Personal Finance Project

This project constitutes 20% of the semester grade and is aimed at introducing students to the responsibilities and considerations of making it on their own financially.

Part I. The Leap into Independence

Personal Budget

• Budget Worksheet

Finding an Apartment

• Rental Application
• Landlord's Guide to Rental Applications
• Apartments.com
• Zillow.com
• Realtor.com

The Cost of Food

• Meal Planner Worksheet

Utilities

• Setting up PG&E Utilities
• Setting up Cable/Internet/TV

Move-In Costs

• Apartment Checklist

Part II. Staying within your Budget

LESSON 1

Setting priorities
Here's help for the first -- and often the hardest -- step in achieving your financial goals: deciding which goals to pursue.

LESSON 2
Making a budget
How to bring your spending under control, so that you get the most out of every dollar.

LESSON 3
Basics of banking and saving
Here's how to get the best banking services at the best price, either online or off.

LESSON 4
Basics of investing
An introduction to making money in stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

LESSON 5
Investing in stocks
The market can be a great place to turn savings into wealth -- or to lose your shirt. Here are some fundamentals of investing wisely.

LESSON 6
Investing in mutual funds
It's a mutual-fund jungle out there. Here's how to create a simple portfolio that works.

LESSON 7
Investing in bonds
Bonds can provide a steady and reasonably secure income, while adding ballast to your portfolio--but only if you really understand what you're buying.

LESSON 8
Buying a home
Owning your home is part of the American Dream, but if you’re not prepared, buying it can be a nightmare. Here are some fundamentals for buyers and sellers.

LESSON 9
Controlling debt
You've got to know when to hold debt--and when to fold it. This lesson shows you how to accomplish your financial goals by making debt work for you.

LESSON 10
Employee stock options
More companies are handing out stock options, and to a much broader group of employees. This lesson gives you vital information on how to handle ESO's.

LESSON 11
Saving for college
It's not rocket science, just common sense. By starting early and investing regularly, your children may have a wider choice of colleges, and paying the bill won't hurt as much.

LESSON 12
Kids and money
Up until they start earning a living, and sometimes well beyond that, kids are apt to spend money like it grows on trees. This lesson will help you put your children on the road to handling money responsibly.