1. Random Personal Financial Literacy Topics

2. Online shopping 1.Shopping on the Internet has become very popular. a.Easy b.Just need a credit card 2.Benefits to shopping online a.Price: items may be less expensive b.Convenience: can shop from home and at the best time for you c.Wide choice: you can compare websites.

3. Online shopping 3.Be careful, and avoid these pitfalls a.Never email a credit card number. b.Make sure you are using a secure site c.Keep good records. d.Check statement to make sure there are no irregularities. e.Check the companies shipping charges, return policy, refund and warranty policies.

4. College Costs: Planning Ahead 1.Education and financial security go hand in hand. Surveys show that the level of your education will determine how much money you can make. 2.So how do we plan for college and for college costs? a.Scholarships and financial aid are available, but we must also save money in order to plan for college. Some suggestions on how to do that: 1)Create a budget. Control the spending you can control. 2)Get a job, you can work part-time and go to school full time or vice versa. 3)Maximize your college experience by graduating in less than 4 years. 4)Set a goal for saving money. 5)Apply for financial aid. You may receive a grant, student loans or a work-study.

6. Protect yourself against Identity Theft 1.What are Identity thieves after? a.Social security number b.Driver’s license c.Account numbers 2.The threat of identity theft can come from different places: Computers use, stealing your wallet, looking through your trash, overhearing information, email scam, and stealing credit card numbers.

7. Protect yourself against Identity Theft 3.Tips for preventing Identity theft: a.Protect your Social Security Number b.Take credit cards receipts with you. Never just leave them in a trash can c.Do not give out personal information on the phone, email, through regular mail or the internet. d.Only carry the cards you need when you go out. e.Shred documents that have account information on them like statements, etc.

8. Beware of Interest: It can work for you or against you! 1.For you: when you deposit money in a savings account, a CD or other type of savings account you earn interest on the money you deposit. 2.Against you: When you take out a loan, credit card, mortgage, etc, you will pay interest on the money you borrow. Be careful when you borrow money. Pay attention to the interest rate. You always want a low interest rate: 10% interest = to high, 5% interest = better, 3% interest = even better. You should also pay attention to the type of interest rate: simple or compound. a.Simple Interest is figured on only the principal, or original deposit, but not on the interest earned. b.Compound interest is paid on the principal, plus any interest that has been earned 3.Most credit cards and loans are based on compound interest.

9. Assignment Choose your top three choices of college or University that you would like to attend (shoot for the moon). Compare the tuition and housing costs of each college. Draw a chart like the one below to help you compare and then answer the following questions: 1.Which college would you choose and why? 2.Create a plan to help you pay for college (need at least 3 ways) College 1College 2College 3 Type of College (public or Private) Size of School (pop.) Tuition costs Housing and other fees