Financial Literacy West Morris Central Mrs. Pollison

Course Description  All students need to understand the basics of personal finance and be prepared to make informed financial decisions. Students will learn how to budget, maintain a checking/savings account, invest in the stock market, apply for a loan, rent/buy a home or apartment, understand and purchase insurance, plan for retirement, and analyze a paycheck. Other topics include: banking services, owning and operating a car, consumer protection and fraud, wise use of credit, and relevant laws.

Topics:  Money & the Federal Reserve  Budgeting & Keeping Financial Records  Comparing Banking Services Managing a Checking Account Saving, Investing, Online Banking  Stocks, Bonds, Financial Markets (Stock Market Game)  Types and Sources of Credit Credit Ratings, Cost of Credit, Where? Consumer Protection Laws and Bankruptcy  Housing Alternatives (Renting vs. Buying)  Evaluating Transportation Costs and Options Buying vs. Leasing an Automobile  Managing Personal Risks Property and Liability Insurance Health, Disability, and Life Insurance Automobile Insurance  Consumer Rights and Responsibilities  Pay, Benefits, Taxes (prepare income tax forms)

Methods & Techniques:  PowerPoint presentations  DVD’s/videos  Internet video clips  Financial websites: Federal Reserve, NYSE, credit bureaus, banks  Internet searches (assignments/projects)  Simulations: On Your Own packet, etc.  Textbook: Managing Your Personal Finances  Booklets, pamphlets, comic books

Grades: (total points)  Computer/Internet Assignments and Projects  In-Class Assignments & Projects  Research Projects – individual and team  Unit Tests and Quizzes  Personal Budgeting Simulation (On Your Own)  Checking Simulation (How to Do Your Banking)  Computer Simulation (Financial Literacy)  Class Participation/Time Management during class

Grading Criteria and Scale:  Tests and Quizzes40% All quizzes and tests must be made up within 1 week.  Daily Assignments – In-Class30%  Simulations, Projects, Presentations30% Tests: points Quizzes:10-20 points Minor Assignments:  +   -(3, 2, 1, 0 points) Major Assignments:10-20 points Projects: points

Mrs. Pollison  West Morris Central – 10 years  CCM, RVCC, SCCC – 8 years  Adult schools – 7 years  Bound Brook High School – 8 years  Computer Consulting Business – 10 years  Banking – 2 years  The College of NJ – B.A. and M.Ed. In Business Education  30 graduate education credits (beyond Masters)  IB Business & Management training – 1 wk in NM  NYSE Workshop – 1 week  NY Federal Reserve Personal Finance Workshop