ECON 1505 - Personal Financial Literacy
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 04, CRN 43166,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Sarah Jenyk
Email: sejenyk@ysu.edu
Course Description
1505. Personal Financial Literacy. An introduction to personal financial planning. Topics covered include budgeting, the use of credit, taxes, savings accounts, investment strategies, insurance, buying a home, career planning, and retirement planning. Students will gain the knowledge and resources to be better prepared for their financial future. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | Personal Finance | Rachel Siegel |
Online Open-Resource Textbook accessed here.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 4 |
Module 1: Money Matters: Planning, Basics, and Smart Choices | Due before midnight EST on Sunday, August 30th: Chapter 1 Podcast, Chapter 2 Podcast, Chapter 4 Podcast, Chapter 1 Discussion, Chapter 2 Discussion, Chapter 4 Discussion, Module 1: Assignment - Spending Analysis, Module 1: Assignment - Emergency Fund Exercise |
| 8/31 | Chapter 5 Chapter 6 |
Module 2: Understanding Budgets & Taxes | Due before midnight EST on Sunday, September 6th: Chapter 5 Podcast, Chapter 6 Podcast, Chapter 5 Discussion, Chapter 6 Discussion, Module 2: Assignment - Budget Worksheet, Module 2: Assignment - Tax Exercise, Module 2: Exam - Exam 1: Chapters 1,2,4,5 |
| 9/7 | Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 |
Module 3: Smart Saving, Spending, and Big Purchases | Due before midnight on Sunday, September 13th: Chapter 7 Podcast, Chapter 8 Podcast, Chapter 9 Podcast, Chapter 7 Discussion, Chapter 8 Discussion, Chapter 9 Discussion, Module 3: Assignment - Choosing a Bank, Module 3: Assignment - Buying a Car, Module 3: Assignment - Buying a Home |
| 9/14 | Chapter 10 Chapter 11 |
Module 4: Protecting Your Present, Planning Your Future: A Guide to Insurance and Retirement | Due before midnight EST Sunday, September 20th: Chapter 10 Podcast, Chapter 11 Podcast, Chapter 10 Discussion, Chapter 11 Discussion, Module 4: Assignment - Retirement Planning Calculator, Exam 2: Chapters 6-9 |
| 9/21 | Chapter 12 Chapter 13 |
Module 5: Investing Smarter: Risk, Rewards, and Real-World Decisions | Due before midnight EST Sunday, September 27: Chapter 12 Podcast, Chapter 13 Podcast, Chapter 12 Discussion, Chapter 13 Discussion, Module 5: Assignment - Stock Market Challenge: Setup & Trade!, Module 5: Assignment - Crisis of Credit Video Case Questions, Exam 3: Chapters 10-13 |
| 9/28 | Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 |
Module 6: Markets, Myths, and Money Moves: Understanding Stocks, Bonds, and Smart Investing | Due before midnight Sunday, October 4: Chapter 15 Podcast, Chapter 16 Podcast, Chapter 17 Podcast, Chapter 15 Discussion, Chapter 16 Discussion, Chapter 17 Discussion, Module 6: Assignment - Stock Market Challenge: Update |
| 10/5 | Chapter 18 | Module 7: From Resume to Reality: Navigating Today's Job Market | Due before midnight on Sunday, October 11: Chapter 18 Podcast, Chapter 18 Discussion, Module 7: Assignment - Resume and Cover Letter, Exam 4: Chapters 15-18 |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.