You are on page 1of 3

Villa Madonna Academy High School

Personal Finance Syllabus


2014-2015 School Year
Instructor:
Phone:
E-mail:
Website:

Mrs. Tricia Smaracko


859-331-6333 X312
tsmaracko@villamadonna.net
www.vma1.weebly.com
HU

HU

Course Overview:
Personal Finance is a one-semester course designed to introduce personal financial planning,
financial services, budgeting, investments, and insurance protection. Students will develop
strategies for managing resources, explore skills for the wise use of credit, and gain insight into
the different ways of investing money. Students participate in several online simulation games
in addition to a national 10-week stock market simulation competition.

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1)

Understand pay, payroll deductions, benefits, and working conditions

2)

Explain the purpose of taxes, define tax terminology, prepare tax forms 1040EZ

3)

Describe banking services and understand how to manage a checking account

4)

Explain how money grows through compounding and understand savings options

5)

Describe investment strategies and options.

6)

Describe features of corporate and government bonds

7)

Describe the process of buying and selling stocks and explain how to read the stock
listings and stock indexes, and discuss mutual funds as an investment strategy

8)

List and describe types of credit and understand the responsibilities of consumer credit

9)

Discuss good credit management rules and how to avoid credit scams

10) List and explain the steps of the car-buying process


11) Explain vehicle financing choices and identify the costs of owning a car
12) Explain the cost of insurance and how risks are spread
13) Discuss common types of automobile insurance coverage
14) Explain purpose of financial planning and prepare a personal budget

Availability:
Extra help will be available to students before and after school except on days with faculty
meetings.
Page 1 - Revision Date 1/4/2015

Personal Finance Syllabus


Tentative Schedule:
Unit

Topics

Activity

Duration

The Millionaire Game


You, and Money

Dave Ramsey

1 week

Budgeting
Checking Accounts
Banking Services

Gen i Revolution
Mission 4
Reconcile Bank
Statements

2 weeks

Saving for the Future


Investing for the Future
Investing in Stocks
Investing in Bonds
Federal Reserve System

Gen i Revolution
Mission
Stock Mkt Game
EverFi

7 weeks

Credit Management

Credit in America
Responsibilities
& Costs of Credit
Problems with Credit

Gen i Revolution
Mission 5
EverFi

2 weeks

Resource Management

Renting vs. Owning

EverFI

1 weeks

Pay, Benefits
Types of Taxes

Income Tax
Return

2 weeks

Intro to Risk Management


Property and Liability
Insurance

Ramsey

1 week

Financing Higher Education

Ramsey
EverFi

1 week

Into to Personal Finance

Money Management

Financial Security

Spring Break

Taxes

Risk Management

Life After High School

Page 2 - Revision Date 1/4/2015

Personal Finance Syllabus


Materials:
Rather than using a traditional text, the Personal Finance course uses lessons from a variety of curriculum
sources. Throughout the course, students use the Internet for access to the latest information on personal
finance topics and engage in several interactive simulation games. Many of the teaching materials
(handouts, resource lists, assignments, etc.) will be distributed during class. Students must supply a 1 3ring binder to store class handouts.

Assessment:

Quizlets (bell work) are little quizzes frequently administered to assess if students are prepared
for class or to determine students comprehension of a previous lesson.

Homework points are earned based on student effort and completion.

Quizzes and Tests are administered at regular intervals to ensure students are progressing well
with course concepts.

A students grade will be determined by dividing the total number of points earned by the total
number of points possible. Refer to the High School Student/Parent Handbook for the school
grading system.

Per the handbook policy, if a student is absent on a test or quiz day, he or she must make up the
missed test or quiz in after school testing within one week. If a student is absent the day before a
quiz or test, he/she is expected to take the quiz or test on the scheduled date. Extended absences
will be dealt with on an individual basis. Please remember that is the students responsibility to
meet with the teacher and to make up missed assignments in a reasonable amount of time.

When quizzes or tests are administered, students must place all student materials on the floor.
Students must spread out in the classroom so at least one desk separates all students.

All tests and exams are the property of the teacher and will be kept with the teacher. Students
may review these only in room 312 or the Library during teacher approved times.

Classroom Rules of Conduct:

Be Benedictine! Listen to your classmates and teacher. Raise your hand to participate. Respect
other peoples space, properties and opportunity to learn.

Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom.

Internet computer games are not permitted to be played. Violation of this rule will result in a JUG
without warning!

Academic dishonesty is a very serious offense. Students will be discovered who attempt this and the
consequences will be severe.

Students are responsible for their own conduct, behaviors, and consequences at all times.

The VMA Handbook Code of Conduct will be enforced at all times. Failure to meet these guidelines
will result in JUG or other consequences. Following these guidelines will help create a positive
classroom environment.

That in all things God may be Glorified.


~Rule of St. Benedict

Page 3 - Revision Date 1/4/2015

You might also like