THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

College of Human Environmental Sciences

Department of Consumer Sciences

Spring 2007

CSM 460/560 Advanced Personal Financial Planning and Counseling Techniques

Instructor: Mrs. Jan Brakefield, M.S., CFP, Assistant Professor Office: 214 Adams Hall

Phone: 348-8722 E-mail: jbrakefi@ches.ua.edu Office hours: M/W 8 – 10 am

R 2 – 4 pm

Course Description:

A systems approach to financial management for individuals and families from the perspective of planner/counselor. Emphasis on identification of client goals and development of appropriate strategies for meeting client goals. Focus on mastery of various calculations and analytical techniques.

Course Material:

Israelsen and Weagley, "Personal and Family Finance Workbook," (4th ed.) Kendall/Hunt

Altfest, “Personal Financial Planning”, new edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin

Equipment: Financial calculator with time value of money functions

Objectives: Students in CSM 460/560 will

1. understand and apply principles of effective communication and ethical conduct

as proscribed in the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Financial Planning Standards, and Standards of Professional Conduct.

2. develop a systematic means of obtaining relevant information from a client.

3. develop a financial plan for a client and adjust the plan as needed to reflect changes in client’s financial condition.

4. develop proficiency in the various calculations necessary for successful analysis and monitoring of client’s financial situation.

5. utilize computer-based financial management program.

Course Requirements: CSM 460 CSM 560

Workbook exercises 200 200

Case Studies 200 200

Grad student Case Presentation 100*

Total 400 Points 500 Points

*Graduate students will design and present a PowerPoint presentation demonstrating the financial planning techniques used in designing a financial plan for a “mock” client.

Attendance Policy:

Class attendance is expected. You are responsible for all material covered in class. More than three absences will result in the loss of one letter grade.

Policy on Academic Misconduct:

All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic misconduct. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information, and abetting any of the above. The Code of Academic Conduct and Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Procedures will be followed in the event that academic misconduct occurs. Students should refer to the Student Affairs Handbook which can be obtained from the Student Life Office in Ferguson Center.

Policy on Disability Accommodations:

The University of Alabama is committed to providing persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all programs and services offered. It is the responsibility of persons with disabilities to seek assistance. If you need special assistance, please contact the Office of Disability Services , 348-4285, or Dr. Olivia Kendrick, 348-6150.

Weekly Schedule

Jan 16 Course Expectations and Theoretical Framework

Jan 23 Chapter 1 – Altfest, CFP License Requirements, and Professional Ethical Behavior

Jan 30 Chapter 2 – Altfest, Section 1 – Israelsen, Time Value of Money Calculations

Feb 6 Chapters 4, 6 – Altfest, Section 2,3 – Israelsen, Cash Flow Planning

Feb 13 Chapter 7 – Altfest, Section 4 – Isrealsen, Debt

Feb 20 Chapter 9 – Altfest, Section 8 – Israelsen, Investments

Feb 27 Investments continued

Mar 6 Investments continued

Mar 13 Spring Break

Mar 20 Chapter 7 – Altfest, Section 7- Israelsen, Housing

Mar 27 Chapter 14 – Altfest, Section 5 – Israelsen, Income Tax Planning

Apr 3 Chapter 12 – Altfest, Section 9 – Israelsen, Retirement Planning

Apr 10 Chapter 15 – Altfest, Section 9 – Israelsen, Estate Planning

Apr 17 Chapter 10 – Altfest, Section 6 – Israelsen, Risk Management

Apr 24 Risk Management continued

May 1 Grad student presentations

No final exam