Textbook Information
- Gitman et al., Title – Personal Financial Planning: Cases and Application. 12th edition. ISBN: 9781078829083 (Print); 9781078829090 (eBook)
- Dalton, Title – Personal Financial Planning Theory and Practice textbook.12th edition. eBook ISBN: 9781078829069 (Print); 9781078829076 (eBook).
Published Remarks
- None
Hardware Requirements
- Recommended to have Texas Instruments BA II Plus Calculator
Software Requirements
- None
Proctored Exams
- None
Course Description
Critical thinking and decision-making about personal financial planning topics in the context of the financial planning process. FIN 491 Financial Planning Capstone (3) This capstone course is designed to reinforce and extend the principles from each of its prerequisite courses. The CFP Board of Directors are requiring the addition of this financial plan course as a requirement to CFP Board's educational standards to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals seeking to attain the CFP certification to deliver professional and competent financial planning services to the public. This course will engage the student in critical thinking and decision-making about personal financial planning topics in the context of the financial planning process. The purpose of this course is to both refine and develop the skills needed to become successful financial planners when working with individuals, families, and business owners in helping them to meet their financial needs and goals. This course will address the important financial planning topics listed in the previous section.
Prerequisite: FIN330 Personal Financial Planning, ACCTG405 or ACCTG310 Federal Income Taxation, FIN420 Introduction to Investments, FIN430 Estate Planning and FIN450 Retirement Planning
This capstone course is designed to reinforce and extend the principles from each of its prerequisite courses. The CFP Board of Directors are requiring the addition of this financial plan course as a requirement to CFP Board’s educational standards to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals seeking to attain the CFP® certification to deliver professional and competent financial planning services to the public. This course will engage the student in critical thinking and decision-making about personal financial planning topics in the context of the financial planning process. The purpose of this course is to both refine and develop the skills needed to become successful financial planners when working with individuals, families, and business owners in helping them to meet their financial needs and goals.
Course Structure
The course is segmented into nine modules, which contain a series of lessons. The course schedule will outline the due dates for activities and assignments in each of the modules. It is very important for you to follow the course schedule. The syllabus contains all the pertinent information about the course, but the following are critical elements to your success in the course. Each lesson outlines the objectives you should be focused as you work through the material, and I have created online notes and resources which should help you meet the learning objectives. Case studies and presentations will help you evaluate your understanding of the material. Since this is the capstone course, we will be reviewing and building upon key concepts from prior courses. You may find your textbooks and notes from those courses valuable as you work through the assignments for this course. You will also be responsible for completing a Comprehensive Financial Plan, which you will also present to the clients from the final case study.
Assignments
| Assignments Breakdown | Points |
|---|---|
| CFP Board Information | 50 |
| Case Studies (90 points each) | 450 |
| VoiceThread Presentations (50 points x3, 50 point peer review) | 200 |
| Financial Software Assignment | 75 |
| Final Case Study Financial Plan | 150 |
| Final Case Study Presentation | 75 |
| Total | 1000 |
Case Studies: There are a total of five case studies throughout the course. The purpose of these case studies is to test your understanding of the subject matter. You are allowed to use any resources you have (ie. textbooks or notes from previous classes), except for other humans, to answer the assigned questions. VoiceThread Presentations: There are three VoiceThread Presentations throughout the course which are designed to prepare you for the final case study presentation. The first requires you to introduce yourself to the class. The second VoiceThread is based on the Peyton Case (Case 7), and asks that you present an investment plan to the clients from the case. In addition to posting this VoiceThread in the assigned discussion forum, you will also be required to offer feedback and suggestions for improvements to at least two peers. The third presentation is based on the Williams Case (Case 9) and asks for a retirement plan for the clients. This presentation will be submitted to a drop box for the instructor to review, but will not be viewed by your peers. Each of these mini presentations should be approximately 2-3 minutes in length. Be sure to use a webcam and audio so that its as though you are actually presenting to clients. These VoiceThread assignment grades will be based on 1) your confidence, 2) professional appearance and 3) time restraints. Final Case Study Financial Plan: Toward the end of the term, your instructor will assign a case study for which you will develop a comprehensive financial plan. The purpose of this assignment is for you to show what you have learned throughout the program and how you are able to apply this knowledge to real world situations. In addition to submitting the financial plan, students will also be required to submit a VoiceThread presentation demonstrating how you would present the plan to a real client. Again, this VoiceThread assignment grade will be based on 1) your confidence, 2) professional appearance and 3) time restraints.
Grades
Letter grades will be based on the following scale:
| A = 93% | B- = 80% |
| A- = 90% | C+ = 77.5% |
| B+ = 87.5% | C = 70% |
| B = 82.5% | D = 60% |
| F = < 60% |
Note: A grade of C or higher is required to pass the course. Grades are EARNED not given. Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies. If you are prevented from completing this course for reasons beyond your control, you have the option of requesting a deferred grade from your instructor. For more information, please see “Deferred Grades” on the Student Policies website.
Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the content found within the Financial Planning curriculum and effectively apply and integrate this information in the formulation of a financial plan.
- Effectively communicate the financial plan, both orally and in writing, including information based on research, peer, colleague or simulated client interaction and/or results emanating from synthesis of material.
- Collect all necessary and relevant qualitative and quantitative information required to develop a financial plan.
- Analyze personal financial situations, evaluating clients’ objectives, needs, and values to develop an appropriate strategy within the financial plan.
- Demonstrate logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to a specific problem.
- Evaluate the impact of economic, political, and regulatory issues with regard to the financial plan.
- Apply the CFP Board Financial Planning Practice Standards to the financial planning process.