Personal Financial Literacy

Personal Financial Literacy is a one semester course that will develop citizens who have the knowledge and skills to make sound, informed financial decisions that will allow them to lead financially secure lives and understand personal financial responsibility. The knowledge gained in this course will have far-reaching effects for students personally as well as the economy as a whole. When citizens make wise financial decisions, they gain opportunities to invest in themselves, build businesses, consume goods and services in a responsible way, and secure a future without depending on outside assistance. The economy benefits from the optimal use of resources, increased consumption, and strong local businesses. State and local governments benefit with steady revenue streams and reduced future obligations as our society ages. One half credit is awarded for successful completion.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

• Set financial goals
• Evaluate consumption decisions
• Understand the importance of a saving and investing plan
• Understand the use of credit to make purchases
• Understand how to mitigate financial risk
• Understand the costs and benefits of post-secondary education and training

• Personal Finance Journal- In the form of a small composition notebook, a spiral notebook, or loose-leaf paper kept in a binder or document files on a computer organized by unit and lesson.
• Pencil or Pen – In order to do well in the course, you must take notes, sketch diagrams and graphs, and solve problems when instructed to do so.
• Internet Access
• Adobe Reader
• Word processing software

Note: This course does not require a textbook.

The course has 5 Units and one final exam.

Each unit contains:

• 2-3 lessons. Each lesson includes some or all of the following components: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
• Self-assessments to help you check your own understanding of the material covered in each lesson. You must complete these assessments in order to advance in the course.
• 2 graded assignments

The final examination is comprehensive; it covers the material from all 5 units. To pass the course, you must receive a grade of 70 percent or better. You can apply to take the Final Exam after 100 percent of your graded assignments have been submitted, and at least 70 percent have been graded and returned to you.

Format: Multiple-choice, online

Time Allowed: 3 hours

Materials Allowed: #2 pencils

1. Earning and Spending
2. Saving and Investing
3. Credit and Borrowing
4. Insuring and Protecting
5. College and Postsecondary Education and Training