Revised Date: Spring 2011
FIN 2013, Personal Finance
Course Philosophy and Instructor Requirements
Philosophy: “If you do not have control of your money, your money will have control of you.”
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the fundamental issues impacting individual and family
financial decision-making in America. It should provide the student with an opportunity to examine a variety of
topics and concepts that will enhance their general understanding of basic money management and financial
planning activities.
Instructor Objectives: The instructor's teaching techniques should ensure that the students are able to:
 Understand the basics of the financial planning process, and be able to develop personal financial plans and
statements,
 Understand and apply basic asset management concepts in the areas of cash management, savings, and asset
accumulation,
 Understand the basics of planning and managing investments (ie: stocks, bonds, mutual funds and real estate),
 Apply basic credit management techniques and develop and implement an effective debt reduction plan,
 Understand how to develop and implement an effective retirement plan.
Course Teaching Requirements:
The instructor of this course should make use of whatever instructional methods or techniques that will best accomplish afore
mentioned course objectives.
While it not absolutely necessary to cover all chapters in text, particular emphasis should be placed on completing the chapter
that covers the following:
Foundations of Financial Planning
Managing Cash and Savings
Using Credit
Managing Investments
Planning for Retirement
The instructor should use assigned practical problems and exercises to reinforce material presented in the course. Examinations
and quizzes should be utilized in order to assess the student’s grasp of the concepts covered throughout the course. The final
exam should contain a comprehensive component and count for at least 20% of the final grade assigned.
Assessment Responsibilities:
Instructors teaching this course (online and in the classroom) are expected to participate in assessment activities as required by
the University. Generally this course is assessed by utilizing preselected assessment questions imbedded in the final exam.
These questions are not to be counted for the grade on the final exam.
Business and Agriculture Division Contact Information:
Division Chair: Robert Mitchum, 501-882-8847, rlmitchum@asub.edu
Lead Instructor: Roger L Moore, 501-882-8862, rlmoore@asub.edu
Online Course Monitor: Wendell Dillard, 501-882-8914, wldillard@asub.edu