Discussion Post: Personal Finance
Part 1
a) Identify what you feel are the two main potential risks or challenges that you may run into when making financial decisions over a 3-year period. Explain your answer, including ways of minimizing these risks.
b) Discuss what types of unexpected expenses might come up and the effect they might have on your cash flow (budget). What would be a possible way to minimize the effect of unexpected expenses on your finances?
Part 2
a) Explain the concept of the time value of money and how it is related to the opportunity costs of a college education, both while attending college and after graduation. Include supporting factual information from your textbook.
b) Locate at least two banks in your region and research the services they offer to customers. How do these banks compare with the current bank that you use? Would you consider switching to a new bank based on your research or on another contributor's research/input? Why or why not? Be specific.
Part 3
a) Employers can offer both pretax and after-tax benefits to their employees. List two to four of these benefits and discuss how their impact on your personal taxes would influence your decision to accept an offer from a company.
b) Why is it important to understand the tax consequences of your financial decisions? Using your subscription to the Wall Street Journal, research a current case surrounding a tax controversy or tax consequence. Provide a link to the article and citation.
Part 4
a) Aside from potential financial losses, what are two other negative impacts an identity theft victim might encounter? What steps should you take if you become a victim of identity theft? Provide references to support your answers.
b) Credit cards can provide a great amount of convenience and security in performing your financial dealings. However, they can also be the root of financial problems, even financial disaster. Explain what you think are the two main caveats to consider when using credit cards.
Part 5
a) Read the assigned article, "Compare Car Insurance Quotes?" and answer the following question: What do you feel is the most important message presented by this article and why?
b) As discussed in this topic's readings, the three major categories of life insurance are term, whole, and universal. Assuming the situation of a person who has graduated and has been employed for the past 3 years, or, if you have been employed for a number of years, assume a person in your general situation: Which of the three major categories do you feel would be the best choice for your life insurance needs? Explain why, providing references to support your position.
Part 6
a) Acts 20:35 (ESV) states, "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" What are some instances in your life where you have been blessed by giving rather than receiving? Instead of spontaneous giving, what could be some advantages of planned, consistent giving through your personal finance plan?
b) Given that this course is focused to providing you with a firm foundation for making sound financial decisions based on your life goals, identify the two most important takeaways you feel you have garnered from it.
Part 7
a) With so many investment options available, explain what you see as the two main considerations in choosing the appropriate investment vehicle to help you achieve your financial goals and why. Provide one reference using your subscription to the Wall Street Journal to research current investment options.
b) When deciding to seek the advice and services of an investment broker or advisor, what would be the two main considerations to take into account? Explain why and how you would acquire the necessary knowledge to make the decision.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.