Personal Finance assists students with developing the necessary financial skills to act as successful participants in the economic arena, and to understand that financial security is based on informed decision-making and personal responsibility. They will study, discuss, and work on individual and group projects on such topics as spending and credit; saving and investing; the impact of advertising and marketing on personal financial choices; and career and financial planning. Students will design personal budgets that reflect their attitudes, beliefs, and the understanding that self-discipline directs financial choices; learn the critical importance and methods of debt and credit management; evaluate the value and use of health, life, auto, and other insurance; and examine the impact of taxes on the individual, and their role in providing services at the state, and national levels. A central exercise will be the creation of a multi-faceted personal financial plan for the future, incorporating the insights they have gathered in the course. Through, guest speakers, readings, experiential activities, lectures, and other resources, the course will provide students with a strong foundation for making informed personal financial decisions at an early age, and acquiring financial independence and stability in the future.