May 2 - Online Discussion Question 4

Daniel just graduated from college. He earned a degree, but didn’t feel prepared for any line of work. He went to the school’s placement office and took a battery of tests to see where his strengths and weaknesses might lie. To some extent, he was surprised by the results. He knew he was strong in technical skills, but he didn’t realize his people skills were suspect. His adviser suggested that he get a job that will develop his weaker skills, because that’s where he will grow the most. Good advice?

May 2 - Online Discussion Question 3

Manuel earned a college degree in computer science and now works at a really laid-back dot-com. His high school business teacher asked him to speak at their annual job fair, not on the subject of working in computers, but on how to make a winning impression at the all-important first interview. As soon as he hangs up, he begins listing ideas. What should be on that list?

May 2 - Online Discussion Question 2

Mia and Allen, married with two teenage sons, both work. They have read Dave’s books, finished a beginner emergency fund, established a budget, and are working on their debt snowball. Both claim no dependents and take extra money out of their checks. Then in April, when they see how much they’ll get back, they celebrate! It’s like “found” money! They use that windfall for a lavish family vacation every summer. You told them that was all wrong. They asked why. Explain yourself.

May 2 - Online Discussion Question 1

Post some Job Interview tips that you personally have found helpful.

April 25 - Online Discussion Question 4

What job or type of job are you using for the basis of your resume and cover letter?

April 25 - Online Discussion Question 3

Post some Cover Letter tips that you personally have found helpful

April 25 - Online Discussion Question 2

Post some Resume tips that you personally have found helpful

April 25 - Online Discussion Question 1

Post some Job Applications tips that you personally have found helpful

April 4 - Online Discussion Question 4

What are some things you can do to "stand out" from the rest of the candidates when seeking a job?

April 4 - Online Discussion Question 3

How can having a job you enjoy make a difference in your financial future?

April 4 - Online Discussion Question 2

What can you do to find a career direction to pursue if you don’t know what you want to do?

April 4 - Online Discussion Question 1

Describe your feelings if you were stuck in a job you didn’t like, but had to stay because of financial responsibilities?

March 28 - Online Discussion Question 4

Where are some places YOU look for good deals?

March 28 - Online Discussion Question 3

Your friend Duncan just bought a top-of-the-line mountain bike and paid with cash, like Dave recommends. He listed his old one online. A buyer expressed interest in the bike. You heard Duncan describe the old bike as “like new.” You know that the bike’s front-wheel fork once snapped and had to be welded. With new paint, the weld is invisible. The buyer passed, but you remind Duncan what Dave teaches about buying and selling bargains. What did you tell him?

March 28 - Online Discussion Question 2

In January, Aaron and Hannah moved and bought a new house with a 15-year fixed mortgage, just like Dave teaches. They needed some furniture. Hannah found what she wanted at a high-end store. She is ready to buy, credit card in hand, when she realized she’d better call Aaron. He tells her he’ll be right there, and then he calls you, the only local person he knows. Where can they look to get a better deal? What can he suggest to Hannah to keep her from acting in haste?

March 28 - Online Discussion Question 1

Jason and Beth are married and don’t have any kids yet. They are out of debt except for their house, and have a full emergency fund. But Beth’s car has sputtered its last breath. Fortunately, she’s found a great car for $8,000. Beth only has $7,500 to spend. Explain to Beth three negotiating techniques she can use to get the deal she’s looking for.

March 21 - Online Discussion Question 4

What are some bad ideas when it comes to mortgages? Also, what are some things to keep in mind when obtaining a mortgage?

March 21 - Online Discussion Question 3

Andrew and Olivia have the cash to buy the home of their dreams. The widow who owned it died without a will or probate, but her nieces are going to sign the deed. A babbling brook winds through the back yard. There are overhead power lines, sewer construction nearby, and the neighbors have been letting the widow share their drive. At the closing, Andrew and Olivia are asked to waive title insurance requirement so the nieces won’t have to pay the premium. Is that the right thing to do?

March 21 - Online Discussion Question 2

Lisa has finished her Iraq tour, landed stateside, and is getting married soon. Together, they bring home $3,500 a month, and they think they deserve a home of their own. They can get a VA loan, 30-year fixed, at $1,650 a month principle and interest, no down payment. If they are super careful they can do it, and the equity will only go up. You were discharged two years ago, and you did the same thing. It was a mistake, and it will be a mistake in their case, too. Talk them out of it.

March 21 - Online Discussion Question 1

Newlyweds, Benita and Raoul, have found a house they want, but they’ll need some creative financing to make it work. They’ve lined up a 30-year fixed-rate loan but need to have a 10% down payment to get the interest rate. They will need to get another loan for the down payment and Benita has asked her dad to co-sign. Raul is your friend and has asked for your advice. What will you tell him?

March 14 - Online Discussion Question 4

What are some of the advantages of putting a good down payment on a house?

March 14 - Online Discussion Question 3

Are you throwing away money when you rent for a period of time?

March 14 - Online Discussion Question 2

What are the benefits of renting for a while before purchasing a house?

March 14 - Online Discussion Question 1

Post the links to your apartments you found here

March 7 - Online Discussion Question 4

How would paying off your house early make you feel, and how would it affect your retirement?

March 7 - Online Discussion Question 3

Describe the steps to maximize the sale of a home.

March 7 - Online Discussion Question 2

If you pay more on a house than you can realistically afford each month, what problems may occur?

March 7 - Online Discussion Question 1

Post links here to the houses you found for your homework assignments

February 28 - Online Discussion Question 3

Allen and Grace are blessed. Their moms are still alive and self-sufficient thanks to Social Security and modest pensions. Their dads had life-long jobs from which they retired. Both died after drawn-out illnesses that depleted their assets. Neither mom has any long-term care insurance, and they share a common interest in not talking about such a morbid, depressing subject. When Allen or Grace bring the subject up, they laugh and wave it off. Should Allen and Grace leave the subject alone?

February 28 - Online Discussion Question 2

Maurice, your cousin, has gone to work at Midwest Mutual, a huge whole life insurance corporation. When you come home from school, he’s sitting across from your parents and smiling. They’re about to buy a joint whole life policy that will pay $100,000 if your dad dies and will build savings as they pay the premiums. You want to stop him, but he’s “family,” so you can’t insult him. You decide to ask him questions that will reveal what a bad idea the policy is. What questions will you ask him, and why?

February 28 - Online Discussion Question 1

Rocky turned 16 and got his driver’s license. His parents bought him a beater, but he has to buy his own gas and insurance. He mowed lawns all summer and has some money, but the cost boggled his mind. He went to a shoddy storefront and bought minimum liability, a high deductible, and no collision. When his mom and dad found out what he’d done, they weren’t happy about it. He can’t understand why. According to the state, he has what he needs. It isn’t fair for his folks to demand more. Or is it? What do you think?

February 21 - Online Discussion Question 4

List types of insurances to avoid.

February 21 - Online Discussion Question 3

Identify and describe the seven basic types of insurance coverage needed.

February 21 - Online Discussion Question 2

Differentiate between Term and Cash Value Life Insurance.

February 21 - Online Discussion Question 1

Explain why insurance is an essential part of a healthy financial plan.

February 14 - Online Discussion Question 4

Why do you need renter’s insurance, even if you don’t think you have a lot of valuable items?

February 14 - Online Discussion Question 3

What could happen to you financially if you do not have the proper amount of insurance?

February 14 - Online Discussion Question 2

Should you carry insurance if money is tight and you’re having a hard time financially? Explain.

February 14 - Online Discussion Question 1

Explain how having an emergency fund in place can affect your insurance premiums and deductibles.

February 7 - Online Discussion Question 3

Holly agrees that it’s a great idea to give every dollar a name, and she does this every month, without fail. Holly writes down every penny she spends and enters it into a spread sheet. Then, at the end of the month, she looks at where her money has gone, and tries to figure out what went wrong. You tell her that’s not how a budget works. Holly insists it works for her, but she will at least listen to what you have to say. What are you going to tell her?

February 7 - Online Discussion Question 2

Maurice is a commission salesman and has an irregular income. He goes in and out of debt regularly, using credit cards during the lean times. He also has a student loan. Maurice recently started listening to Dave and realized that he could do a budget despite the fact that his income is unpredictable. He knows you know Dave’s program inside and out, and he asks you to explain to him step by step how do make a budget for himself. What do you say?

February 7 - Online Discussion Question 1

or three months, Matt and Emily have been on a zero-based budget. It hasn’t balanced yet. Dave says it takes several months, but they’re discouraged. Emily prepares it and Matt gives input. But they always blow it—usually in eating out, entertainment, or the blow amount. They come to you for help. They think the problem isn’t the numbers, but rather the concept. Explain to them how a zero-based budget works, and what to do when it doesn’t.

January 31 - Online Discussion Question 3

What is the most interesting and/or helpful thing you have learned in this chapter? Be specific.

January 31 - Online Discussion Question 2

What are some of the problems your group encountered during the budgeting activity? How did you fix these problems?

January 31 - Online Discussion Question 1

What did you learn from the budgeting activity in class?

January 17 - Online Discussion Question 4

Review the information packet regarding wills. What is one thing that you learned and/or stood out to you? (nothing learned/stood out will not suffice as an answer). Why is it important to have a will in place?

January 17 - Online Discussion Question 3

Name one of the forms used in the budgeting process. What does this form do? How do you fill it out? Why is it important? (make sure to answer all parts of the question)

January 17 - Online Discussion Question 2

What are some of the major components of a healthy financial plan and why are they important?

January 17 - Online Discussion Question 1

How do you create a zero-based budget? (in your own words)

January 10 - Online Discussion Question 4

What are the benefits of having a budget?

January 10 - Online Discussion Question 3

What are some of common problems associated with budget failures? What the are solutions to these problems?

January 10 - Online Discussion Question 2

What are some reasons why people do not budget? (use your own words)

January 10 - Online Discussion Question 1

Thinking about the envelope system, how many envelopes would you use? What would the names on the envelopes?

Do you think this is a good way of saving money? Why or why not? (make sure to answer all 4 questions here)

January 3 - Online Discussion Question 4

What are some signs of financial crisis living?

January 3 - Online Discussion Question 3

What is NSF? How does a NSF occur and what are the penalties involved?

January 3 - Online Discussion Question 2

What are the steps to completing a reconciliation form? (in your own words)

January 3 - Online Discussion Question 1

What are the steps to reconciling a checkbook register with a bank statement? (in your own words)

December 13 - Online Discussion Question 3

Jim just graduated from high school and has decided to work for a year before going to college. He will need a car to get to and from his job at the mall. He has $2,000 saved that he could spend on a car, or he can drive his parent’s extra car—an old clunker that has seen better days. What advice would you give Jim?

December 13 - Online Discussion Question 2

String Melton surfed an online auction site on his lunch break, a harmless pastime until he found a ’65 Fender Stratocaster guitar up for auction with only 12 hours left. Suddenly, he was back in his parents’ garage with his high-school rock band. He bid $1,800, then called his sister to get her opinion. When she got his message she told him she’d let him know that night. His sister is a huge Dave Ramsey fan. How does she advise String?

December 13 - Online Discussion Question 1

Brad, a rising college senior, has a great summer job. He expects to clear $3,500 over the three-month break. His college expenses are covered, and he has no debt. His economics professor has offered to sell Brad, at a huge discount, a DVD entitled Seven Steps to Stock Market Success. The professor thinks the program is a slam dunk; he’s only selling it because he needs the money. Brad wants to put the money in a savings account. How do you advise Brad?

December 6 - Online Discussion Question 4

Give an example of something you have purchased on impulse, when later you wished you had not made the purchase.

December 6 - Online Discussion Question 3

How do companies make money on “90 days same as cash” contracts?

December 6 - Online Discussion Question 2

How often does advertising on the internet catch your attention?

December 6 - Online Discussion Question 1

What are some of the best advertisements you have seen, and what makes them stand out?

November 22 - Online Discusion Questions

There will be no online discussion this week. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break! :)

I would also like to clarify the expectations for the paper. Here is what the structure should look like:

Paragraph 1: Intro
Paragraph 2: Present a myth (why most people think it's true)
Paragraph 3: Bust the myth presented in paragraph 2 (back it up with what we have studied and a Bible verse)
Paragraph 4: Present another myth
Paragraph 5: Bust myth from paragraph 4 (use same guidelines as above)
Paragraph 6: Conclusion

November 15 - Online Discussion Question 4

Why would money affect your value system?

November 15 - Online Discussion Question 3

Why is it important to learn about these differences when it comes to money? (men/women, nerds/free spirits)

November 15 - Online Discussion Question 2

What are some the qualities of nerds and free spirits? What affect do these traits have on money?

November 15 - Online Discussion Question 1

How do men and women relate differently to money, and have you noticed any of these differences in your relationships?

November 8 - Online Discussion Question 3

What new insight have you gained regarding the myths of purchasing new cars?

November 8 - Online Discussion Question 2

Explain any similarities and differences that exist between the credit card and debit card.

November 8 - Online Discussion Question 1

Did any of the new debt myth/truths covered in class surprise you and/or change the way you thought about it? If so, which one(s) and why?

November 1 - Online Discussion Question 4

How does debt limit your investment options?

November 1 - Online Discussion Question 3

Did any of the debt myth/truths covered in class surprise you and/or change the way you thought about it? If so, which one(s) and why?

November 1 - Online Discussion Question 2

Based on the brief history lesson of credit we went over, what have you learned from how our grandparents used to view credit to how credit is used and viewed today?

November 1 - Online Discussion Question 1

What is the difference between being "broke" and "poor"?

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Brea

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Travis

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Haley

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Autumn

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Adam

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Molly

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Jacob

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Gracie

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Jonathan

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Kelsey

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Kaitlyn

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Isaac

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 25 - Online Discussion Question: Sammy

Post a thought provoking question for your classmates to discuss about any material covered in Unit 1.

October 18 - Online Discussion Question 4

What are some things that you can do now, while in high school, to help prepare for college expenses?

EDIT: This applies to you personally while you are IN high school (as in you will be in college in 4 or less years).

October 18 - Online Discussion Question 3

Jorge is debt free except for his mortgage and has an 8-year-old son named Carlos. He could save money if he wanted to, but so far he hasn’t saved a dime for his son’s college education, and he isn’t going to do so. He pulled himself up by his bootstraps, and he thinks Carlos should too. He wants Carlos to go to law school, which he would’ve done if he’d had a choice. How can you change Jorge’s mind?

October 18 - Online Discussion Question 2

Blair loves people. Throughout high school, she volunteered at the Red Cross. During the summers, she worked at social service organizations and saved for college. She has two years to go, and she’s out of money. She’s going to a state school. Even so, the two-year tab for tuition, room, board and books is nearly $20,000. She can borrow that sum through low-interest student loan programs. She knows about Dave, and has asked you what he might advise her to do.

EDIT: Remember that savings for short-term (less than 5 years) and investing is long-term (more than 5 years)

October 18 - Online Discussion Question 1

Ryan is big on higher education. He wants to begin a college savings plan for his two-year-old triplets. Lauren believes the early years are more important. She wants to use that money for a private pre-school and kindergarten. They don’t have enough left over to do both. Ryan thinks Lauren should get a job when the triplets hit pre-school, and pay for it that way. Lauren thinks motherhood is a full-time job and thinks Ryan should work overtime. They both confide in you. Is there a way out of this dilemma?

EDIT: Remember that savings for short-term (less than 5 years) and investing is long-term (more than 5 years)

October 11 - Online Discussion Question 5

Should you take your company match while you’re in debt?

October 11 - Online Discussion Question 4

How can a budget help you retire wealthy?

October 11 - Online Discussion Question 3

Should you ever cash in pre-taxed retirement savings early to get out of debt? Is this a good or bad idea? Explain.

October 11 - Online Discussion Question 2

Why should you not depend on Social Security when you retire?

October 11 - Online Discussion Question 1

Dave said one of the definitions of maturity is "delayed gratification." Explain how this applies in the context of financial principles.

October 4 - Online Discussion Question 5

Dave talked about 2 financial principles at the end of the chapter:

1) Keep a giving spirit
2) Remember the Tortoise and the Hare story

Explain these principles and what can we learn from them?

October 4 - Online Discussion Question 4

Rob, a college senior, was given $10,000 by an aunt. Before she died, she told Rob to put the money to work and leave it alone, so that someday he could leave money to his heirs. Rob is pumped. He has two great ideas, both of which he learned about on late-night TV. One is to buy foreclosed properties. The other is to speculate in gold. The people on TV made a killing doing very little work. Their DVDs will tell him all he needs to know. He asks you which sounds better to you.

October 4 - Online Discussion Question 3

Carol’s aunt took a friend’s advice and invested her savings in Associated Elevators common stock. It went down. After a year, she sold that and bought Consolidated Cranberry. A year later, when the berry boom burst, she bailed again and poured her savings back into Associated Elevators, which was on the rise. Now she’s back to square one, and to Carol’s delight, she has asked Carol what “that Dave Ramsey fellow” would tell her to do next. What would that be?

October 4 - Online Discussion Question 2

John is a senior in high school. His father, Alfred, is a successful businessman. The two are very close and talk openly about things, including money and investments. Alfred decides to change his investments and he puts one-fourth of his money in a steadily growing company, one-fourth in a rapidly growing company, one-fourth in a single company that has paid good dividends, and one-fourth in one based overseas. When he tells John, he is shocked that John is worried. Is John right to be worried? Why or why not?

October 4 - Online Discussion Question 1

Donald is aggressive and smart, but he’s bored at his job. He wants to pursue his dream of starting a burger joint called “Donald Mac’s.” His business plan is to open six stores in 12 months. All he needs is money—other people’s money (OPM). Everyone says that OPM is the only way to go, the shortcut to success, wealth with no risk. So he buys a coat and tie, shines his shoes, and hits the streets, looking for investors. He comes to you. You like his idea, but are his plans sound? What do you think?

September 27 - Online Discussion Question 5

Why do you not borrow money for an investment?

September 27 - Online Discussion Question 4

Why is it important to understand something before investing?

September 27 - Online Discussion Question 3

Explain the relationship between risk and investing.

September 27 - Online Discussion Question 2

What is the importance of diversification when investing?

September 27 - Online Discussion Question 1

What is the importance of working with a financial adviser that has the heart of a teacher rather than the heart of a salesman?

September 20 - Online Discussion Question 4

What impact did Ben and Arthur have on you and/or lesson did you learn from the example of Ben and Arthur?

September 20 - Online Discussion Question 3

Huck was on a budget and debt free when Tom, his best friend, was partially paralyzed in a wreck. Tom’s school took up a collection for a special wheelchair. But Huck had no savings, and he couldn’t fit giving into his budget. Huck felt horrible about not being able to help out. How can he do things differently in the future so he can help people in need like Tom?

September 20 - Online Discussion Question 2

Shannon is a senior in high school and works part time at a local restaurant. She makes good tips and always has spending money. Her parents will be paying for her college and her car is already paid for. She knows you are taking a personal finance class and asks you what she could be doing better with her money. What do you tell her?

September 20 - Online Discussion Question 1

Louis, a high-school senior nicknamed “Lucky,” is a walking rabbit’s foot. Everything falls his way, including a lottery-funded scholarship and a great part-time job delivering pizzas. He’s saving for a car to drive at college. Some guys at school heard about a group out west pooling their money for raffle tickets and winning big. They’ve now started doing that for weeks, with no results. They ask Lucky to join them. Five bucks a week for a huge payday. He’s tempted. You are his friend; talk him out of it.

September 13 - Online Discussion Question 4

Define an emergency that justifies tapping into your emergency fund and define an emergency that does not justify tapping into your emergency fund (this doesn't have to apply to teenagers).

September 13 - Online Discussion Question 3

"90 days same as cash" Explain the truth and reality behind this statement.

September 13 - Online Discussion Question 2

Why does a student need an emergency fund? What does 3-6 months of expenses look like for a student?

September 13 - Online Discussion Question 1

Dave says "Live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else." Explain what he means and what it means to you.

September 6 - Online Discussion Question 4

Post one of the verses you chose for your homework assignment and your summary for it here

September 6 - Online Discussion Question 3

Skim through your textbook and take a look at the various chapter. Which topics interest you the most and/or do you look forward to learning? and Why?

September 6 - Online Discussion Question 2

Post your Icebreaker question ideas here:

examples include - favorite color, coolest place you've ever been, favorite day of the week, etc.

September 6 - Online Discussion Question 1

Welcome to the Foundations in Personal Finance class web site!! I hope you all had a good first day of class :)

First item: send me an e-mail at sarahash2003@live.com so that way I have your e-mail address on file. Also include a hello and any questions from the material presented in class

You do not need to leave a comment on this post, just send me the e-mail :)