SOUTH HAMILTON BOSTON CHARLOTTE JACKSONVILLE

SOUTH HAMILTON | BOSTON | CHARLOTTE | JACKSONVILLE Personal Finance 101 Presented by: Krista Peace, Financial Aid Coordinator Financial Aid Staff: Stacey Glidden, Director of Student Financial Services Karen Rieck, Associate Director of Financial Aid Tony Hoveln, Financial Aid Assistant THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

This financial literacy presentation is designed to give you a basic overview and is not intended to provide specific financial planning advice. It is recommended that when you are ready to begin establishing a personal financial plan, you speak with a financial advisor or a trusted friend who is knowledgeable in this area. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Topics for Today FINANCIAL GOALS… It’s important to establish financial goals BUDGETING… Know where your money goes SPENDING… Distinguish between needs and wants CREDIT… Credit, credit scores, and why they are important TAX PLANNING… Plan wisely for tax benefits SAVINGS… Invest in your future THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

What are your Financial Goals? • Short Term – Pay your tuition – Pay rent – Pay for children’s childcare/school – Buy lunch • Long Term – Buy a car – Pay off student loan debt – Own your own home – Retire THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Begin by Developing a Budget • How will a budget benefit me? – Self-discipline – Track your progress – Reach financial goals • • • Tuition & Fees Books Living Expenses Food Transportation Insurance THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Where to Begin? Creating a budget typically requires 5 steps… THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Step 1: Assess your Financial Situation ü Track how money comes in and how it goes out. Common Ways Money Comes In • Your paycheck • Family and friends • Savings • Other Common Ways Money Goes Out • Rent or mortgage • Food • Utilities • Clothing • Transportation • Insurance • Student loan payments • Other debts • Miscellaneous expenses • Savings THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Step 2: Identify Needs vs. Wants ü Take a look at what you have or want and determine what you can't live without. As hard as it is, you may need to give some things up. NEEDS • Food • Clothing • Shelter • Medical/dental visits • Prescriptions • Tuition expenses • Savings account WANTS • Computer, internet • Car • Cell phone, smart phone • Cable television • Movies, entertainment • Pets THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Step 3: Understand your Financial Behaviors ü Only by evaluating your current spending habits can you find budgeting strategies that work for you. Financial Behavior • Impulse buying • Buying name-brand • Not knowing where the money goes • Spending your entire paycheck Budgeting Strategy • Put yourself on an allowance • Buy generic or previously owned • Keep track of your spending • Use direct deposit to save THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Step 4: Create your Budget ü Creating a budget is nothing more than simple math. Once you deduct your expenses from your income, you'll know how much you have left to save or spend on your "wants”. ü Budget Builder: http: //www. youcandealwithit. com/borrowers/calc ulators-and-resources/calculators/budgetbuilder. shtml THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Budget Category Examples • • • Home/rent Tithing Subcategories Utilities Food/Groceries Personal Everything else Electricity: $75 Gas/Heating: $75 Cell Phone: $140 Internet/Cable: $100 Water/Waste: $40 Auto Insurance: $78 Netflix Clothing Personal Gas Home Care Entertainment Medical Gifts Baby Supplies THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

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Step 5: Maintain your Budget ü Track your spending to make sure it stays within those guidelines. ü Review and revise as your situation changes. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

How to Keep your Budget on Track 1. Involve the entire family. 2. Make a list of short-term and long-term goals. 3. Enter payment due dates on your calendar. 4. Start your new budget at a time when it will be realistic to follow. 5. Find a budgeting system that fits your needs. – – Written budget – use excel spreadsheet Budget software– such as Quicken (http: //quicken. intuit. com/) Online budget- (www. mint. com) Budget App – SPENDEE (http: //www. spendeeapp. com/) 6. Distinguish between expenses: Essential or Discretionary 7. Avoid using credit cards to pay for everyday expenses. 8. Build rewards into your budget. 9. Stick with your plan and resist temptation of unnecessary spending. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Backwards Budgeting (GNITEGDUB) 1. Determine the total amount you will need in order to reach your financial goal(s). 2. Decide how much you will need to put into the savings account every month in order to reach that total in a specified period of time (i. e. 10 years). 3. How much do you have left after putting money into savings? 4. Create your budget accordingly. Can you hit your savings goals? – If not, look for may ways to make money…freelancing, selling goods, part time jobs, babysitting, yard sales, etc… THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Average Monthly Living Expenses Clothing Housing/Utilities Transportation Insurance 8% Charity 3% 3% Misc. 4% Healthcare 13% 5% Education 20% Food Entertainment 33% 5% 6% Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Ways to Reduce Expenses ü Find free stuff ü Get a roommate ü Leave credit cards at home ü Shop at thrift stores ü Use discount coupons ü Wait for sales and avoid impulse purchases ü Go to matinee movies ü Cancel cable ü Use public transportation ü Be energy efficient ü Eat meals at home ü Use a grocery list ü Don’t shop for groceries when hungry ü Avoid overdraft fees THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Resources Sites that offer free tools for planning and managing your budget: – – – – – www. mint. com www. feedthepig. com www. budgetsimple. com www. nefe. org (National Endowment for Financial Education) www. foundationsu. com www. youcandealwithit. com Spendee app Home. Budget app http: //www 2. ed. gov/offices/OSFAP/Direct. Loan/Budget. Cal c/budget. html (Federal Student Aid budget calculator THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Understanding Credit = Borrowed money that allows you to purchase things • Credit Score = The likelihood that you will pay back these loans and be approved to take out new ones • Borrowed money can take many forms, such as a care loan, home mortgage, student, or credit cards for product purchases. • THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

What is a Credit Score? • A rating that shows how well a person manages his or her debt • Ranks a person against other consumers and industry standards • Is used to determine how qualified a person is to receive lines of credit or other loans. • Helps lenders determine how much money you’ll be able to borrow and what interest your loans will have. • Your credit score is determined by three credit agencies (Experian, Trans. Union, & Equifax) THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Impact of Credit Scores Low Scores • Higher cost of interest • Might not be able to get a loan • May need a cosigner to obtain credit High Scores • Best interest rates provide long-term savings • Credit easily accessible • Easier access to goods and services THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

What’s a Good Credit Score? 800 & Above Excellent 750 -800 Very good 700 -749 Good 650 -699 Fair 600 -649 Poor Below 600 Very Poor THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

How to Build Good Credit History ü Set up payment reminders – On-time payments are one of the biggest factors in credit scoring – More recent delinquencies have greater impact on your score ü Reduce the amount of debt you have – Pay down accounts with low balances or highest interest ü Check your credit report – If you find errors, dispute them with credit bureau(s) and creditor(s) THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

How to Order a Credit Report You have a right to request a copy of your credit report at any time and can get one for free from each agency once per year. Contact credit bureaus: ü Experian - www. Experian. com Print Annual Credit Report Request Form: ü Trans. Union – www. transunion. com www. ftc. gov/credit ü Equifax – www. equifax Mail to: Annual Credit Report Request Service P. O. Box 105281 Atlanta, GA 30348 Source: Nelnet Education Loan Servicing THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Student Loans and your Credit • • • Always make your loan payments on time or else your credit score will be negatively affected! Pay off your student loan debt as fast as possible. Make interest-only payments while you are in school to avoid capitalization. Graduated repayment - lower payments in the early years and larger payments later. Extended repayment - Extend the term you have to repay your loans. Over the longer term, you'll pay a greater amount of interest, but your monthly payments will be smaller. Income-based repayment plans - Tie your monthly payment to your level of income; the lower your income, the lower your payment. If you have several student loans, consider consolidating them through a student loan consolidation program. If you're in default on your student loans, don't ignore them--they aren't going to go away! Ask your lender about loan rehabilitation programs; successful completion of such programs can remove default status notations on your credit reports. https: //studentaid. ed. gov/repay-loans THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Credit Cards ADVANTAGES • Cushion for financial emergencies • Instant gratification • Build positive credit • Convenience • Record keeping • Perks • Internet purchases DISADVANTAGES • Overuse • Teaser rates • High interest rates • High annual fees • Fraud • Balances can accumulate quickly • Can negatively impact your credit • Credit costs money! THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Credit Card Usage Tips ü Pay cash instead of using your credit card ü Set a monthly limit on charging that is based on your budget…not your credit allowance ü Limit the number of credit cards you have ü Don’t apply for credit cards just to get a free gift or discount ü Pay bills on time to avoid late fees or charges ü Pay more than the minimum payment THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Taxes and Financial Planning • Tax planning – Taking advantage of tax benefits while paying your fair share of taxes. • An effective tax strategy is vital for successful financial planning. • Understanding tax rules and regulations can help you reduce your tax liability. **For more information and personalized advice, always consult with a tax professional. ** THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Types of Taxes 1. Taxes on purchases • Sales • Excise 2. Taxes on property 3. Taxes on wealth • Real estate • Personal property • Federal estate • State inheritance 4. Taxes on earnings • Federal & State income • Social Security THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Tax Forms 1040 EZ 1040 A 1040 Taxable income less than $100, 000 Required to use this form if income is over $50, 000 Single or married filing jointly, under age 65 and with no dependents Adjustments to income are allowed Use if you itemize deductions You do not itemize deductions Earned no more than $1, 500 of taxable interest Tax credits for child care and dependent care allowed You have income that cannot be reported on 1040 EZ or 1040 A Your taxable income is less than $100, 000 http: //www. irs. gov/pub/irspdf/f 1040 a. pdf Least complicated; quick and easy to file http: //www. irs. gov/pub/irspdf/f 1040. pdf You do not itemize deductions, claim any adjustments to income or tax credits http: //www. irs. gov/pub/irspdf/f 1040 ez. pdf THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Who Should File? • 2014 filing requirements*: IF your filing status is… Single $10, 150 Married filing jointly $20, 300 Married filing separately $3, 950 Head of household • THEN file a return if your gross income was at least… $13, 050 Even if you do not have to file, you should because you MAY get money back if any of the following conditions apply: ü ü ü • You had federal income tax withheld You qualify for earned income tax credit You qualify for the additional child tax credit You qualify for the health coverage tax credit You qualify for the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning credit http: //www. irs. gov/pub/irs-pdf/p 17. pdf THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Computing Your Tax Liability Gross Income - Adjustments Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) AGI - Deductions - Personal Exemptions Taxable Income x Tax Rate Gross Tax Liability - Credits Net Tax THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Tax Deductions • The purpose of tax deductions is to decrease your taxable income, thus decreasing the amount of tax you owe to the federal government. Examples*: • Job expenses that are not reimbursed by your employer: These include union dues, required uniforms you're must purchase, and business-related vehicle expenses, such as gas and repairs. • Student loan interest that your parents pay: If your parents don't claim you as a dependent, you can deduct up to $2, 500 of the interest your parents paid on a student loan for you. (Loan must be in your name. ) See chapter 4, page 30 of IRS Publication 970. • Self-owned business: You can deduct office equipment, sales tax on business purchases, health insurance premiums, anything "necessary and ordinary" to perform your business. • Charity: To see if an organization is eligible for a tax-deductible donation, check out the IRS's Publication 78. • Casualty and theft: Unexpected loss of property due to theft, fire, natural disaster • Home mortgage interest: Interest paid on your mortgage for the year can be deducted. • State and local income or sales tax paid: Usually, deducting state income tax is better, but some states have sales tax and no income tax. You choose one or the other to deduct. • Personal property tax: These deductions are based on personal property taxed like boats or cars. *For personalized and accurate advice, always consult with a tax professional. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Tax Credits • A tax credit is an amount subtracted directly from the amount of taxes owed • Tax Credit vs. Tax Deduction – $100 Tax Credit reduces your taxes by $100 – $100 Tax Deduction reduces taxes by $28 (if you are in the 28% bracket) • Examples*: – Earned Income Tax Credit – Education Credits – Hybrid car tax credit – Child and Dependent Care Credit – Adoption Credit – Health coverage Tax Credit – Saver’s Credit – For more information please visit: http: //www. irs. gov/Credits-&-Deductions *For personalized and accurate advice, always consult with a tax professional. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Tax Credits vs. Deductions Video • http: //www. investopedia. com/terms/i/incometax. asp THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Tax Benefits for Students Lifetime Learning credit - A credit of up to $2, 000 per year for qualified tuition and related expenses paid. Eligible students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and professional degree courses may claim credit. There is no limit on the number of years you can claim the credit. Student loan interest deduction - If you graduate with student loans, you can deduct up to $2, 500 of the interest you pay on student loans each year. American Opportunity credit (Hope credit) - This credit is generally worth up to $2, 500 for tuition and related expenses for the first four years of undergraduate education, provided you're enrolled at least half-time. http: //www. irs. gov/pub/irs-pdf/p 970. pdf *For assistance or more information, consult a tax professional or IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Why Save? ü ü ü Reach financial goals Build up a “rainy day” fund for emergencies Save for major purchases or expenses Develop a personal financial/investment plan Retire THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

ü Will you save up for 4, 5, or 6 months? • Do what you can, but an emergency fund is not something to skimp on. It is recommended that you have at least 6 months worth of income in your emergency fund. ü Will your calculations be based on losing one income or both incomes? • It’s up to you, but if you choose the one-income scenario, make sure it’s the higher income ü What needs will you include in your calculations? • Plan as if you won’t be getting any help. Calculate how much your life costs each month. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

What are you worth? • Consider paying yourself every time you get a paycheck • What it takes… ü Commitment ü Discipline ü Delayed gratification • Ways to do it… ü Set aside from each paycheck ü Collect change and/or set up “save the change” transfer ü Save unexpected money Remember…the amount saved isn’t as important as getting into the habit! THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

What is Interest? Earning Interest Paying Interest When you invest or save money, you often earn interest. When you borrow money, you have to pay interest. The amount charged, expressed as a percentage of principal, by a lender to a borrower for the use of assets. Interest rates are typically noted on a an annual basis, known as annual percentage rate (APR). Source: Investopidia. com THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Simple Interest Deposit x Interest Rate x Number of Years = Interest Earned Example: • You have $1, 000 in a savings account that pays 1. 5% simple interest. • During the first year you would earn $15 in interest. YEAR 1 $1000 x 0. 015 x 1 = $15 $1000 + $15 = $1015 (total value) • After 20 years you would earn $300 in interest. YEAR 20 $1000 x 0. 015 x 20 = $300 $1000 + $300 = $1300 (total value) THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Compound Interest Earning interest on your interest – “Compound interest arises when interest is added to the principal. From that moment on, the interest that as been added to the principal also earns interest. ” – Investopedia Example: You have $1, 000 in an account that returns 6% interest, compounded annually, During the first year, you would earn $60 in interest. YEAR 1 $1000 x 0. 06 = $60 $1000 + $60 = $1060 (total value) YEAR 2 $1060 x 0. 06 = $63. 60 $1060 + $63. 60 = $1123. 60 (total value) At the end of 10 years, you would have earned $790. 85 for a total value of $1, 790. 85. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Understanding Savings Products • What are they? – Savings Accounts – Money Market Accounts – Certificates of Deposit (CDs) • How do they work? – You can easily take money out and put money in. – The bank pays you interest in exchange for the opportunity to hold your money. – Interest rate on savings is generally lower compared with investments. • Investments are riskier, thus higher interest rate. • Low interest rate may not keep pace with inflation. – Saving accounts & money markets accounts are secure! • Insured by FDIC. Source: U. S. Securities Exchange Commission THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

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Savings Accounts • Able to make withdrawals and deposits. • Interest bearing, but minimum balances required. • Establishing an account is easy and can be initiated by as little as a $25 deposit. • Your savings are insured by the FDIC. • Interest rates are low, but your savings are secure. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Money Market Accounts • A money market account is a deposit account that is offered by banks and credit unions. (Similar to savings accounts). • The accounts earn interest and checks can be written, but with various restrictions. • They usually pay slightly higher interest and have a higher minimum balance. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Certificate of Deposit (CD) Relatively low-risk investment Typically offers a higher rate of interest than savings account. FDIC insures up to $250, 000 per bank, per owner. You “lend” the bank a fixed sum of money for a fixed period of time – six months, one year, five years, or more. • When you cash in or redeem your CD at maturity, you receive the money you originally invested plus any accrued interest. • If you cash in your CD before it matures, you may have to pay a “early withdrawal” penalty. • • Source: FDIC THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Understanding Investment Products • What are they? – Stocks – Bonds – Mutual funds • How do they work? – All investments have higher risks but potentially higher returns than savings products. – Over many decades, the investment that has provided the highest average rate of return has been stocks. Source: U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Stocks • Also called “equities” • Stocks are a share of ownership in a company • You can make money in two ways from owning a stock. 1. Capital Gains = The price of the stock may rise if the company does well and you make money through capital gains. 2. Dividends = Companies sometimes pay out parts of profits to stockholders. You can keep the cash from your dividends or reinvest dividends. • There is no guarantee that the stock you hold will grow and do well. When the company performs poorly, you loose money. • Risky! – Your investment could loose all value and be worth 0$ Source: U. S Securities and Exchange Commission THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Bonds • A bond is a debt security. • When you purchase a bond, you are lending money to a government, municipality, or a corporation for a certain amount of time. • The issuer promises to pay you a specified rate of interest during the life of the bond and repay the principal when it “matures” – Maturity is the length of time that you hold the bond. • You can loose your entire principle if the issuer goes bankrupt. • Not as risky as stocks but riskier than a savings account. Source: U. S Securities and Exchange Commission THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Mutual Funds • You can think of a mutual fund as a company that brings together a group of people and groups their money together to invest in stocks, bonds, and other securities. • Investors purchase shares in from a mutual fund company • Mutual funds have fees because the fund is managed by professionals at the mutual fund company. Source: U. S Securities and Exchange Commission THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Risk and Return on Investment • The higher the risk, the higher the reward. • Every saving and investment product has different risks and returns. • Remember, investments are not deposits into a savings account, they can loose value. • Because of the risks associated with any investment, always deal with a reputable, licensed financial advisor and research the product before you make a purchase. • Buyer beware! Avoid investment scams. – Nothing is “guaranteed” or “risk free” when it comes to investing. – If it sounds too good to be true…it probably is. THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Preparing for Retirement • Life expectancy continues to rise. • The length of retirement is increasing as the average retirement age hovers at 63. • The average American spends 20 years in retirement. • Many people mistakenly believe that Social Security will pay for all or most of their retirement needs. One should not count solely on Social Security. • When should you start saving for retirement? NOW!! Source: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

The sooner you begin saving, the more time your money has to grow. http: //money. cnn. com/retirement/guide/basics_basics. moneymag/ THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Example – Fred vs. Steve Fred and Steve each save $2, 000 a year into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). – Fred started saving at 22 and stopped at age 31 (9 years). – Steve started saving at age 31 and will continue to do so until he retires (34 years). • Assuming both IRAs earn 9%, who will have more money fro retirement at the age of 65? – Fred will. His account will grow to $579, 504. Steve’s account will grow to only $470, 247. • How can this be? Fred invested only $18, 000, while Steve will invest $68, 000. – The answer is compounding interest! While Fred invested less money, he started 9 years sooner than Steve did. Steve’s money just didn’t have enough time to grow. Source: youcandealwithit. com – Financial Management presenter’s guide, pg. 5 THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

Resources • Saving, Investing, & Retirement – – • Budgeting and Money Management: – – – – • www. studentloans. gov www. nslds. ed. gov Live Life Smart Guide – • www. mint. com www. feedthepig. com www. budgetsimple. com www. nefe. org (National Endowment for Financial Education) www. foundationsu. com http: //www. spendeeapp. com/ Home. Budget app www. youcandealwithit. com Federal Student Loans & Repayment Plans – – • http: //money. cnn. com/retirement/guide/basics_basics. moneymag/ http: //www. investopedia. com/ http: //www. nelnetloanservicing. com/library Federal Income Tax Information & Benefits – – http: //www. irs. gov/uac/Tax-Benefits-for-Education: -Information-Center THINK Theologically | ENGAGE Globally | LIVE Biblically

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