Big Rapids Public Schools

Course Syllabus

Personal Finance

Instructor Andrew Defever E-mail adefever@brps.org

Course Description:

For all students. Units focus on the major personal financial planning problems that
individuals and families encounter as responsible economic citizens. The emphasis is
on using personal financial planning activities as a framework for developing effective
money management practices and addressing contemporary consumer issues.
Consumer issues involving personal and family economics are addressed in such units
as budgets, banking, tax strategies, investments, credit, insurance, real estate, interest,
pensions, and estate and retirement planning.

Text:

Foundations in Personal Finance High School Edition by Dave Ramsey

Goals/Objectives:
 Create and manage budgets.
 Set up and manage savings and checking accounts.
 Understand and make good investments
 Understand and choosing insurance.
 College and retirement planning.
 Auto and home purchasing

Grading Scale:
A = 94% - 100% C = 76% - 74% NC = 0% - 59%
A- = 93% - 90% C- = 73% - 70% CR = 77%
B+ = 89% - 87% D+ = 69% - 67%
B = 86% - 84% D = 66% - 64%
B- = 83% - 80% D- = 63% - 60%
C+ = 79% - 77% E = 59% - 0%

Distribution of marking period grading components

Class Work = 20%
Quizzes/Tests/Projects = 80%
Total = 100%
Final Examination = 20% of Semester grade

Homework Policy:
All assignments will be finished in class according to the specified time
Behavioral Expectations:

Adhere to the posted “Common Set of Classroom Expectations”.

Helpful Hints: Practice! Practice! Practice!

This is a course where you can begin using the skills learned as soon as you
leave the classroom that day. Make use of that and start setting those good
habits now!

Key topics covered;

Week 1 Introduction to Personal Finance

Week 2 Saving

Week 3 Budgeting

Week 4 Debt

Week 5 Life After High School

Week 6 Consumer Awareness

Week 7 Bargain Shopping

Week 8 Investing and Retirement

Week 9 Insurance

Week 10 Money and Relationships

Week 11 Careers and Taxes

Week 12 Giving
 Final Project: Zero Balanced Budget