AtAt--AA--Glance:Glance:Personal FinancialLiteracy forHigh Schools

I wish I had classes on how tohandle money when I was in highschool.

If I knew then what I know nowI wouldnt have made so manymistakes with my money!

These kids have no idea whats going toslap them in the face when their parentscut them off. I feel sorry for our students.

At-A-Glance: Personal Financial Literacy for High Schools is a guide to giveyou, the reader, a glimpse of some of the material in the high schoolcurriculum itself. This guide highlights our highly interactive personalfinancial literacy curriculum designed for high school students.Our cutting-edge full color magazines for students, teachers guides,PowerPoint slides, and comprehensive evaluation are sure to be thehottest items in the classroom.Our curriculum is approved by the Texas State Board of Education andmeets all twelve components associated with the unfunded mandate ofTexas House Bill 492. Additionally, First Command EducationalFoundation is approved by the Texas Education Agency to provide CEUcredits to Texas teachers.Take a glance and tell someone you know about our amazing product!

12 Financial Issues Magazines

12 Supplemental PowerPointLessons

Evaluation Tools and Activities

We offer the curriculumon memory stick!

Financial Issues Magazines

Overview:This module discusses the types of accountsbanks offer, from checking to money marketaccounts. The presentation discusses the safetyof using these accounts, as well as theiradvantages and disadvantages. There shouldbe a general understanding of the manydifferent ways to put money in the bank.

Principles: FDIC Insurance Checking Accounts Using a Checking Account ATM/Debit Cards Online Banking Savings Accounts Certificate of Deposit (CD) Money Market Accounts

The Accounts Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Differentiate between the diverse types

of accounts Understand the safety of the bank

system due to FDIC Insurance. Open and use a checking account,

along with the features that go alongwith them, like online banking, and usingATM/debit cards for purchases.

Understand the importance of having asavings account and the different typesof savings accounts available

Overview:This module discusses what goes into acheck register and how to balance acheckbook. Technological advances, suchas online banking and ATM/Debit cards, aresome convenient methods to keep track ofyour accounts.

Principles: Check Register Balancing Your Checkbook

The Checkbook Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Read a check register and use it to keep

track of their bank accounts Balance their checkbook using 5 simple

steps

Overview:This module discusses the purpose of creditand the concept of being financiallyresponsible when it comes to credit.Students will discuss why credit is vital for theeconomy and the negative impact ofmisused credit. Students explore how toavoid the pitfalls of credit overuse, how toprotect their personal financialinformation and how to manage their debt.

Principles: Credit Credit Safety Credit Dispute Debt Management

The Credit Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Understand the importance of having

credit Compute the difference between the

variable rate and fixed rate, and thefinance charges associated with both

Understand their credit card statement Go online to check their credit status,

and which are the secure creditwebsites

Manage their debt and learn how topay it off

Overview:This module provides information on typesof loans, from mortgage to student loans.Students will discuss the key methods ofgetting a loan and understand why theircredit score matters when securing a loan.There is also a discussion on the advantagesand disadvantages of each type of loanand the resources to find the best loans.

Principles: Mortgage Loans Home Equity Loans Auto Loans Debt Consolidation Loans Student Loans

The Loans Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Understand types of loans available Understand the components of a

mortgage loan Differentiate between a fixed rate and

adjustable rate Be knowledgeable on how to secure

financing and consolidate debt Take out a student loan that meets their

current needs

Overview:This module discusses landlord/tenantrelationships and agreements. It helpsstudents learn about the rights they holdwhen it comes to buying or rentingproperty. As future renters or owners,students will learn the laws associated withownership and/or leasing.

Principles: Renters Rights Renters Responsibilities Homebuyers Rights Responsibilities of Home Sellers and

Buyers

The Rights & Responsibilities Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Understand their rights and

responsibilities as a landowner and arenter

Discuss the basic rights that homeownersand renters have from the Fair HousingAct and the Equal Credit OpportunityAct.

Comprehend the Real Estate SettlementProcedures Act of 1974 (RESPA)

Overview:This module discusses the differencebetween renting and buying property.There is also a discussion of the difference inresponsibilities when it comes to renting andowning. The discussions revolve aroundwants versus needs and using a budget todetermine how much house an individualcan really afford.

Principles: Weighing the Options Identifying Needs How much house can I afford?

The Buying Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Weigh the money issue when it comes

to budgeting for buying vs. renting Differentiate between a want and a

need when it comes to home buying

Overview:This module discusses retirement and how to bebetter prepared for the future instead of relyingsolely on Social Security. There will be discussionson how to prepare to keep a certain standardof living. The topics discussed explain thedifference between a savings and retirementaccount, and the importance of having both.

Principles: Traditional IRA Roth IRA SEP & Simple 401(k)/403(b) Annuities

The Retirement Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Weigh the importance of having a

supplement plan along with SocialSecurity

Prepare for the future and build savingsand investments now

Differentiate between different types ofretirement accounts

Consider annuities as a long-termsavings plan and the benefitsassociated with investing

Overview:This module discusses basic investmentknowledge and the importance of investing instocks, bonds, and/or other investment vehicles.Students will learn that there is a risk of loss whenit comes to investing in these vehicles and howto choose a suitable investment.

Principles: Stock Market Selecting Stocks Stock Tables Bonds Exchange Traded Funds Mutual Funds

The Stocks & Investments Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Comprehend the basic components to

understanding the stock market Understand the advantages and

disadvantages of each type of stock Understand what to look for when

selecting a stock and the ratios toconsider from a company's annualreport

Read a stock table Understand why bonds are important

and what to look for when selecting abond, based on its advantages anddisadvantages

Understand the importance of mutualfunds and their advantages anddisadvantages

Overview:This module discusses the importance ofinsurance and the different types out thereto protect your assets. There are severalthings to consider when buying insurance,and students will discuss the costs andevaluate the benefits associated with eachtype.

Principles: Health Insurance Automobile Insurance Homeowners Insurance Life Insurance

The Insurance Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Consider the benefits of insurance for all

areas of life

Overview:This module discusses how to start a personalsmall business plan, from financing to marketing.Students will discuss the risks and challengesassociated with starting their own business andcreate their own small business plan. There willalso be an opportunity to take personalassessments to determine if each individual hasthe attributes needed to be an entrepreneur.

Principles: Self Analysis Selecting a Business Market Research Developing a Business Plan Financing a Business Small Business Administration Marketing

The Entrepreneur Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Understand what characteristics

needed by someone who is creatingtheir own business

Select a business niche and build uponresearch and expertise

Create a business plan which outlineshow they will market and finance theirbusiness

Determine what role the Small BusinessAdministration can play in the success oftheir business

Overview:This module discusses the variety of charitableorganizations available. The presentationoutlines the different methods of giving back,from volunteering time to donating goods and/or money.

Principles: Selecting a Charity Tips for Giving Wisely How to Donate Planned Giving

The Giving Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Select a charity that can be held

accountable and uses its resourcesaccording to state standards

Give wisely and pay attention to where theirmoney goes

Understand that there is more than one wayto give to charities

Understand planned giving

Overview:Students will investigate the basic principles ofbankruptcy and common mistakes peoplemake when filing. Avoiding the financialdifficulties that often bring people toconsider bankruptcy is explored.

Principles: Bankruptcy Basics When should you consider filing Advantages/Disadvantages 5 Common Mistakes Discharge of Debt Filing for Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Chapter 13 After Bankruptcy

The Bankruptcy Issue

Learning Objectives:Students will: Determine when it is beneficial to file for

bankruptcy Comprehend common filing mistakes Differentiate between Chapter 7 and

Chapter 13 with scenario analysis Understand how people deal with life after

bankruptcy and how to prevent it fromhappening to them by preparing a budget

OBTAINING YOUROBTAINING YOUROBTAINING YOURFIRST CREDIT CARDFIRST CREDIT CARDFIRST CREDIT CARD

There are many banks that specialize in extending Visa and MasterCard creditcards to applicants who are just establishing a credit history. It may be beneficialto have a relationship with the bank (checking or savings account).

You might even consider taking out a small loan, placing the funds in yoursavings account, and making timely payments to develop a positive credithistory.

Start by applying for only one credit card. Because credit applications appear onyour credit report, multiple rejections may create the illusion of being too eagerfor credit. If the first application does not get approved, there are someadditional steps you may try.

Apply to a department store or oil company credit card and build a credit historyusing these cards. These cards are easier to obtain than Visa or MasterCardcharge cards. Establishing a good payment history with these types of creditcards will help the borrower qualify for the major credit cards.

A second approach is to get a secured credit card. With a secured credit card,a deposit is placed with the credit card company, and they provide a creditcard. The credit limit is typically equal to the deposit. As previously discussed, becareful which secured card you choose. Some of these cards carry extremelyhigh fees and may result in the deposit being spent on fees.

It's critical that you stay current on all of your bills. Late payments, missedpayments, or other payment problems will undo all your efforts to build a goodcredit history.

PROS

Convenience

No cash to carry

Purchasetracking &accuracy

Purchasingpower

Online & phonepurchases

Debtconsolidation

CONS

Finance charges

Annual fees

Late paymentfees

Tendency tooverspend

Risk of fraud, lossof privacy,identity theft

Online & phonepurchases

Check out the inside!Heres a page fromThe Credit Issue!

Applying For a Small Business Loan

You must prepare a written loan proposal. Make your bestpresentation in the initial loan proposal and application,as you may not get a second chance. Begin yourproposal with a cover letter or executive summary.Clearly and briefly explain who you are, your businessbackground, the nature of your business, the amount andpurpose of your loan request, your requested terms ofrepayment, how the funds will benefit your business, andhow you will repay the loan. Keep this cover page simpleand direct.

Provide a written description of yourbusiness, including the following

information:Date of Information

Type of OrganizationLocation

Product or ServiceBrief History

Proposed Future OperationCompetitionCustomersSuppliers

Management ExperiencePersonal Financial Statements

Statement of Loan Repayment

Heres a page fromThe Entrepreneur

Issue!

Stock Disadvantages

Stocks have higher risk than fixedinvestments

Single stock investment is particularly riskydue to lack of diversification

Kinds of Mortgages

Interest-Only Loans

Jumbo Loans

Assumable Mortgage

Construction Mortgage

*See optional materials for more in-depth information

UnderstandingSavings Accounts

Emergencies Short-term needs Avoid unnecessary use

of credit Pay yourself first

Direct deposit frompaycheck

Automatic transfer fromchecking account

Automatic bank draft

PowerPoint PresentationsPowerPoint PresentationsOur PowerPoint presentations can be usedto supplement the information containedinside each subject-matter magazine.Youll find each presentation flexible, easy tounderstand, and on target!The 4 Cs of Credit

Character

Capacity

Capital

Collateral

Principles of Credit Dispute

Heressampl

es from

a fewdiffere

nt

PowerPoint

lessons!

Evaluation ComponentsEach of our 12 financial issues magazines and PowerPointpresentations are accompanied by a comprehensive evaluation ofthe critical learning that should have taken place after engagementwith the material. The curriculum includes Quizzes, VocabularyTests, as well as a challenging Comprehensive Exam.

For Your Goals Now...

for your Future.

So You CanOurpro

ducts

inspire

& motiv

ate!

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