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New Mexico State University
ACES 121: Financial Fitness
Fall 2018
Instructor: Bryce L. Jorgensen, PhD
Day/Time: TR 11:45-12:35 OR 1:10-2:00
Location: Gerald Thomas 194
Office: Gerald Thomas 363A
Office Hours: By appointment
Telephone: 646-4943
E-mail: brycej@nmsu.edu (and in Canvas)
This syllabus is subject to change upon announcement on Canvas!
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to personal financial practices in post high school and/or
early college lives. The importance of personal finance in young adulthood will be stressed.
Main topics covered are budgeting, savings, college debt, credit issues, investment, and
consumer protection.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to
• Point out the importance of personal financial management during college years;
• Discuss the essentials of paying yourself first and budgeting;
• Differentiate between needs and wants;
• Explain the significance of credit scores and ways to manage debt;
• Discuss the economic condition of the USA;
• Choose online financial tools to help them succeed financially; and
• Address ways to stand up for consumer rights
Required Texts
NA
Recommended Reading
• Financial Avenue courses (includes many financial topics for additional, individual
learning). https://ssc.nmsu.edu/financial-avenue/
• Harris, B., & Coonradt, C. (2009). The 4 Laws of Financial Prosperity: Get Control of
Your Money Now!
http://store.franklincovey.com/the-4-laws-of-financial-prosperity-get-control-of-your-money-now
• Consumer Reports – http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/homepage1/index.htm
• Follow Dave Ramsey on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter
Academic/Student Support
• For academic advising services, visit Your NMSU’s Academic Advising 101
• Improve your study skills through workshops in the Student Success Center
https://myaccount.nmsu.edu/phonebook/hierarchy?department=Student+Success+Center·
Course Requirements
Assignments/Surveys/Participation– 340 points
There will be multiple homework assignments and activities spread throughout the semester.
These may be in-class activities or out-of-class assignments. Students must be in class in order to
receive credit for in-class assignments, quizzes, and activities. Assignments are due the
beginning of class unless otherwise stated. Assignments turned in after the beginning of class on
the day they are due will be considered 1 day late. Assignments are to be submitted online
through Canvas or as a hard copy in class (when announced). I will NOT accept your
assignment via e-mail. All assignments will be graded for quality of content, work, spelling,
grammar, and neatness. Students are expected to participate in class discussions.
Assignments will not be accepted more than one week after the original due date and will
decrease one (1) letter grade (A, A-, B+, B, B-, etc.) per each day late.
Surveys (11 x 15 points) – 165 points
Participation/Assignments 25 points
Journals (4 x 15 points) – 60 points
Attendance (-15 each absence over 1) – 90 points
Final Exam – 60 points
Total: 400 points
