Course Syllabus

Department of Finance, Financial Planning & Insurance

David Nazarian College of Business & Economics – California State University, Northridge

6/22/2018

 

Syllabus

FIN 302 Personal Finance

Section (13876-06)

 

ClassMeetings: ARR

Classroom (location & time): Online

 

Instructor:  M. Heather Castle CFP®, ChFC®, AIF®

Office Hours: Virtual Hours Thursday 4:00pm—5:00pm

(If you cannot attend the times I offer, please email me with your needs. Once we establish a time, I will email you a link to a video.)

E-mail:heather.castle@csun.edu

Phone: (818) 6770 2927   Ext. 2927

                                                

 

 

Course Description

 

 Examination of the concepts necessary for the rational allocation of personal resources.  Emphasis is on the significant financial decisions facing each household during its life cycle. The role of financial institutions and governmental economic policy is evaluated in the context of their potential impact on personal financial planning. (Available for GeneralEducation, Lifelong Learning.) (IC)

 

 

Prerequisites: Completion of the lower division writing requirement.

 

 

Learning Objectives

 

As this is both an Information Competence (IC) and Writing Intensive (WI) course, in addition to learning about personal finance, you will be able to: 


 

• Determine the nature and extent of information needed to decide on personal financial matters. For example, you will need to figure out the relevant information to make a decision about whether it makes more sense to buy or lease a car for your own use.

 

• Demonstrate effective search strategies for finding information using a variety of sources and methods as well as Locate, retrieve, and evaluate a variety of relevant information including print and electronic formats. For example, you will acquire all relevant information to calculate a mortgage payment by using online resources, personal calls to mortgage brokers and conversations with people in the mortgage industry.

 

• Organize and synthesize information in order to communicate effectively by organizing all the information and making a decision on the best car loan, mortgage or optimal student loan repayment.

 

• Develop and clearly define their ideas through writing. Weekly assignments based on a personal finance book will enable you to extract relevant information and apply it to your own lives. This will be done in essay format.

 

• Compose texts through drafting, revising, and completing a finished product and Revise their writing for greater cogency and clarity. I will be happy to provide feedback on essay drafts before you submit the final product.

 

• Ethically integrate sources of various kinds into their writing and Utilize adopted communication modes and documentation styles of specific disciplines (MLA, APA, Chicago, CBE, etc) where appropriate. Any factual information will be cited appropriately.

 

 

 

Additional Notes About This Class

 

• My two cents about this class: I know there are many courses in college you find useless (I often wondered when that valuable trigonometry knowledge would come in handy). This is NOT one of those classes. No matter what your major or what you plan to do in life, you will HAVE TO deal with things like buying a house, getting a new car, maybe paying off student loans or making sure you don’t accumulate piles of credit card debt. Therefore, the more effort you put into this class, the higher the chance you will learn something useful. I understand that your mom or neighbor could be doing your assignments and that I would never know but then, your mom or neighbor would figure out if it actually makes more sense to buy or lease a car and you wouldn’t. I would strongly “recommend” that you put effort into this class. I promise it will pay off over your lifetime. 


 

• This is also a writing intensive course and to satisfy the requirement, you need to write at least 2,500 (or about 10 double-spaced pages in length) words in the class. Each assignment will be at least 2 pages in length. 


 

• This is also a GE Lifelong learning course. As such, the goal of the class is for you to develop cognitive, physical and affective skills, which will allow them to become more integrated and well-rounded individuals within various physical, social, cultural, and technological environments and communities.

 

  

 

Class Administrative Issues

 

• Instructional Approach: The course will be a blend of current theories and practices. A variety of instructional media will be used, including an online lecture, discussion board, problem-solving, and assigned readings. Topics will be related to personal finance topics. As it is an online class, a lot of independent work is expected. However, I am here to help. Please reach to me if you need any help. 


 

• Instructor Access: Your learning and success in the course are important to me. During the term, I work for you. 
I will be available during the office hours, we set up. Generally, I can meet with students on a “one-off” virtual meeting. Please see me, if you are having difficulty with any aspect of the course. Also, keep in mind that office hours are a time not only to address course issues. I would be happy to talk with you about your areas of special interest, especially in financial planning, as well as job placement and internships in the field. The best way to get in touch with me is by e-mail. I will reply to your emails within 24 hours.

 

• Class Materials / Text: 


1.  Required-  Personal Finance e-book and online homework manager available at https://www.wileyplus.com/edugen/instructor/main/uni. I will send you a detailed email of where to go and what to buy from Wiley Plus. You do not need an actual book unless you can’t stand e-books. Your Wiley Plus access comes with an e-book.  When I refer to homework manager, I am referring to the online system to take the weekly quizzes.  That system comes with the e-book.

2.  A financial calculator (whichever one you know how to use. If you are not familiar with any, I use the HP 10B II. I also know how to use the big Texas Instruments (like TI 83, 84, 86).  I am also familiar with the TI 10B II.   You can also use online calculators or a phone app.  (The TI 10B II has a phone app for $9.99).  There are also free financial calculators you can find online.

3.  Required-“Mastering Money” A Simple Guide to Achieving Financial Success written by Dr. Inga Chira, PhD, CFP®, written for this class, will serve as a supplement to the textbook.   You may find it on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Achieving-Financial-Success-ebook/dp/B077XP2TJN/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529703008&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Mastering+Money”+A+Simple+Guide+to+Achieving+Financial+Success++written+by+Dr.+Inga+Chira). It is $13.99 for a paper copy or 9.99 for kindle book.  This is a short, fun, personal finance book written for people in their 20s. This is how we take the textbook material and apply it to our actual lives.  All essays will be based on these materials.

  

• Grading Policy:

• 14 chapter assignments (on Wiley Plus).
  • These are based on reading the textbook material.
  • These are ALWAYS due on Sunday at 11:55 PM. If you need an extension for any reason, you need to email me BEFORE it’s due.  I am very willing to work with you but please don’t expect me to chase you to ask why you missed the last assignment. 
    • You read the textbook chapter and take the quiz. You will have multiple attempts and I will take the highest grade. There is no reason anyone should not be getting A’s on these assignments.

 

• 4 writing assignments (based on the additional reading material).
  • Essay format.
  • These are ALWAYS due on Thursday at 11:59 PM.
  • Each essay will be at least 500 words. This is about 2 double-spaced pages. I do check the number of words and penalize you 10 points if it is below 500 words. 
  • You will upload these to Canvas before the deadline.
  • You can fail the writing assignments because of bad grammar and spelling. If you are having issues with writing, please make an appointment for the writing center and get it checked out.  There are people ready to help you on the 3^rd floor of the library.
    • You are always welcome to submit a draft and I will read it if you want me to review and give you feedback.

 

• The weights are as follows:
  • Textbook assignments 14 worth 3.57% of your grade for a total of 50%. All quizzes are available on Wiley Plus the first week of class and you can work in advance.

  • Writing assignments 5 worth 10% of your class grade for a total of 50%. 
 The prompt for each essay will be posted in Canvas around Labor Day.

 

• Final Letter Grades:(I reserve the right to give pluses and minuses as I see fit. )

93% - 100%    A

83% - 92%      B

73% - 82%      C

63% - 72%      D

< 63%             F

 

• There will also be occasional extra credits. Keep an eye on my email through Canvas.

 

• Final grades will be posted by The University. If you have a question about your final grade after the grades are posted, email me and we can set up an appointment to discuss your grade at a mutually agreeable time.  Please understand that I am unable to answer an individual emails regarding your final exam grade or your final grade for the course.

  

• Withdrawal Policy:

  • Students will be allowed to withdraw from this course in accordance with California State 
University, Northridge policy. For details, see the CSUN Class schedule. 


 

• Incomplete Policy: 

  • Students will only be able to receive an incomplete “I” in this course in accordance with the University Policies on Incompletes. Among other things, students must have passed the class prior to receiving an “I” grade.

 

• Disabilities and Equal Opportunity
  • If you have a disability and need accommodations, please register with the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)office or the National Center on Deafness (NCOD). The DRES office is located in Bayramian Hall, room 110 and can be reached at (818) 677-2684. NCOD is located on Bertrand Street in Jeanne Chisholm Hall and can be reached at (818) 677-2611.  If you would like to discuss your need for accommodations with me, please contact me to set up an appointment. 
  • If you are registered with the Office and have special needs requiring accommodation, remind me of your accommodation via email one week prior to each test, so I can send your exam hardcopy there in advance.

 

 

• Academic Honesty
  • The maintenance of academic integrity and quality education is the responsibility of each student within this University and the California State University system. This class strictly applies the campus academic dishonesty policies and student conduct code.   Cheating or plagiarism in connection with an academic program at a campus is listed in Section 41301, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, as an offense for which a student may be expelled, suspended, or given a less severe disciplinary sanction. Academic dishonesty is an especially serious offense and diminishes the quality of scholarship and defrauds those who depend upon the integrity of the campus programs. Such dishonesty includes Cheating, Fabrication, Facilitating Academic Dishonesty, and Plagiarism. Please see http://www.csun.edu/anr/soc/legalnotices.htmlfor more information. 

  • The CSUN policy on academic dishonesty will be enforced. Anybody found violating the academic dishonesty policy with respect to any aspect of this class will fail not just the assignment/test but also the entire course and will be reported to University authorities. Any plagiarism or turning in the assignment/test that is not your own is not permitted at any time. If you wonder if it’s wrong, it likely is.  If you think you’re “getting away with something”, it’s probably wrong.

 

• Netiquette in the Classroom
  • To further underscore the importance of harmony and respect within the online learning environment. We will be observing the netiquette as well as classroom etiquette.
  • Netiquette is a way of defining professionalism through network communication. Students who violate proper Netiquette will be administratively dropped by Professor from the course.
    
    Here are some Student Guidelines for the class:
• Do not dominate any discussion. Give other students the opportunity to join in the discussion.
• Do not use offensive language. Present ideas appropriately.
  • Be cautious in using Internet language. For example, do not capitalize all letters since this suggests shouting.
• Never make fun of someone’s ability to read or write or speak publically.
• Use simple English.
  • Popular emoticons such as Jor L can be helpful to convey your tone but do not overdo or overuse them.
  • Avoid using vernacular and/or slang language. This could possibly lead to misinterpretation.
• Use correct spelling and grammar.
• Share tips with other students.
• Keep an “open-mind” and be willing to express even your minority opinion.
  • Minority opinions have to be respected.
• Be aware of the University’s Academic Honesty Policy.
• Think before you push the “Send”
• Do not hesitate to ask for feedback.
• When in doubt, always check with your instructor for clarification.

 

 

• Sexual Misconduct Disclosures and Maintaining a Respectful Learning Environment.
  • Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining a respectful space to express their opinions. Professional courtesy and consideration for our classroom community are especially important with respect to topics dealing with differences in race, color, gender and gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability, and age.
  • In this course, the topic of sex (including sexual misconduct/sexual violence) may emerge either purposefully or inadvertently in readings, films, class discussions or other class materials. We recognize that such topics may be particularly upsetting for some survivors; we encourage all students to seek the support they need.
  • While making personal connections with the topics studied in any course can be a meaningful and important endeavor, please be aware of the following policy regarding confidentiality and disclosures of incidents of sexual misconduct/sexual violence.
  • As your instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help maintain a respectful learning environment on our campus. In the event that you choose to write, speak or otherwise disclose about having experienced sexual misconduct/sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking and specify that this violence occurred while you or the perpetrator were a CSUN student, federal and state laws require that I, as a “responsible employee,” notify our campus Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will contact you to inform you of your rights and options as a survivor and connect you with support resources, including possibilities for holding accountable the person who harmed you. Know that you will not be forced to share information and your level of involvement will be your choice.
  • CSUN’s Title IX Coordinator is: Susan Hua
  • University Hall, Room 285 Phone: (818) 677-2077 E-Mail:hua@csun.edu
  • If you do not want the Title IX Coordinator notified, instead of disclosing the experience to me, you can speak confidentially with CSUN’s Care Advocate.*
  • CSUN’s Care Advocate is: Paria Zandi
  • Klotz Student Health Center, Room 140G Phone: (818) 677-7492
E-Mail:zandi@csun.edu
  • For more information regarding your university rights and options as a survivor of sexual misconduct/sexual violence, please visit the University’s Title IX website at:http://www.csun.edu/shinealight
  • *Note: If it is determined that an alleged perpetrator poses an imminent threat to self or others, or if person(s) under 18 years of age are involved, our Care Advocate is required to notify our Department of Police Services.

 

 

• CSUN Resources
  • CSUN offers many resources to help students be successful. I have outlined a few here for you to review.  If you need help that you are unable to find either listed here or on the CSUN website, please email me to discuss.  I will be more than happy to help you locate additional help.

Student Resources (pdf)

Technology HelpAcademic Advising

Online Workshops

Tutoring

Career Center

Counseling Services

WritingCenter

 

Tentative Class Schedule (Subject to Change)

Tentative Class Schedule (Subject to Change). All assignments are due at 11:55 PM on the date identified below.
Week	Due	Material Covered from the book and Wiley	Textbook Reading and Assignment in Wiley	Writing Assignment
Aug. 26	Nothing due in week 1
Sep. 2	Chapters 1 quiz to Wiley on Sunday, 9/2	The Financial Planning Process	CHAPTER 1	-
Sep. 9	Chapters 2 quiz to Wiley on Sunday, 9/9	Financial Planning Tools: Personal Financial	CHAPTER 2	Writing Assignment #1: See Canvas for details  9/13
Sep. 16	Chapter 3 quiz to Wiley on Sunday, 9/16	Statements Budgeting and Cash Management	CHAPTER 3	-
Sep. 23	Chapters 4 quiz to Wiley on Sunday, 9/23		CHAPTER 4	--
		Tax planning
Sep. 30	Chapter 5 quiz to Wiley on Sunday, 9/30	Managing Credit: Credit Cards and Consumer Loans	CHAPTER 5	Writing Assignment #2: See Canvas for details  10/4
Oct. 7	Chapter 6 quiz to Wiley on Sunday 10/7	Making Automobile and Housing Decisions	CHAPTER 6	-
Oct. 14	Chapter 7 quiz to Wiley on Sunday 10/14	Insuring Cars and Homes	CHAPTER 7	--
Oct. 21	Chapter 8 quiz to Wiley on Sunday, 10/21	Life Insurance and Long-Term Care Panning	CHAPTER 8	Writing Assignment #3: See Canvas for details  10/25
Oct. 28	Chapter 9 quiz to Wiley on Sunday, 10/28	Employee Benefits: Health, Disability and Retirement	CHAPTER 9	--
Nov. 4	Chapter 10 due to Wiley on Sunday, 11/4	Saving for Distant Goals: Retirement and Education	CHAPTER 10	-
Nov. 11	Chapter 11 due to Wiley on Sunday, 11/11	The Fundamentals of Investment	CHAPTER 11	Writing Assignment #4: See Canvas for details  11/15
Nov. 25	Chapter 12 due to Wiley on Sunday, 11/25	Investing in Stock and Bonds	CHAPTER 12	--
Dec. 2	Chapter 13 due to Wiley on Sunday, 12/2	Investing in Mutual Funds and Real Estate	CHAPTER 13	-
Dec. 9	Chapter 14 due to Wiley on Sunday, 12/9	Estate Planning	CHAPTER 14

 Please note this syllabus is subject to changes by the instructor.