Career / Estate Planning Unit Consumer Economics

Unit Overview I. Doing a Self-Inventory II. Getting a Job III. Estate Planning

I.Doing a Self-Inventory Standards Established levels of quality or quantity to measure against What does success mean to you? Values Strongly held beliefs and principles about what is worthwhile Based on culture, religious beliefs, family upbringing, etc. Examples: honesty, respect, kindness, courtesy, fairness Priorities Based on combination of values and standards

Doing a Self-Inventory (cont’d) Long-Term Goals College, careers, marriage, children, etc. Short-Term Goals Good grades this semester, save money for a concert ticket, make the varsity team Human vs. Non-Human Resources Human – energy, knowledge, skills, talents, imagination, determination (video)video Non-human – time, money, material/technological resources, community resources, natural resources

II.Getting a Job Employment Trends Technology – are you keeping up? Outsourcing – make yourself indispensable Cultural diversity – speaking different languages Resume/Cover Letter Sample resume on page 111 One or two pages maximum Be honest, organized, positive (link)link Make sure to ask references when including them Use action verbs, include all relevant experiences Double, then triple check for errors!

Getting a Job (cont’d) Job Application Fill in completely, legibly, and honestly Certain questions cannot be asked (link)link Dress appropriately when getting/submitting application Job Interview (link)link Dress appropriately, be well groomed, etc. Watch your nonverbal signals Sell yourself Be positive Ask questions End on a positive note Send a follow-up letter/ thanking them for their time

IV.Estate Planning Executor Person in charge of handling the affairs of the estate Takes inventory of assets, settles debts, pays taxes May be attorney or family member / friend Will Legal document wherein you decide how your estate is to be distributed after your death In most states, you need to be 18 to draft one Components Identify an executor Identify a guardian for children under 18, if needed Give instructions for liabilities Give instructions for assets

Estate Planning (cont’d) Wills (continued) If no will exists, you die intestate (state decides who gets what) Wills should be typewritten, signed, and dated Witnesses must see you sign, then sign themselves Codicil – amendment to the will Keep a copy in a safe deposit box; original with executor Living Will Your final wishes if you are near death, cannot communicate Trust Alternative to will; don’t have to go through probate Trustee can be a person (lawyer) or an institution (bank) Power of Attorney Assign someone else the right to act on your behalf If you are out of the country, undergoing treatment, etc.