leave me a message and I will return your call during school hours as soon as possible. The phone number at Palo Verde is 702-799-1450

Citizenship Grades:

Citizenship grades are based on how well a student follows the Behavior Expectations for this classroom. Citizenship grades will be assigned as follows:

0-2 warnings = E Excellent

3-5 warnings = S Satisfactory

Behavior Expectations:

1. No inappropriate talking or swearing.
2. No food of beverages in class.
3. No gum chewing allowed.
4. No hair combing allowed.  
5. Come prepared with pen, pencil, and notebook.
6. We will respect each other and all guests in the classroom.
7. Attendance is to be prompt and regular.
8. Students will not be allowed to make up any assignment due to tardiness, unless family crisis, administrative situations, or counselors’ appointment has detained them.
9. Each student will receive a student handbook with emergency passes. These passes are to be used only when it is very important that you leave the room.
10. No sleeping is allowed in class under ANY circumstances.

PARENT NOTIFICATION

I,____________________________________have read and fully understand Mrs. Bess’s

 (Student Name

course expectations. I will not only follow these guidelines, but will also abide by the Palo Verde High School and Clark County School District policies as well. I willfully showed these documents to my parents(s)/guardian(s). We both understand that if I do not abide by any or all of these rules or expectations, I will be given my parent(s)/guardian(s) may be contacted, points lost, or a dean’s referral given.

Signed___________________________________________________Date__ _________

 Student Signature

Signed____________________________________________________Date_ _________

 Parent/Guardian Signature