Directions: Using Microsoft^® Word to save and submit your work, please provide detailed and elaborate responses to the following questions.  Your responses should include examples from the reading assignments.

1. Describe the S-M-A-R-T approach to financial planning goal setting.  Give an example.

2. Linda Ashworth is trying to decide whether to keep her money in a savings account or in a mutual fund.  What would you tell her to help her analyze her decision?

3. What is meant by the term, "Time Value of Money?"

4. What steps should a person take when planning a career?

5. What are the six steps in the financial planning process?

6. What types of risks are commonly associated with personal financial decisions?  How can these risks be evaluated and minimized to reduce personal and financial difficulties?

7. People are commonly overwhelmed by the many influences on personal financial decisions.  What are the factors affecting financial planning?

8. What are the main components of personal financial planning?

9. Louise Ellis recently has been offered employment in another city.  She has been employed in her current position for four years.  What factors should Louise consider when evaluating this new position?

10. Suzanne is beginning to think she needs to find a new job.  She is happy with her present salary and job duties, and she has a large corner office with a wonderful view of the city.  In spite of this, she dreads going to work each day.  Discuss four reasons that may be to blame for her dissatisfaction at work.

11. What steps should a person take when planning a career?

12. What factors affect the availability of employment positions?

13. Discuss the types of information available for use when doing career planning.

14. What activities are commonly suggested when preparing for a job interview?

15. You are given the choice of $4,000 in extra taxable income per year or a tax-exempt medical policy.  The medical policy costs $300 per month.  Your tax rate is 25%.  Considering financial factors only, should you take the cash or the medical policy?  Explain your decision.

Part II

Preparing for an Interview

Directions: Write a 1-2 page, double-spaced paper in 12 pt. font that answers the following question.  Please use APA format.

Based on library research, a web search, and experiences of others, obtain information about effective interviewing techniques.  Describe what actions one might take when preparing for and participating in an interview.  Include what to do before, during, and after the interview process.  Be sure to have a minimum of two references and cite your references appropriately.  The 2-3 page paper requirement does NOT include the cover or reference page.