The four articles in this journal issue examine the pros and cons of the proposition that credit card rates are too high. In "How Congress and Consumers Will Crack the Credit Card Market," Congressman Charles E. Schumer argues that banks can get away with their excessive rates because of consumer misinformation and the unfair competitive edge held…

Presented is an interactive PASCAL computer program that computes the true mortgage interest rate. The half-interval technique, a method from numerical analysis, is incorporated into the program algorithm to approximate a solution of a continuous function on a closed interval. (JJK)

The rule of 78 is used by banks and loan companies to compute the amounts due when installment loans are paid early. Describes an unexpected case of negative amortization when the rule is applied. Presents an actual problem and discusses the case. (YP)

Discusses the mathematics involved in comparing the purchase of an automobile with cash versus with a loan. Investigates two scenarios: (1) if a loan is taken out and the cash price is invested at a fixed rate, and (2) if cash is paid and monthly payments are invested over the period of the loan. (MDH)

Part of a series of classroom aids designed for real estate instructors, this instructional packet was developed to help real estate students understand the rules, regulations, and laws governing home foreclosures under deeds of trust in Texas. Information on home foreclosures is presented, covering: (1) the three elements of a proper foreclosure;…

Intended to provide secondary students with information on the federal budget, this kit provides a teacher's guide, a test, a crossword puzzle, and a series of reproducible graphs and handouts focusing on budget deficits and the national debt. Study materials and graphics are based almost entirely on articles and graphics found in "U.S. News…

A mathematical model or project analysis that calculates the financial return from home ownership is described. This analysis illustrates topics such as compound interest, annuities, amortization schedules, internal rate of return, and other elements of school and college mathematics up through numerical analysis. (KR)

A survey of Rush Medical College (Illinois) alumni included questions concerning indebtedness and its perceived effect on professional and personal lives. Results show little effect on practice setting and family plans, but substantial reported impact on lifestyle. Specialization and debt change over time were also factors. (MSE)

This guide contains 15 lesson plans on financial topics for high school students. The lessons cover the following: (1) securities in the U.S. economy; (2) careers in finance; (3) commercial banking interest rates; (4) understanding financial statements; (5) newspaper stock tables; (6) financial institution operations; (7) foundation…

This instructor's manual contains activities for teaching money management, financial planning, and obtaining and using credit. It is designed for use in three to four periods in classes in prevocational education in South Carolina. The guide describes the activities, sets goals for student attainment, provides instructional objectives to meet the…

Presents two teaching ideas. The first helps students identify and correct their own mistakes. A checklist of common mistakes is filled out by students after quizzes and tests and examined for error patterns. The second develops the formula to determine the payments necessary to pay off a loan over a required period of time. (MDH)

Summarizes a wealth of statistical information concerning the economic development and debt for a number of developing nations. Includes statistics on the gross national product growth of Cote d'lvoire, Guatemala, Malaysia, Korea, Colombia, and Nigeria, as well as, the gross domestic product growth and debt service for Latin America, Africa, and…

This resource guide for teachers offers material for teaching money management in classes ranging from elementary through adult level. The guide covers seven key concepts in separate units: values and goals, income and employment, money management, financial products and services, credit, insurance, and savings and investments. Each unit includes…

This module on how one's credit history will affect one's credit future is one of ten in the Money Smart curriculum, and includes an instructor guide and a take-home guide. It was developed to help adults outside the financial mainstream enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships. It is designed to make participants…

This module on managing a credit card is one of ten in the Money Smart curriculum, and includes an instructor guide and a take-home guide. It was developed to help adults outside the financial mainstream enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships. It is designed to enable participants to describe the costs and benefits of…