Financial Literacy Courses
Budgeting and Money Management
This course is designed to introduce the importance of creating budgets and managing money wisely. Students will learn how to create a budget by using practical examples and realistic scenarios. They will discuss how to prioritize and learn the differences between "wants" and "needs". Principles of good money management are discussed, along with the benefits of saving money, setting financial goals and spending money responsibly. Techniques for cutting costs and keeping spending at a minimum are introduced. College students and high school seniors discuss how to budget their student loan money in order to minimize their debt.
Banking & Financial Services
The internet and online banking services have truly changed banking in our society today. This course will examine the many options that we have available today in terms of types of banking institutions, accounts, and online services. Students will learn how to write checks and balance a checkbook. They will be warned about the dangers of overdrawing on their account and how to avoid it through good money management and overdraft protection. The benefits of investing and simple investment vehicles such as CD’s, savings accounts, and money market accounts will be compared.
Credit & Debt Management
Building good credit and managing debt are critical skills that everyone needs to learn, especially before heading off to college or out into the "real world". This course will help students get on the right track in learning about the advantages of building good credit, while avoiding the negative consequences of taking on too much debt, hurting their credit score. Students will learn about the various types of credit cards, interest rates, "good credit vs. bad credit", and bankruptcy. In addition, factors that influence a credit score will be discussed. Ideally students will cover this material before taking on debt, but even if they already have credit, it is still very important to make sure that they fully understand their rights, responsibilities and how to be successful financially.
Identity Theft and Privacy Rights
Did you know that every 79 seconds someone’s identity is stolen? Identity theft is a growing problem today. The time is now to educate your students about this growing crime and help them learn to protect their identity and financial information. This course will explain what identity theft is and how best to prevent it. If someone is the victim of identity theft, they will be provided with resources to help them learn what to do to resolve the problem. They will be presented with survival tips and privacy protection strategies. This is a vitally important presentation, regardless of what stage of life a person is in. Identity theft can happen to anyone.
Student Loans: Borrowing & Repayment
This course introduces the various types of student loans. Students will gain a clearer understanding of how these loans work, repayment terms, and options available to them. Terms like deferment, forbearance, and loan forgiveness will all be discussed. It is an excellent course for students planning on going to college, or new college students. This course can assist with default aversion and helps students learn their options to avoid default, as well as, its serious consequences.
Time Management
Everyone at any age can use helpful information about time management. This course helps students examine the habits of successful people and discuss how to most effectively manage their time. Helpful advice is given for prioritizing, planning and goal setting. This presentation is easily tailored to be appropriate for students of all ages. It gets students involved and invites them to look at their current style and how they can make some improvements to make better use of their time.