The Personal Budget Project: A practical introduction to financial literacy

• We provide a teaching case that introduces students to personal financial literacy.
• Students research a starting salary then calculate payroll taxes and income taxes.
• Students explore various types of debt, payment schedules, and interest charges.
• Students budget for savings, transportation, housing, and debt repayment.
• Students learn time value of money concepts and the importance of saving.

Think a moment about your dream job. Do you know the beginning salary you are likely to make? Are you aware that your take-home pay is going to be only 60 to 75% of that amount? Have you given any thought as to how you might wisely allocate those after-tax dollars to provide for basic needs so that you will also have money to cover “wants” as well? The purpose of the Personal Budget Project is to give you an opportunity to envision your financial future and to understand and practice some important personal financial skills such as estimating income tax, preparing a budget, learning about debt, and recognizing the importance of beginning a savings program as soon as possible. In working through the project, you will discover foundational truths about personal finances that can help to foster sound decision-making as you become responsible for your own financial future. Hopefully your conclusion will echo that of others who have remarked that the Personal Budget Project is one of the most beneficial assignments they have completed throughout their college experience.