BUS 215

BUS 215 WEEK 5 DISCUSSION 2, ESTATE PLANNING What is estate planning and why do I need it (or not)? What elements are contained in an estate plan? Do I need an attorney tohelp me prepare an estate plan? What is a trust and how is it used? Can I use life insurance tohelp me fund a trust? Do I need a will? What could happen tomy estate if I die without a will? Why is it that so few people do estate planning? Post tothe discussion board your 200 word answer tothese questions. Respond toat leas...

BUS 215 WEEK 5 DISCUSSION 1, REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS Despite the crash of 2008 and 2009, real estate remains a solid investment over time. Why might this be the case? What is it about realestate that makes it a good investment? What kinds of real estate investment vehicles exist, and what are the characteristics of those vehicles? How do you, or could you, use real estate in your portfolio? Your 200 word answer should focus on selecting the most relevant factors and the investment potential...

BUS 215 Week 4 Discussion 2, Debt Reduction You read in Chapter 13 that it is vital toreduce your credit card balances and other consumer credit before beginning an investment program. You also need tostart an emergency fund incase of immediate need. Why do financial advisers make such recommendations? Why should you reduce spending on credit before investing? Why shouldn't you carry large consumer debt and invest at the same time?

BUS 215 Week 4 Discussion 1, Financial Planning Case Read the Financial Planning Case at the end of Chapter 13, “First Budget, Then Invest for Success!” Answer the three questions listed below. Post your position in the discussion board in at least 200 words. Respond toat least two of your classmates’ postings. How would yourate the financial status of the Garners before the air conditioner broke down? I would rate the financ...

BUS 215 Week 3 Discussion 2, Life Insurance Life insurance can be used to hedge against future risk of financial loss to others (beneficiaries) due to your (policy holder’s) death. But do youneed life insurance, and if youdo, how much do youneed? Read Chapter 12 and use the methods defined (“The Easy Method,” The DINK Method,” “The Non-Working Spouse Method,” and/or “The Family Need Method) as appropriate to conduct your assessment. Determine whether youneed life insurance. Th...

BUS 215 Week 3 Discussion 1, Renting vs. Buying Consider whether renting or buying a home is the best approach to achieving your long-term financial goals. Use the text concepts, tools, and various data (housing rental costs, home sale prices, mortgage rates, etc.) available to youin your geographic area, and your current and future financial condition to analyze your rent or purchase potential. Suggested websites include A: Apartment Living/Rental and Texas Apartment Association. Remember to...

BUS 215 Week 2 Discussion 2, Credit Cards Choose one of the following organizations and visit its website: Credit Network - provides information on credit card rates Federal Trade Commission - provides information on how to regain financial health, uses and misuses of credit cards and many other related topics Then prepare a report that summarizes the information the organization provides. How could this information help youto choose your credit card? Post to the discussion board your 200 ...

BUS 215 Week 2 Discussion 1, Long term Financial Health Investigate at least five different savings and investment vehicles, including savings deposit accounts, mutual funds, IRAs, 401ks, 403bs, etc. Determine the costs, return on investment, risks, and appropriateness for you. Discuss in this forum what youlearned and how youcan use this knowledge to increase your personal wealth. Post a 200 word response to the discussion board. Your answer should focus on organizing your most relevant co...

BUS 215 Week 1 Discussion 2, Tax Planning Tax Planning Read David J. Marotta’s article, “Seven Tax-Planning Strategies to Dodge the Tax Bullet.” Based on the information presented in the article, discuss the following: What is tax planning? Tax planning can help in reducing the taxes you pay and help you achieve financial goals. It can be done by using all your available allowances, deductions, exclusions, exemptions to reduce income and/or capital gains. ...

BUS 215 Week 1 Discussion 1, Economic Influences Visit Wall Street Journal and other similar sites as may be appropriate. Read at least two articles about current state of economy and consider how economy may be influencing your life. What significant economic issue has most impact on you? Has a similar economic condition happened in past? What is likelihood it could happen again? What should you do to prepare for next period of economic challenge? Post to discussion board your 200 word answe...