SSC 132 Planning for the Beach? – Saving, Investing, and Risk Protection

In this course, students calculate the amount of savings needed to maintain a desired lifestyle in the future. Topics include the power of compounding, the selection of investments based on their own risk/reward preferences, and the calculation of savings to reach a financial plan.

Credits

1

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: None

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

SSC 132 Planning for the Beach? – Saving, Investing, and Risk Protection

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Wilmington

Effective Date

202351

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: None

Course Credits and Hours

1 credit(s)

1 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

In this course, students calculate the amount of savings needed to maintain a desired lifestyle in the future. Topics include the power of compounding, the selection of investments based on their own risk/reward preferences, and the calculation of savings to reach a financial plan.

Additional Materials

NA

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

NA

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Calculate the amount of savings needed to maintain a desired lifestyle in the future. (CCC 2)
  2. Differentiate among retirement savings options. (CCC 1, 2, 5)
  3. Describe various investment vehicles available within the savings options. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6)
  4. Develop a plan to achieve future goals. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6)
  5. Assess need for risk management vehicles (insurance). (CCC 2, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Calculate the amount of savings needed to maintain a desired lifestyle in the future.
    1. Determine future expenses based on anticipated life events.
    2. Discuss time value of money, and perform calculations.
    3. Discuss the impact of different retirement dates.
  2. Differentiate among retirement savings options.
    1. Explain government sources of income such as Social Security.
    2. Explain and differentiate between employer based sources such as 401(k) and pensions (defined contribution versus defined benefit).
    3. Discuss individual options to include individual retirement account (IRA), Roth IRA, and annuities.
    4. Determine the impact of taxes on savings strategies.
    5. Calculate the impact of interest rates and inflation on savings.
  3. Describe various investment vehicles available within the savings options.
    1. Explain the difference between the major types of investments like stocks, bonds, and bank savings.
    2. Discuss the difference among mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and hedge funds.
    3. Discuss fees and investment strategies associated with each investment type.
    4. Predict individual risk tolerance and its relationship to investment return.
    5. Discuss the impact of emotions on trading and investing.
  4. Develop a plan to achieve future goals.
    1. Calculate the amount needed to save today based on risk tolerance and associated return.
    2. Determine how savings needs fit with near term and future budgets developed in a financial plan.
    3. Discuss flexibility within near term and future budgets.
  5. Assess need for risk management vehicles (insurance).
    1. Describe different insurance options and requirements, including life, renters, umbrella, and health.
    2. Assess the need for insurance and its impact on budget and savings plans.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

2 Exams (Equally weighted) (Summative Assessment)

60%

Formative (Discussion boards, participation, misc. assignments)

20%

Final Project (Summative Assessment)

 

20%

TOTAL

100%

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.