The purpose of this assignment is to provide a "hands on" experience to synthesize the personal finance concepts that you have learned throughout the semester by applying them to a "real life" individual or family. You'll also have an opportunity to work with fellow class members and "pick each other's brains" as you research your case and present the results of your analysis in both a paper and 15-minute class presentation.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Form a group of 4 or 5 by October 1. Notify the instructor of your group members by October 1.
2. Select a financial case from among the 20 case studies available on the class Web site. A variety of ages, situations, and financial challenges have been provided. Feel free to add additional assumptions to the case as long as they are realistic for the situation and described in your report.
3. Review the Financial Case Study Scoring Sheet to learn the criteria for grading this assignment.
4. Prepare a written team report of 3 to 4 pages (single-spaced, double between paragraphs) about the case study and the team's analysis and recommendations.
5. Deliver a 15-minute team group presentation about the case and the team's recommendations.
   

Your financial case analysis should include the following items, as appropriate:

• A discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the individual or family's financial situation
• Correction of any misinformation that the individual or family has about financial topics
• Comments about the individual or family's cash flow
• Comments about emotional issues related to the individual or family's financial situation
• Calculations of the savings required to reach financial goals
• 3 to 5 recommended action steps to improve the individual or family's financial situation
• Recommended financial products such as bank accounts, insurance policies, and mutual funds
• Available resources that can assist the individual or family to improve their finances
• Any other information that you feel is useful and germane to the case
• References for source materials used to analyze the case (feel free to use your textbooks, class notes, Web sites, financial publications, and other resources to assist in your analysis).

Financial Case Studies

1. Mary and Harry Reser
2. Roy Bemmer
3. Jean Kitching
4. Hope Forma
5. Dan and Sue Koogler
6. Peggy Janis
7. Greg and Cindy Hana
8. Jennifer Barry
9. Dale and Sally Gab
10. Sandra Hayhoe
11. Sue and Dan Shimo
12. Bob and Pina Ing
13. Joe and Pat Ise
14. Peggy Brie
15. John Berka
16. Frank and Mary Neiser
17. Bruce and Faith Johnston
18. Paul Turvey
19. Gary and Barbara Zabeck
20. Michelle Foxe

Instructor: Dr. Barbara O'Neill, CFP®, Extension Specialist in Financial Resource Management, Professor II, and author or co-author of four personal finance books
Office: Room 107, Cook College Office Building, 55 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-932-9155 x250
E-Mail: oneill@aesop.rutgers.edu
Web Page: www.rce.rutgers.edu/money2000 (Click on "Resources")