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Module-07-Financial-Literacy
Module-07-Financial-Literacy
Module-07-Financial-Literacy
Concept exploration
In some instances, teachers are confronted with issues and concerns on financial
debt, being victimized by fraud and other related scams, both personal and electronic
ways. More so, some teachers are drowned by emergent financial needs and unexpected
debt, especially in difficult times, sickness and inevitable circumstances and calamities.
Others do not prepare for their retirement that they usually end up highly frustrated. This
is the reason why financial literacy has been a subject in many faculty development
programs, seminary and even becomes a topic for researches, while many schools have
integrated it in the curriculum.
Financial education aims to make individuals better prepared at managing their money,
reaching their financial goals and avoiding stress related to financial problems, thus
ultimately improving their financial well-being. Financial education policy is widely
recognized as a core component of the financial empowerment and resilience of
individuals, as well as contributing to the overall stability of the financial system
Financial knowledge Financial knowledge is an important component of financial literacy
for individuals to help them compare financial products and services and make
appropriate, well-informed financial decisions. A basic knowledge of financial concepts
and the ability to apply numeracy skills in a financial context, ensures that consumers can
navigate with greater confidence financial matters and react to news and events that may
have implications for their financial well-being.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is a core life skill in an increasingly complex world where people need
to take change of their own finances, budget, financial choices, managing risks, saving,
credit, and financial transactions.
Poor financial decisions can have a long-lasting impact on individuals, their families and
the society caused by lack of financial literacy. Low levels of financial literacy are
associated with lower standards of living, decreased psychological and physical wellbeing
and greater reliance on government support. However, when put into correct practice,
financial literacy can strengthen savings behavior, eliminate maxed-out credit cards and
enhance timely debt.
Financial literacy is the ability to make informed judgements and make effective decisions
regarding the use and management of money. Hence, teaching financial literacy yields
better financial managements skills.
Financial Plan
Teachers need to have a deeper understanding and capacity to formulate their
own financial plan. It is wise to consider starting to plan the moment they hand in their first
salary, including the incentives, bonuses and extra remunerations that they receive.
Kagan (2019) defines a financial plan as a comprehensive statement of an individual’s
long-term objectives for security and well-being and detailed savings and investing
strategy for achieving the objectives. It begins with a thorough evaluation of the
individual’s current financial state and future expectations.
The following are steps in creating a financial plan.
1. Calculating net worth. Net worth is the amount by which assets exceed liabilities.
In doing so, consider (1) assets that entail one’s cash, property, investments,
savings, jewelry and wealth; and (2) liabilities that include credit card debt, loans
and mortgage. Formula: total assets-minus total liabilities=current net worth.
2. Determining cash flow. A financial plan is knowing where money goes every
month. Documenting it will help to see how much is needed every month for
necessities, and the amount for savings and investment.
3. Considering the priorities. The core of a financial plan is the person’s clearly
defined goals that may include: (1) Retirement strategy for accumulating
retirement income; (2) Comprehensive risk management plan including a review
of life disability insurance, personal liability coverage, property and casualty
coverage, and catastrophic coverage; (3) Long-term investment plan based on
specific investment objectives and a personal risk tolerance profile; and (4) Tax
reduction strategy for minimizing taxes on personal income allowed by tax code.
C. Liquidity needs. Liquidity refers to how quickly an investment can be converted into cash
converted into cash (or the equivalent of cash). The liquidity needs usually affect the type
of chosen investment to meet the goals.
D. Investment goals: Growth, Income and Stability. Once determined the financial goals and
how time horizon, risk tolerance and liquidity needs affect them, it is time to think about
how investments may help achieve those goals. When considering any investment, think
about what it offers in terms of three key investment goals: (1) Growth (also known as
capital appreciation) is an increase in the value of an investment; (2) Income, of which
some investments make periodic payments of interest or dividends that represent
investment income and can be spent or reinvested; and (3) Stability, or know as capital
preservation or protection of principal.
An investment that focuses on stability concentrates less on increasing the value of investment
and more on trying to ensure that it never loses value and can be taken when needed.
1. Estimate the cost of each goal and find out how much it costs. Before assigning
priority to goals, it is important to determine the cost of each goal. The greater the
cost of a goal, the more alternative goals must be sacrificed in order to achieve it.
2. Project the future cost. For short-term goals, inflation is not a big factor, but for
medium and long-term goals, it is a big factor. To calculate the future cost of the
goals, there is a need to determine the rate of inflation applied to each particular
goal.
3. Calculate how much you need to set aside each period. Upon knowing the future
cost of the goals, next is to determine how much to put aside each period to meet
all the goals.
4. Prioritize your goals. Upon listing down all the goals and the estimated amount
needed for each goal, prioritize them. This serves as guide in decision-making.
5. Create a schedule for meeting your goals. It is important to lay down all the goals
according to priority with the corresponding amount of money needed, the time it
6. will be needed, and the installments needed to meet the goals.
What Is Investing?
Investing is the act of allocating resources, usually money, with the expectation of
generating an income or profit. You can invest in endeavors, such as using money to start
a business, or in assets, such as purchasing real estate in hopes of reselling it later at a
higher price.
As teachers, when you have saved more money than what you expect at a time of
need, consider investing this money to earn more interest than what your savings account
is paying you. There are many ways you can invest your money but consider four aspects:
1. How long will you invest the money? (Time Horizon)
2. How much money do you expect your investment to earn each year? (Expectation
of Return)
3. How much of your investment are you willing to lose in the short-term in order to
earn more in the long-term? (Risk Tolerance)
4. What types of investment interest you? (Investment Type
Savings
In order to get out of debt, it is important to set some money aside and put it into a savings
account on regular basis. Savings will also help in buying things that are needed or
wanted without borrowing.
Emergency Savings Fund. Start as early, setting aside a little money for emergency
savings fund. If you receive a bonus from work, income tax refund or earnings from
additional or side jobs, use them as an emergency fund.
(https://www.wellsfargo.com/financial-education/basic-
finances/managemoney/cashflowsavings/emergencies/#:~:text=An%20emergency%20f
und%20is%20a,new%20car%2C %20or%20a%20vacation.)
on the links or provide account details. Instead, visit the company’s website, find official
contact information, and call them to verify the request.
Social Media Scams
Scammers are adept at using social media. Be conscious of what information you post
online — especially upcoming vacations that leave your home unoccupied. Scammers
use social media posts to gather information about the traveling habits of potential victims.
Scammers also have social media phishing tactics, including posts seeking charity
donations with bogus links which allow them to keep your money.
Phone Scams
Another prevalent tactic is scamming phone calls. These scammers pose as a
government agency, such as the Internal Revenue Service or local law enforcement
agencies, and use scare tactics to acquire your personal information and account
numbers.
Stolen Credit Card Numbers
There are numerous ways that scammers can obtain your credit card information,
including hacking, phishing, and the use of skimming devices — small card readers
attached to unmanned credit card readers, such as ATMs, gas pumps, and more. These
small devices pull data from your card when you swipe it.
You can’t always prevent your debit or credit card information from being compromised,
but you can take steps to minimize your risk. Before you use an ATM or swipe your card
at a gas pump, look for suspicious devices that may be attached to the card reader.
Identity Theft
Depending on the amount of information a scammer is able to obtain, identity theft may
extend beyond unauthorized charges on a debit or credit card. If scammers are able to
obtain your Social Security number, date of birth, and other personal information, they
may be able to open new accounts in your name without your knowledge. Be aware of
information you share and with whom, and always shred sensitive information before
disposing of it. https://www.regions.com/Insights/Personal/Financial-
Hardship/Disasterrecovery/common-financial-scams-to-avoid
If you receive an email or visit a website that asks for your Social Security number, don’t
do it. It’s more than likely a scam. Legitimate businesses rarely ask for this information.
6. Install Antivirus and Spyware Protection
Protect the sensitive information stored on your computer by installing antivirus, firewall
and spyware protection. Once you install the program, turn on the auto-updating feature
to make sure the software is always up-to-date.
7. Don’t Shop With Unfamiliar Online Retailers
When it comes to online shopping, only do business with familiar companies. If you’re
interested in purchasing a product from an unfamiliar retailer, do some research to ensure
the business is legit and trustworthy.
Financial Stability
Like anyone else, teachers also aim to become financially stable if not today, maybe
in the future. Being financially stable means confidence with financial situation,
worriless paying the bills because of available funds, debt free, money savings for
future goals and enough emergency funds.
Financial stability is not about being rich but rather more of a mindset. It is living a life
without worrying about how to pay the next bill, and becoming stress-free about money
while focusing energy on other parts of life (Silva,2019).
1. Make savings automagical. This should be your top priority, especially if you don’t
have a solid emergency fund yet. Make it the first bill you pay each payday, by
having a set amount automatically transferred from your checking account to your
savings (try an online savings account).
2. Control your impulse spending. The biggest problem for many of us. Impulse
spending, on eating out and shopping and online purchases, is a big drain on our
finances, the biggest budget breaker for many, and a sure way to be in dire financial
straits.
3. Evaluate your expenses, and live frugally. If you’ve never tracked your expenses,
try the One Month Challenge. Then evaluate how you’re spending your money, and
see what you can cut out or reduce. Decide if each expense is absolutely
necessary, then eliminate the unnecessary.
4. Invest in your future. If you’re young, you probably don’t think about retirement
much. But it’s important. Even if you think you can always plan for retirement later,
do it now. The growth of your investments over time will be amazing if you start in
your 20s.
5. Keep your family secure. The first step is to save for an emergency fund, so that if
anything happens, you’ve got the money. If you have a spouse and/or dependents,
you should definitely get life insurance and make a will — as soon as possible! Also
research other insurance, such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
6. Eliminate and avoid debt. If you’ve got credit cards, personal loans, or other such
debt, you need to start a debt elimination plan. List out your debts and arrange them
in order from smallest balance at the top to largest at the bottom. Then focus on the
debt at the top, putting as much as you can into it.
7. Use the envelope system. This is a simple system to keep track of how much money
you have for spending. Let’s say you set aside three amounts in your budget each
payday — one for gas, one for groceries, one for eating out. Withdraw those
amounts on payday, and put them in three separate envelopes. That way, you can
easily track how much you have left for each of these expenses, and when you run
out of money, you know it immediately. You don’t overspend in these categories. If
you regularly run out too fast, you may need to rethink your budget.
8. Pay bills immediately, or automagically. One good habit is to pay bills as soon as
they come in. Also, as much as possible, try to get your bills to be paid through
automatic deduction. For those that can’t, use your bank’s online check system to
make regular automatic payments. This way, all of your regular expenses in your
budget are taken care of.
9. Read about personal finances. The more you educate yourself, the better your
finances
10. Look to grow your net worth. Do whatever you can to improve your net worth, either
by reducing your debt, increasing your savings, or increasing your income, or all of
the above. Look for new ways to make money, or to get paid more for what you do.
Over the course of months, if you calculate your net worth each month, you’ll see it
grow. And that feels great.
(https://zenhabits.net/10-habits-to-develop-for-financial/
Teachers, like any other work to the extent to earn more even through additional
jobs on the side just for their desire for financial stability.
content should cover knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. A sustainable source of
funding should be identified at the outset.
Financial education should ideally be a core part of the school curriculum. It can
be integrated into other subjects like mathematics, economics, social studies, technology
and home economics, values education and others. Financial education can give a range
of real-life contexts across a range of subjects.
Teachers should be adequately trained and resourced, made aware of the
importance of financial literacy and relevant pedagogical methods and they should
receive continuous support to teach it or integrate in their lesson. More so, there should
be easily accessible, objective, high-quality and effective learning tools and pedagogical
resources available to schools and teachers that are appropriate to the level of study.
Students ‘progress should also be assessed through various high-impact modes.
References:
• Bishop,E. (2014). Critical Literacy: Bringing theory to Praxis. Journal of Curriculum
Theorizing 30(1).
• The University of Melbourne.(2018). Critical Literacy:Developing Your Critical
Literacy Skills.
• Alata,E. &Ignacio,E.(2019). Building and Enhancing New Literacies Across
Curriculum.Rex Book Publishing.
• De Leon,E.(2020).Building and Enhancing New Literacies Across the
Curriculum.Lorimar Publishing