Author Archives: ajkeown

Class Discussion: When do you think you’ll retire?

Posted on October 3, 2011 by ajkeown

It would great to retire at a young age, an age where you can still be active and look forward to a long, financially comfortable retirement. Although the standard age of retirement varies widely throughout the world, it generally falls … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 1, Financial Planning Process, Ch.16, Retirement Planning, Ch.18, Financial Life Events | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Class Discussion: How the Downturn in the Economy Has Changed American Lives

Posted on September 25, 2011 by ajkeown

Everyone has felt the impact of the recent downturn in the economy.  If you haven’t lost your job, you probably know someone who has or someone who is afraid they will.  In addition, your investment or your parents’ investments along … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 1, Financial Planning Process, Ch. 2, Measuring Financial Health and Making a Plan, Ch.18, Financial Life Events | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Student Exercise: A Closer Look at Credit Unions

Posted on September 25, 2011 by ajkeown

The Wall Street Journal recently carried an article titled “Credit Unions: a Cheaper Banking Option.”  This article deals with the fact that credit unions typically have lower rates on loans and often have better deals on savings and checking accounts … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 5, Cash Management, Ch. 8, Home and Auto | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Podcast Class Assignment: Understanding Operation Twist

Posted on September 25, 2011 by ajkeown

A lot has been happening lately in the economy.  Last week the Federal Reserve announced they were going to launch something called Operation Twist.  The Fed, worried about unemployment, is trying to lower long-term interest rates, hoping that this action … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 8, Home and Auto, Ch.11, Investment Basics, Ch.14, Investing in Bonds, Heads Up | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Teaching Tip: Explaining the Beginning of the Financial Crisis

Posted on September 11, 2011 by ajkeown

The financial crisis that began with the downfall of Bear Sterns in 2009, which led to the death of Lehman Brothers, which in turn led to the stock market crash followed by the recession is complicated to say the least … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch.12, Securities Markets, Ch.13, Investing In Stocks, Teaching Tips | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Student Exercise: A Look at Apparel Spending

Posted on September 11, 2011 by ajkeown

Do you ever wish you could quickly and easily see all of your financial information? As we discussed in Chapter 2, Mint.com does a great job of putting all of your balances and transactions together in one place providing you … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 2, Measuring Financial Health and Making a Plan, Personal Finance In The News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Personal Finance in the News: Health Care Law Being Challenged

Posted on August 23, 2011 by ajkeown

Since President Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act in March 2010, this act has stirred up a good deal of debate.  For example, in January 2011, almost immediately after the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 9, Life and Health Insurance, Teaching Tips | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Teaching Tip: The New Health Care Law

Posted on August 23, 2011 by ajkeown

If you’re using the 5th edition of Personal Finance, Turning Money into Wealth, there has been a significant change in the law since the book was published – the passage of the Affordable Care Act.  One easy way to bring … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 9, Life and Health Insurance, Teaching Tips | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Mortgage Rates Drop and Refinancing Jumps

Posted on August 16, 2011 by ajkeown

As the stock market bounced up and down, the rates on new home mortgages fell.  According to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as Freddie Mac, last week 15-year fixed rate mortgages (15-yr FRM) fell to 3.50%, which is … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 8, Home and Auto, Personal Finance In The News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How Long Do You Think You’ll Work?

Posted on August 13, 2011 by ajkeown

In the SmartMoney.com blog, Encore, there is an August 10th, 2011 article about retirement by Alicia Munnell, the director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.  The article titled “8 Reasons Older People Are Working Longer” examines the … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch.16, Retirement Planning, Personal Finance In The News | Tagged , | Leave a comment