Personal Finance Gets Reality Check
Personal Finance students had the opportunity this semester to gain essential information regarding banking, budgeting, credit, insurance, identity theft, and housing. Several speakers and tour opportunities were held throughout the past semester thanks to businesses and individuals in the surrounding community. “I believe these topics are very important for seniors as the knowledge gained will empower them to make wise and informed decisions regarding their personal finances as they become independent in the next few months,” state instructor Ronita Jacobsen.
Plainview’s Midwest Bank and Madison County Bank provided tours and information regarding banking in general along with specifics regarding their own depository institutions. Brian Ickler, Madison County Bank, spoke to the class on a separate day regarding credit. He focused his presentation on the 3 C’s of credit and the importance of obtaining and maintaining good credit. Leigh Alexander spoke to the class on HUD (The United States Housing and Urban Development Agency). She focused her presentation on Fair Housing and Equal Opportunities. Wade Pitzer from Pitzer Enterprises LLC also spoke to the class on renting. His presentation focused reading and understanding the rental application and agreement. The class concluded with a final tour and presentation from Lois Moser, Town and Country Insurance Agency, on the topic of insurance. She spoke to the class on the different types of insurance available and then focused mainly on auto and homeowner/rental insurance.
“I have learned so much about life skills that will be needed after I graduate. Mrs. Jacobsen was open to answering questions about anything and also putting things in laymen terms so that we could understand it better.” –Morgan Hampton
“Most important thing in life is to read the fine print that you usually can’t see. –McKenzie Brozek
Students in the class were seniors James Burger, Peter Gubbels, Heidi Nelson, Natalie Lingenfelter, McKenzie Brozek, Morgan Hampton, Ashley Shaffer, and Damaris Neff.