BFIN 210 Personal Finance

The goal of this course is to develop financial literacy and empower students to make wise financial decisions. The course provides an understanding of the basics of investing in the stock and bond markets, tax planning and tax form preparation, personal budgeting and credit card debt, student loans, and how to build and maintain a credit score. Decisions about what types and amounts of insurance to buy, and tax and estate planning are also examined. As instructional methods, the course uses a combination of textbook and outside readings, lectures by the instructor and other financial planning practitioners, case studies, and spreadsheet exercises. Open to all University at Albany students. Does not yield credit in the majors or minor in the School of Business.