This paper investigates the possible opportunity cost of using standard college savings plans against the advantages of using debt to pay for college. In addition, it presents a practical argument for using debt in place of college savings plans in certain instances. By doing so, investors may not only be able to mitigate the difficulty of saving,…

Behavioral economics and its concept of nudges are rapidly influencing the design of community-based financial education programs. This article addresses why nudges can be useful tools for effective financial education, explains the different types of nudges introduced by behavioral economics research, presents evidence of their effectiveness from…

Student loan debt and delinquency is a mounting problem among college graduates. To show students the consequences of debt-financing their education in an economic context, the author describes a collaborative problem-based learning activity designed for small, introductory economics courses. The activity has three parts: an introduction to the…

The Waycross (Georgia) school system retired its debt and reduced its tax rates, without reducing educational quality, by budgeting for an operating reserve, carefully reviewing programs, reducing its fiscal responsibilities for special programs, and tightening its budget management techniques. (RW)

With tuition rising and anxiety mounting over students too deeply in debt, an effort to change the psychology of paying for college is gaining steam. The Reagan Administration is expected to propose a new savings bond whose interest would be tax free if the bond is cashed in for college. (MLW)

The work of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is guided by a strategic plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide focus for the activity of this small agency and its five staff members in order to increase productivity and impact in the areas of its statutory authority. The mission and goals were accepted by Commissioners…

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…

This text teaches students about money management and is designed to help the student as he or she tries to live within limits and decide important financial questions. Students are instructed about: getting control of your money; tracking your spending; figuring your income and expenses; making your spending plan balance; making money decisions;…

Designed to help present the FHA Homebuyers Education and Learning Program (HELP), this guide answers questions about the home buying process. Successful program completion may entitle the participant to a reduction of the cost of mortgage insurance and, in certain cases, assistance with the downpayment and/or closing costs. Each of five modules…

A comprehensive capital charge policy is recommended as an integral part of college budgeting and reporting. It includes three components: a capital renewal and replacement charge, a new equipment and library and laboratory acquisitions budget, and a debt repayment schedule using internal borrowing. (MSE)

This instructor's guide accompanies the student booklet/unit on personal finances in the Employability Skills Series. (The student booklet is available separately as CE 031 163.) It first discusses the Employability Skills Series. A section on administering the unit details purpose of the unit and major concepts to be developed, lists student…

The work of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is guided by a 5-year strategic plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide focus for the activity of this small agency and its eight staff members in order to increase productivity and impact in the areas of its statutory authority. The mission and goals were accepted by…

Materials intended for use by adult members of low income families are provided for various topics related to low income family resource management. Types of materials included are check lists, questionnaires, planning charts, budgeting forms, informational handouts, and sample forms. These topics are covered: (1) goals, money values, budget…

This student booklet on personal finances is one of six in the Employability Skills Series, a set of instructional materials designed to teach secondary students and adults the skills involved in getting and keeping a job. The competency-based material is oriented to young adults but written at approximately the fifth-grade reading level. (An…

Designed to assist professionals who are confronted with clients in need of financial guidance, this financial counseling manual is presented in seven chapters. Chapter 1 focuses on the helping relationship and discusses counselor attitudes, client characteristics, making contacts, and interviewing. Chapter 2 explains the causes of over-extension…