Personal Finance, Part 2
Price: $125 | Credits: One Semester | Dept: Elective | Course ID# 277-2
Personal Finance, Part 2 builds on the foundation from Part 1, guiding students through the next steps in managing money wisely. This course covers essential topics like buying or renting a home, financing a car, managing transportation costs, and understanding how insurance protects against financial risk. Students explore the basics of taxes—what they are, how to file, and how government programs support individuals and families. The course also introduces retirement planning and the concept of financial independence, helping students think long-term about saving, investing, and building wealth. Personal Finance, Part 2 gives students the tools to make confident financial choices as they prepare for adulthood. It is approved by the University of California A-G as an elective (category G).
Upon completion of this course, the student is awarded 5 credits. Each credit corresponds to 15 hours of study. Of course, some students work more quickly than others, and some can devote more hours to study, so some students are able to complete the course at an accelerated rate.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
In this module, students gain a comprehension of the following:
- How insurance helps manage financial risk, including the roles of health, auto, renters, homeowners, and life insurance.
- The financial responsibilities of housing—comparing renting and buying, understanding lease agreements, and budgeting for costs like mortgages, utilities, and maintenance.
- How to plan for large purchases, such as buying or leasing a car, including understanding loans, interest rates, and vehicle depreciation.
- The basics of taxes, including different types of taxes, tax credits and deductions, and how to file a basic tax return.
- How government programs like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment benefits provide support.
- What it means to be financially independent, and how early saving, retirement accounts, and investing can help build long-term wealth.
- How to protect personal information online, avoid scams, and respond to identity theft or fraud.
TOPICS COVERED
This course covers the following topics:
- Managing Risk and Insurance
- Housing and Living Expenses
- Transportation and Financial Choices
- Taxes and Government Programs
- Financial Independence and Retirement Planning
