Course Description
An applied understanding of working in professional settings to help individuals from different backgrounds achieve personal financial goals. In semester-long service-learning projects of approximately 50 direct contact hours, students will either provide direct financial services or financial education, counseling, or coaching to low and moderate-income individuals.
Athena Title
Applied Financial Planning
Non-Traditional Format
Course includes a service-learning project during the semester that either employs skills or knowledge learned in the course or teaches new skills or knowledge related to course objectives. Students will be involved in the planning and implementation of the projects(s) and may spend time outside of the classroom. Students will be engaged in the service-learning component for approximately 50-75% of overall instructional time.
Pre or Corequisite
FHCE 4230 or FHCE 6230 or FHCE 6230E or ACCT 5400 or ACCT 5400H or ACCT 7400
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
-Learn how to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances on important and significant financial matters. -Update students on current tax law and compliance requirements associated with income tax preparation. -Learn how to prepare and file federal and state income tax returns using professional tax filing software. -Apply basic tax research skills to investigate and determine the proper treatment of tax related matters. -Increase communication and organization working skills through client interactions and team-based delivery approach. -Improve written communication skills through reporting and presenting on tax research of technical tax matters.
Topical Outline
-Overview of service-learning opportunities in financial planning and education. -Review of tax law – Recent legislative changes in individual taxation. -Introduction to tax preparation compliance issues. -Introduction to professional income tax preparation software. -Effective client and volunteer communication. -Financial planning opportunities for low and moderate income families. -Opportunities for financial education and effective education strategies. -Allied professions in providing necessary financial services, when and how to make appropriate referrals. -Financial issues faced by low and moderate-income families and strategies or alternatives available for dealing with those issues. -Researching client questions and issues. -Student reflection on the various service-learning projects.
Syllabus