This course describes the prominent characteristics of consumption behavior, societal change that has influenced consumer-driven societies and pressures for change in the future. The course will examine the important economic variables that, on the one hand, have led to a rapidly growing worldwide consumer demand for goods and services and, on the other hand, have resulted in increased debt, overspending and an inability to achieve long term personal financial goals. An objective analysis of both personal and global consumption habits will provide the transition into sustainable strategies to increase personal financial solvency. The course will not provide you with the answers to achieving your personal financial goals, but rather will examine our consumer society and expose you to the major reasons why people spend and save. The aim of the course is to provide you with sufficient information to make judgments for yourself about your consumption patterns and long-term financial health.
Instructions for students enrolled in the course - Click Here
10 very important reasons you may want to take this popular course
Did you know that according to The Administrative Office for the United States Courts, in 2001 there were 1.1 million divorces in the United States, but there were actually even more bankruptcies, 1.5 million? A child is currently more likely to go through his or her parents bankruptcy than their divorce. More people will file for bankruptcy this year than will graduate from college.
Did you know that if current trends continue, more than one in six single mothers will declare bankruptcy by the end of the decade? That the number of single mothers in bankruptcy has increased by 600% in the last 20 years?
At the same time, if you study well the material in this course, learn how to avoid the traps and pitfalls, how to be a smart shopper, how to manage your money, and the power of saving, then your financial future can be very bright indeed.
Did you know that if you paid off your student loans, stayed out of debt, and saved $100 per week in a typical balanced stock fund, that you would be worth one million dollars after 29 years, if stocks ended up earning their historic average return? Did you know that even adjusting for projected inflation, you would be worth 1 million today dollars in 35 years?
INDV 102 - Money, Consumers, and the Family, taught online using D2L (Desire to Learn) through the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, John and Doris Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences, is oriented for the student who has a strong incentive to study hard without the traditional classroom environment.
Course materials, assignments and discussions are conducted online, providing flexibility for student to complete the course outside of a traditional classroom. See student comments on the effectiveness of the course.
Financial Calculator (Excel Spreadsheet Application)
Future Wealth Calculator (Excel Spreadsheet Application)
For more information, please contact:
Richard Serlin (Instructor) - serlin@email.arizona.edu
Continuing Education and Distance Learning Students Register here