ECONOMICS – MR. VACANTI

Course Objective:

                * To teach the basics of personal finance.

                * Students will learn how to save money, avoid scams and become wealthy.

                * This course is a College Style course – with strict deadlines and lots of lecture notes.

                * Each student will be set up with a FREE Checking or Savings Account (if you do not already have one).

Chapter Topics

                1) Stocks & Bonds

                                * Students learn in detail how the stock market works.

                2) Retirement Savings

                                * Students learn how to save for retirement with IRA’s 401(k)’s and Mutual Funds.

                3) Credit

                                * Students learn how to establish good credit and stay out of credit card debt.

                4) Insurance

                                * Students learn the basics about: Auto, Home, Renters and  Life Insurances.

                5) Home & Auto Purchasing

                                * Students learn how to negotiate the lowest prices on houses and cars.

                6) Taxes

                                * Students learn about income taxes and how to file your taxes for free.

POLICIES

Homework & Classwork

                * Students are given a Homework-Package for each chapter.

                * The package is due on the day of the chapter test – in the beginning of class (not by the end of the day).

                * NO LATE HOMEWORK IS ACCEPTED – you will get an automatic 0% on all late assignments.

                * If you are absent on the due date of any homework assignment – it will still be an automatic 0% grade reduction.

                * Classwork can only be completed in class.  

                * If you are not in class – you will receive an automatic 0% on all classwork assignments.

Tests

                * There are 10 total tests (5 in each quarter).

                * If you miss a test you will receive an automatic 0% - no excuses – no make-ups!

Attendance Bonus (on top of your quarter average)

                0 absences            = 10 points on your quarter average                                                               

                1-5 absences         = 5 points on your quarter average

Behavior

                * You are seniors about to graduate – I will treat you like adults not babies – therefore you are expected to act like adults.

Grading                Tests                       =              50%       

                                Homework            =              25%       

                                Classwork             =              25%

Supplies

* 3 or 5 Subject Spiral Notebook (College Ruled).

                * No 3 ring binders or any other notebooks will be accepted!

                * Get a new notebook – do not just use the rest of an old notebook.

                * This notebook must be for ECONOMICS ONLY – do not use it for other subjects too.

                * If you do not have a spiral notebook you will get a 0% on all notebook grades.

* Ink Pen

                * I do not give out pens to students – that is your responsibility.

            * I do sell pens for $.25 (all funds are donated to the Buffalo City Mission).

I hereby agree to all terms and conditions stated in this course outline and accept all responsibilities for my actions.

Print Name:_______________________________  Signature:________________________________

Date:______________________