Financial Planning & Wealth Management

Theories of the determination of the level of national economic activity: output, income, employment, and its relationship to economic growth, stability, and the price level. Particular emphasis on the components of aggregate demand and aggregate supply. Prerequisite: EC 201, EC 202; MT 130, MT 133 and MT 134, or MT 135; or permission of chair.

Prerequisite: FN 312 (minimum grade of C), MT 130 (minimum grade of C). Principles in the selection and management of investments, from the viewpoints of large and small investors.

An introductory course concerning the process and principles of financial planning. The course of study includes an examination of the financial planning process, client interactions, financial statements, cash flow and debt management, time value of money, housing, education planning, overview of risk management, investments planning, retirement plans, and ethics.Prerequisite: FN 312 (min grade C).

A detailed study of specific provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that relate to taxation of individuals and tax planning concepts in business and individual transactions. This course also examines the alternative minimum tax (AMT), tax management strategies, taxation of real property transactions, passive and at-risk rules, as well as charitable contributions in the context of personal financial planning. Prerequisite or corequisite: PFP 301.

This course provides students with a strong and rigorous foundation in retirement planning and employee benefits. In particular, the course offers students an overview of the retirement planning process, knowledge of retirement plans (both public and private plans), and tools and strategies used by financial professionals to help individuals, families, and companies choose and implement effective retirement planning strategies. Prerequisites or corequisites: PFP 301 and PFP 371.

The course provides an overview of gift, estate, and generation skipping transfer taxation, including financial and estate planning applications. Topics include trusts, wills, probate, advanced directives, charitable giving, wealth transfers, and related taxes. Prerequisites or corequisites: PFP 301 and PFP 371.

This course serves as a capstone experience for students of financial planning. Emphasis is on the application of financial planning knowledge and development of a complete financial plan. Prerequisites: PFP 301 and PFP 371. Prerequisites or corequisites: PFP 372, PFP 373, and PFP 374.

Prerequisites: minimum grade of C in FN 312 and/or as announced. Contemporary issues in finance not covered in depth in other departmental courses. Topics, method of presentation, and requirements designated by the seminar leader.

Introduction to real estate with a focus on financial aspects; theory and measurement of returns and risks on real estate and real estate-related assets; valuation theory for owner-occupied and income-producing properties. Prerequisite: FN 312 (minimum grade of C).

Tools and techniques necessary to understand the financial management of the firm in an international environment. Exchange rate determination, risk analysis, transactions denominated in foreign currency, nontraditional trading practices, and the unique problems faced by multinational firms. Exchange rate risk in foreign securities investments. Prerequisite: FN 312 (minimum grade of C).

Focuses on the management of business risks whose outcomes are subject to some degree of direct control (e.g., fire damage that may be preventable), as compared to risks whose outcomes are a result of changing market forces. Prerequisite: FN 312 (minimum grade of C).

Introduction to analytical and decision-making processes used to transfer risk with futures and options. Theory and application of pricing, speculating, and hedging techniques in financial markets. Prerequisite: FN 312 (minimum grade of C).

Focuses on the Dornam Fund, a student-managed investment portfolio. Provides theory and experience in professional money management; identification of investment objectives, information assessment for security selection, and evaluation of fund performance. Prerequisite: FN 342; permission of instructor.

Research project supervised by a member of the department willing to act as advisor. The student selects an aspect of finance, establishes goals, and develops a plan of study that must be approved by the chair and filed with the dean’s office. Consult the chair for department guidelines established for such study. Prerequisite: Finance major with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0; permission of chair or instructor.