Unit 1: Saving and Investing

Chapter 1: Savings

• Three basic reasons to save money: emergency fund, purchases, building wealth
• Discipline, patience and goal setting as related to personal and financial matters

Chapter 2: Understanding Investments

• Compound and simple interest
• Liquidity, diversification, risk-return ratio
• Certificates of deposit, money markets, single stocks, bonds, mutual funds, rental real estate, annuities, commodities and futures

Chapter 3: Wealth Building and College Savings

• Benefits of long- and short-term investing using tax-favored plans
• IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEPP, 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plans
• Educational Savings Accounts, 529 Plans, UTMA and UGMA

Unit 2: Credit and Debt

Chapter 4: Dangers of Debt

• Myths associated with debt, including credit cards, payday lending, rent-to-own, debt consolidation, leasing automobiles and co-signing loans
• The history of debt and how to avoid it
• The aggressive marketing of debt, particularly to young people

Chapter 5: Consumer Awareness

• The power of marketing on buying decisions, including "0% APR" and "no interest" deals
• Ways companies compete for our money, including product positioning, advertising, brand recognition and personal selling

Chapter 6: Credit Bureaus and Collection Practices

• How to read a credit report and correct inaccuracies
• Uncover the myth about building your credit score
• Systematic plan to deal with creditors and avoid bankruptcy
• Fair Debt Collection Practices Act explained

Unit 3: Financial Responsibility and Money Management

Chapter 7: Budgeting 101

• In-depth explanation of balancing a checkbook
• Step-by-step methods of creating and living on a written budget

Chapter 8: Bargain Shopping

• Benefits of negotiating and basic rules to follow for success
• Negotiating techniques

Chapter 9: Relating with Money

• Explore how men and women view money differently
• Identify personality traits regarding money

Unit 4: Insurance/Risk Management and Income/Careers

Chapter 10: Careers and Employment Taxes

• Discuss career choices that fit personality styles and occupational desires
• Learn successful job-search strategies such as cover letters, resumes and interview techniques
• Understand payroll taxes and terms such as FICA, state, federal and Social Security withholdings
• Examine tax revenue sources for federal, state and local governments

Chapter 11: Ins and Outs of Insurance

• Describe various insurance coverage including renter's, homeowner's, automobile, health, disability, long-term care, identity theft and life insurance
• Understand insurance terminology such as deductible, stop loss, elimination period, replacement coverage, liability and out-of-pocket maximum
• Distinguish between term life, cash value and whole life insurance

Chapter 12: Real Estate and Mortgages

• Knowledge of the buying, selling and renting process
• Ability to weigh the various costs associated with home ownership and renting
• Describe types of mortgages including ARM, balloon, conventional, VA, reverse, FHA and owner financing

Bonus Chapter

Chapter 13: The Power of Giving

In The Power of Giving—an optional supplemental chapter—Dave teaches students why giving is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Chapter 13 must be purchased separately.