Course Description:

This course blends gerontological research with practical financial, estate, and retirement planning. Thrown into the mixture is social psychology as the motivator behind understanding ourselves and why we lead the economic lives that we do. Students who have taken this course "live" have commented that it touches such important daily issues that they would recommend it be a "core" course for general education. College often teaches us how to make money, but this course will be of help in teaching you how to spend money!

Learning Objectives:

It is very important that this course be an applied course of instruction. The concepts discussed in the class room, pamphlets, and text should have immediate impact upon your personal economics and life choices.

It will be of service to those already retired in helping assess the best ways of making money stretch even in difficult economic times.

It will help you change the way you handle your own financial position, and help you counsel others in improving theirs.

Reading Materials:

Textbook edited by Dwight Adams: "Retirement Planning and Adjustment Gerontology 5380." From McGraw-Hill Primis ISBN-13: 978-0-39-016325-7

Free Publications from Government Agencies. Each student would order all or some of the following free pamphlets from Consumer Information Catalog: www.pueblo.gsa.gov -there are no costs involved

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2- Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. 519T. Free Someone illegally using your Social Security number can steal your financial identity and your money. Find out how to prevent identify theft, how to report it if you suspect it, and if you can get a new Social Security number if you are a victim. 8 pp. 2007. SSA

3- Social Security: Understanding the Benefits. 518T. Free Provides details on retirement, disability, survivor’s benefits, Medicare coverage, Supplemental Security Income and more. 21 pp. 2008. SSA

4- Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know. 573T. Free Discusses how a woman’s Social Security benefits may be affected by disability, divorce, widowhood, retirement and other special circumstances. Also covers benefits for your family, what to do if you change your name and Social Security numbers for children. 24 pp. 2007. SSA

5- Social Security: When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits. 572T. Free Important considerations for deciding when to start receiving Social Security benefits, including how your decision may affect your surviving spouse, and how your benefits are affected if you continue working. 2 pp. 2008. SSA

6- Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries: Navigating the Coverage Gap. 521T. Free The coverage gap is when Medicare temporarily stops paying for your prescriptions and you have to pay the entire cost yourself. Learn how the gap works, how to keep track of expenses, and where to get more help. 5 pp. 2007. FCIC

7- Money Tips for All Ages: Your Finances at Different Stages of Life. 581T. Free Practical help for teens, young adults, newlyweds, people at midlife, parents, retirees, and financial caregivers. Also for those dealing with a medical emergency, job loss or other major life events. 15 pp. 2008. FDIC

8- What You Should Know About Buying Life Insurance. 586T. Free Describes various types with tips on choosing a company, an agent, and a policy that meets your needs. 24 pp. 2007. FCIC

9- Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance. 579T. Free This type of insurance covers services needed by those with chronic illness or disability. Check out the costs, limitations and exclusions, and coverage options you need. 20 pp. 2004. USDA

10-Certificates of Deposit: Tips for Investors. 575T. Free Learn how CDs work, how to purchase them, and questions to ask before buying. 6 pp. 2003. SEC

11- 51 Ways to Save Hundreds on Loans and Credit Cards. 593T. Free Simple strategies for cutting costs any time, plus specific tips for saving money when you use credit cards and apply for home, auto, small emergency, student and small business loans. 11 pp. 2007. FDIC

12- Fighting Fraud 101—Smart Tips for Older Investors. 578T. Free Scam artists frequently target Americans nearing or in retirement. The typical fraud victim is college-educated and financially savvy. This booklet will help you learn the psychology of a scam, and how to protect yourself. 3 pp. 2007. SEC

13- Taking the Mystery Out of Retirement Planning. 583T. Free Designed for those about 10 years from retirement, this comprehensive publication has step-by-step worksheets to help you figure out how much money you need to retire and how to make sure your funds will last during your retirement. 68 pp. 2005. DOL

14- How SIPC Protects You. 570T. Free If your brokerage firm closes due to bankruptcy or other financial difficulties, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) works to return your assets. Find out what SIPC does and does not cover. 10 pp. 2002. SEC

15- Insuring Your Deposits. 574T. Free Find out if your bank or savings institution is insured, what types of accounts are covered, and how much of your money is protected. 2pp. 2006. FDIC (en español. 809T)

16- Internet Fraud: How to Avoid Internet Investment Scams. 594T. Free Questions to ask about online investment opportunities, tips on the warning signs of fraud, and what to do if you run into problems. 19 pp. 2005. SEC

17- Introduction to Mutual Funds. 571T. Free What they are, how to compare them, what to consider before investing, and how to avoid common pitfalls. 36 pp. 2003. SEC

18- Questions You Should Ask About Your Investments. 591T. Free The secret to investing wisely is knowing what to ask about investment products, your broker’s history, your investment’s performance and how to handle problems. 8 pp. 2002. SEC

19- Variable Annuities: What You Should Know. 590T. Free Explains what they are, how they work, what you have to pay, and questions to ask before you invest. 20 pp. 2004. SEC

20- Your Pharmacy Benefit: Make It Work for You! 524T. Free How to get the best pharmacy benefit when choosing health insurance, including Medicare. How to appeal if your plan denies coverage for a specific drug. Includes a sample appeal letter. 16 pp. 2005. AOA/FCIC (en español. 805T)