PFM100 Personal Financial Management

Syllabus
Suggested Readings:
Fragasso, P. M., & Israelsen, C. L. (2010). Your Nest Egg Game Plan : How to Get Your
Finances Back on Track and Create a Lifetime Income Stream. (This is an e-book
available through EBSCOhost on the Blackboard site)

Siegel, C. Why didnt they teach me this in school? 99 personal money management
principles to live by (2.4.2013 edition). North Charleston, NC: Simple Strategic
Solutions LLC. ISBN: 9781481027564

Course Description:
This course is designed to help you understand the basics of managing your money
throughout your lifespan. The ultimate goal is to ensure financial stability through
retirement. This course consists of eight modules that you complete at your own pace;
you will discover options and tips for budgeting, spending, saving, investing, credit,
insurance, taxes, and retirement.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
1. Assess your current financial situation, including your bills and debt
2. Develop a plan that provides financial security for your retirement
3. Evaluate options for saving money for short-term and long-term needs
4. Assess the value of working with a financial advisor
5. Create a plan for reducing your taxes and maximizing the benefits offered by
employers
6. Evaluate options for withstanding the risks of investing in the stock market
7. Assess your needs for insurance policies
 8. Create a plan that allows you to convert your investments into cash when
needed

Tentative Agenda:
Introduction to Suggested Readings and Resources: Why Didnt They Teach Me
PFM100 This in School? (Read Principles 8, 13, 33, 34, 37, 43-50, 85, 86,
93)
Audio Lecture: Get Organized
Audio Lecture: Budgeting
Audio Lecture: Credit and Debt
Video Tutorial: How to Create a Budget Using MS Excel
Questions? Check the Discussion Forum
Assignment 01: Lifetime Chart
Assignment 02: Budget
Self-check Quiz: Terms and Concepts Part 1

Planning for Suggested Readings and Resources: Nest Egg Game Plan
Retirement Introduction and Chapter 2
Suggested Readings and Resources: Why Didnt They Teach Me
This in School? (Read Principle 58)
Audio Lecture: Never Too Early to Plan for Retirement
Questions? Check the Discussion Forum
Assignment 03: Retirement Dreams
Self-check Quiz: Terms and Concepts Part 2

Saving for Now Suggested Readings and Resources: Nest Egg Game Plan
and Later Chapter 15 and Chapter 3
Suggested Readings and Resources: Why Didnt They Teach Me
This in School? (Read Principles 15, 16, 18, 23)
Audio Lecture: What Are You Saving For?
Questions? Check the Discussion Forum
Assignment 04: Comparing Savings Accounts
Self-check Quiz: Terms and Concepts Part 3

Investing Suggested Readings and Resources: Nest Egg Game Plan

Chapter 4 and Chapter 5
Suggested Readings and Resources: Why Didnt They Teach Me
This in School? (Read Principles 51-59 )
Audio Lecture: Do You Need a Financial Advisor?
Questions? Check the Discussion Forum
Assignment 05: Interviewing Financial Advisors
 Self-check Quiz: Terms and Concepts Part 4

Reducing Suggested Readings and Resources: Nest Egg Game Plan

Taxes and Chapter 8 and Chapter 9
Reaping Suggested Readings and Resources: Why Didnt They Teach Me
Benefits This in School? (Read Principles 17, 35, 36)
Audio Lecture: Taxes
Audio Lecture: Benefits Packages
Questions? Check the Discussion Forum
Assignment 06: Investment Policy Statement
Self-check Quiz: Terms and Concepts Part 5

Balancing Risk Suggested Readings and Resources: Nest Egg Game Plan
and Reward Chapter 10 and Chapter 11
Audio Lecture: How Much Risk Can You Tolerate?
Questions? Check the Discussion Forum
Self-check Quiz: Terms and Concepts Part 6

Insurance Suggested Readings and Resources: Nest Egg Game Plan

Chapter 12
Suggested Readings and Resources: Why Didnt They Teach Me
This in School? (Read Principles 70-73)
Audio Lecture: What Are Your Insurance Needs?
Questions? Check the Discussion Forum
Self-check Quiz: Terms and Concepts Part 7

Liquidity: Suggested Readings and Resources: Nest Egg Game Plan

Access to Chapter 13
Cash Suggested Readings and Resources: Why Didnt They Teach Me
This in School? (Read Principles 94-97 )
Audio Lecture: Why Cash?
Questions? Check the Discussion Forum
Self-check Quiz: Terms and Concepts Part 8