University of Technology SydneyHandbook 2008

25792 Introduction to Personal Financial Advising

Faculty of Business: Finance and Economics
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Postgraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject introduces the process of developing and implementing a range of personal financial plans designed to meet the specific needs of a range of personal investors within a contemporary social, economic, legal and regulatory context.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Understand the financial planning process, the environment within which this process operates in Australia and the contemporary issues encountered by the process
  2. Apply the principal financial planning tools
  3. Understand the elements and processes involved in the development of effective financial planning strategies.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject is designed to provide an advanced level of understanding for those interested in the personal financial planning process. It builds upon training in previous courses to enable students to understand the analytical processes utilised in the specification and implementation of a personal financial plan to suit the needs of a diverse range of interests within the ongoing reforms underway in the Australian financial services sector.

In addition, it provides students with the knowledge to manage a diverse range of personal investment interests, including the establishment and implementation of performance measures against which the subsequent plan may be measured.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is presented in a combined lecture/ workshop format, utilising a series of interlinked case studies drawn from a case study matrix via which the principal financial planning opportunities and issues are analysed.

Content

  • The financial planning process and financial planning skills
  • Taxation planning
  • Direct investments
  • Managed Investment Schemes (MIS)
  • Investment analysis
  • Risk management and insurance
  • Consumer credit
  • Leveraged investments
  • Superannuation
  • Social security
  • Estate planning.

Assessment

Class Test (Individual)25%
The class test is designed to assess students' understanding of the theories and concepts to demonstrate that students have met objective 1.
Assignment and Case Study (Group)25%
This will assess students' understanding of the concepts of personal financial advising in a practical case study. This assignment will allow students to demonstrate that they have met objectives 1 and 2.
Final Exam (Individual)50%
This exam will test students' understanding of the theory and their ability to apply the theory. This will enable students to demonstrate that they have met objectives 1, 2 and 3.

Indicative references

Beal, D. and McKeown, W., (2000) Personal Finance, Wiley, Brisbane

Hogan, P. and Shirlow, D., (2001) 2000/2001 Australian Master Financial Planning Guide, CCH Australia, North Ryde.