teach me final assignment

Upload: dorameade

Post on 03-Apr-2018

220 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    1/12

    Teach Me Assignment Booklet and Guide

    For the candidates

    Candidate Full name: Dora Meade

    Submission Date:

    I certify that this work is all mine: yes

    To be completed in case of resubmission

    Second try: yes/no Date:

    Third try: yes/no Date:

    For the tutor only

    Tutor name:

    First try

    Date:

    Comments:Outcome: PASS/REFER

    Second try

    Date:

    Comments:

    Outcome: PASS/REFER

    Third try

    Date:

    Comments:Outcome: PASS/REFER

    Guidance

    1

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    2/12

    The standards by which this qualification is assessed can be found on the Teach

    Me course under Learning outcomes. In this section, youll be able to find the

    Learning Outcomes (LO) and Assessment Criteria (AC) for this qualification.

    To pass the assignments, all of the assessment criteria must be met. To help

    you, the LO's and AC are identified on the assignment and care should be takento fully cover the assessment criteria in the answers given.

    Where you are asked to 'Explain', 'Analyse', 'Summarise', 'Justify', 'Differentiate'

    or 'Critically Compare', then a greater degree of detail, critical thinking and

    illustration is required. A brief overview of terminology can be found at Appendix

    A.

    While the Teach Me online support materials offer sufficient to successfully

    answer the questions below, sources and further reading to develop deeper

    knowledge and critical thinking can be found at Appendix B.

    When you have completed the Assignment Booklet please check your answers

    before uploading the final assignment to your Assessor through Moodle.

    You will find resources to help you answer questions 1,2 and 3 under'Concepts and Implications of financial exclusion in the Teach Me onlinematerials.

    Q1.1 Write a one sentence definition of Financial Exclusion, quotingwhere the definition came

    from.

    Financial Exclusion denotes an individual or community that do not haveaccess to the desired and appropriate financial services to help them tomanage their own finances effectively. The impact of financial exclusion is alack of financial products such as bank accounts, savings accounts andpensions (and the financial services that go with them) and a reliance on creditsuch as doorstep lenders and pawnbrokers.

    Taken from http://transact.org.uk

    Assessment Criteria 1.1 Explain three causes of, and the impact of,financial exclusion

    Q1.2 List 3 groups of people who may be financially excluded (e.g.unemployed people with

    low literacy skills).

    i) Lone parents with cultural or language barriers

    ii) Long term unemployed with a reliance on benefits

    iii) Lone pensioners, particularly widows

    2

    Learning

    Outcome 1:

    Understand

    the conceptof financial

    exclusion

    and its

    impact on

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    3/12

    Q2. Complete the table below by naming at least three (and up to five if

    you can) causes of financial exclusion and identify one effect for each

    cause of financial exclusion for the individual AND their family.

    Q3. Select only three of the causes of financial exclusion that you

    identified in the table above and offer a full explanation of those causes

    and their impact.

    Three contributing factors or causes of financial exclusion are language and cultural barriers,mental health issues and a break up of a relationship or breakdown of family.

    1. Language and cultural barriers can stop people accessing or

    understanding the range of financial products open to them due totheir inability to read or understand the necessary literature. It mightbe very difficult for them to speak to sales staff and feel confidant toask the necessary questions to ensure they are getting the rightservices. Further, as is the case with Sharia banking, interest rates onsome savings or loans may be unacceptable on cultural or religiousgrounds. This barrier could impede people from accessing financialproducts such as bank accounts, savings account and sound financialadvice that is open to them. This could also incur extra costs e.g.paying by direct debit can make bills cheaper. It also may mean thatthey are tempted to rely on payday loans, door step lenders or loansharks because they can appear simpler and less intimidating in thefirst instance, some companies or illegal lenders may target individuals

    with language barriers because they know that they are in a vulnerableposition. This in turn may lead them to being unable to keep up

    3

    Financial Exclusion

    Possible Causes Effect/Impact

    Individual Family1. Mental Health

    Issues

    Could cause prolonged periods ofabsence from work which wouldincur significant costs as well as aloss of income

    Reduce the overall income of the householdas it puts an extra financial burden on thefamily and could stop the income from awage earner

    2. Redundancy /change in income

    Drop in income and impact on abilityto sustain outgoings .

    could impact on credit score of wage earner ifunable to keep up replayments on bills whichcould result in difficulty to get loans or creditin the future impacting the families abilitiesto take loans for necessary things.

    3. Breakdown of arelations or family

    Significant emotional strain andchange in finacial burden in thehousehold

    Could end up with a reliance on credit and/oreating into savings that were to act as asafety net for when the children were older

    4. Language andCultural Barriers

    Unable to gain the financial productsor advice needed to save or accesskey financial products such as abank account

    May increase reliance on loan sharks orunauthorised credit agencies in the future,lack of financial education or understandingpassed onto other members of the family.

    5. GeographicalLocation

    Unable to access bank accountregularly which makes it difficult to

    set up or keep paying inot regularly

    Unable to budget or get to grips with financeswith no access to a bank account or financial

    advice.

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    4/12

    repayments, taking out bad debts, which could lead to a poor creditscore in the future. As well as the emotional stress and the threats ofthe lenders this will impact on the ability of the person with bad debtsto access financial products in the future leading to further financialexclusion.

    2. Whilst some people may have mental health issues that do not impactat all on their finances, in other circumstances it may have adetrimental impact. Broadly, mental health issues can impact on anindividuals ability to hold down a job and maintain a regular income.This may mean a drop in the family and individual finances whichmight arise at short notice and be difficult to plan for. It may alsoimpact on an individuals ability to make and stick to a money planwhich will help them keep out of debt and in a sound place financially.In turn this will impact an individuals ability to keep up with regularpayments to creditors, into a savings account, utility bills or counciltax. This could impact negatively on an individuals credit score whichcould stop them from getting a loan in the future. This may mean theyare forced to rely on payday loans, doorstep lenders which would lead

    to them paying more in interest in the future. Ultimately, if someone isunable to keep up repayments or manage their finances they couldend up with priority debts that could mean they face disconnection,prison and further financial exclusion.

    3. Breakdown in the family or a break up of a relationship can be a causeof financial exclusion. The affect on the individual and family isemotional as well as financial which may mean it takes some timebefore financial issues are adequately addressed. A change ofcircumstance is one of the biggest contributors to financial problemsand consequently financial exclusion because the household budgetchanges significantly. This may mean that members of the family endup using family savings, relying on credit cards or loans to pay theutility bills and council tax. Ultimately, if the debts spiral out of controlthis could lead to disconnection or repossession if repayments are notkept up. This will have a detrimental impact on the communication andwell being within the family, having a particular impact on children itmay mean they have to move house, change schools and feelunstable.

    Assessment Criteria 1.1 Explain three causes of, and the impact of, financialexclusion

    Write circa 500 words at this point. ........

    Q4. In the table below identify one unexpected event for each life stageand briefly explain how it can adversely affect finances.

    Assessment Criteria 1.2 Analyse the main life stages and unexpected events thatcan affect finances

    4

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    5/12

    Q5. The following case study extract is from the Teach Me Resourcessection. Describe how Roger could get into the cycle of debt, and explain

    what it is.

    Assessment Criteria 1.3 Explain the Cycle of Debt and its effect on individuals andfamilies

    In 2006 we were your average family and I had a job. We lived in a nice semi in a leafysuburb, had a 2 year old Volvo and we had a good lifestyle. Once I left my full time joband started University as a student we continued to live as wed always done going tothe cinema, eating out as a family, and taking our annual 2 weeks holiday to Ireland. Ihad a part time job and so did my wife Leanne. Together we brought in 1500 a month.When, as happened quite soon, we didnt have enough cash we used one of the 4credit cards we had between us. Over the three years of doing the degree our savingsdwindled rapidly as our regular outgoings outstripped our income by 1500 a month.Part way through 2008 our savings had more or less gone and we took out a loan of6000 from the bank. We could not make the monthly payments on the mortgage or

    5

    Financial Lifecycle Unexpected Event and explanation of how itaffects finances

    (circa 80-100 words each)

    Teenager (13-19)Loan needed to get qualification.

    Young Adult (18-25)

    Car Accident. The Impact would be that they would need tomake an Insurance claim, this might impact on subsequentinsurance claims, making them more expensive. Excesswould also have to be paid out which might have an impacton their finaces at that point. If this person is a student theymay be depending heavily on an interest free overdraft thatwill expire at some point so they need to be saving to be ableto work their way out of it when this happens.

    Mature Adult (26-40)

    Redundancy of the individual or someone within thehousehold. This would lead to a quick and significantdecrease in income which could have an impact on the

    households ability to maintain repayments for loans or theirmortgage if they are a home owner. In the worst instance thiscould lead to repossession of their assets or disconnection.

    Middle Aged (41-60)

    Prolonged period of ill health. The impact may be a decreasein income and the inability to sustain employment. This couldhave a severe impact on the household and the individualsability to pay utility bills, loans, creditors or council tax.Depending on the type of debt this could lead to a countycourt order, prison or disconnection.

    Late Middle Aged (55-65)

    Death of partner. The impact may be a sudden drop inincome (if they did not have life insurance) and theincurrance of funeral costs which can be significant. Thiscould lead them to taking out additional loans or using their

    saving that were intended for retirement which could leadthem to being a finacially insecure situation in later life.

    Old Age & Retirement(65+)

    Severe flooding in the home, a fire or some other structuraldamage. The impact coud be a large amount has to be paidout, this would be particularly problematic if they do havehome insurance. This may significantly damage the finacialsecurity of the household, particularly as they are not in aposition to be able to earn much money to make up anydeficit.

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    6/12

    Q6. Explain the differences between the services of three of

    the agencies below (one of those chosen should be

    regulated), critically comparing and contrasting the

    information, advice and guidance (IAG) offered, and making

    reference to any regulatory obligations in your answer.a) Citizens Advice Bureaux

    The CAB offer free, impartial, confidential and independent advice and

    information on citizens rights and responsibilities over the phone, face

    to face and online. Whilst they offer information on a range of issues, a

    central aspect of their service is offering financial guidance. Key to the

    guidance they offer, distinct from just offering financial information, is

    that they are able to assess an individuals situation; they can then offer

    guidance and information about appropriate services and products

    suitable to the needs of the individual. Employees and volunteers

    working as part of the CAB are qualified and able to offer help and

    guidance in this area. Their services are particularly important when anindividual wants to make an important decision, when they would like

    help regarding their current situation or they are keen to plan for the

    future. The advice is tailored to a persons specific situation but it is

    impartial. The CAB offers financial guidance and information that aims

    to be the best for the client given their overall situation.

    b) Money Advice ServiceThe Money Advice Service offers financial information in the form of a

    website and a phone line. They are an unbiased service, set up by the

    government to try and help people make the most of their money. The

    Money Advice Service does this by primarily by offering consumersinformation about financial services and products as well as knowledge

    of key financial matters. It also offers its own resources such as a

    budget planner or a health check. These services try and help people

    to gain behavioural insight into their own finances to then help them to

    take financial action. Importantly, the Money Advice Service does not

    give judgement or opinion on an individuals financial situation, they

    provide information to try and enable people to make the best decisions

    for them. They do not tailor the information to specific needs or assess

    the financial situation of an individual unlike the CAB.

    Financial AdvisorProfessional financial advisers carry out a more substantialinvestigation, asking detailed questions about the clients

    circumstances, goals and how they feel about taking risks with their

    money. Then they recommend financial products that are suitable and

    affordable for the client. The Financial Services Authority is a

    Government appointed regulator for the financial services industry. One

    specific sub-set of financial advice is concerned with investments

    investments can be more risky as it doesnt entail a specific interest

    rate but the risk can pay off with greater rewards. Investment advice

    can be multi tied, tied or independent which relates to the advice givers

    impartiality and breadth of advice that they can offer. Distinct from

    guidance and information, financial advice is very in depth in terms of

    the amount of time and effort an advisor gives to the client. Also, they

    6

    Learning

    Outcome 5:

    Understand

    the

    difference

    betweenfinancial

    information,

    advice and

    guidance

    Learning

    Outcome 6:

    Know where

    to access

    information,

    advice,guidance

    and support

    in relation to

    financial

    products

    and services

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    7/12

    can have certain products or companies that they have an interest in

    promoting rather than being impartial.

    Assessment Criteria 5.1 Explain the difference between financialinformation,

    advice and guidance

    Assessment Criteria 6.1 Critically compare three agencies thatoffer information,

    advice, guidance and support in

    relation to financial

    Products and services.

    Write circa 500 words at this point......

    Q7. Complete the information below on the structure of theAdult Financial Capability Framework

    Assessment Criteria 2.1 Explain how the adult financial capabilityframework is

    Structured (AFCaF).

    The framework has three sections covering the threeinterrelated areas that go together to form financial capability.The three interlinked sections are:

    1. Financial Knowledge and Understanding

    2. Financial Skills and Competence

    3. Financial Responsibility

    There are three levels in this framework. The three levels are:

    1. Basic understanding and developing confidence

    2. Developing competence and confidence

    3. Extending competence and confidence

    Each level is divided into nine components. The ninecomponents are:

    1. Different types of money payments

    2. Income generation

    3. Income disposal4. Gathering financial information and record keeping

    7

    Learning

    Outcome 2:

    Understandthe format

    and

    structure of

    the adult

    financial

    ca abilit

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    8/12

    5. Financial planning saving, budgeting and spending

    6. Risk and Return

    7. Personal choices and their financial implication

    8. Consumer rights, responsibilities and sources of finance

    9. Implications of finance

    Q8. Complete a short action plan below to identify possibleareas of financial skill and knowledge that you would like todevelop further. Reference to the AFCaF if you find thisappropriate [may be found at: http://shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html]. The first row has beencompleted as an example. Add rows as necessary

    Assessment Criteria 2.3 Develop a plan to improve ownpersonal finance skills

    8

    Topic Knowledge(I need to know)

    Skill(I need to be able

    to)

    How would I do this? AFCaFreferenc

    eBudgets Layout of, and

    content for, atypical budgetplan

    Write a budgetplan

    Acquire a Pro Forma budget

    Plan from the Internet or aBank

    Use a case study to predict

    future spending needs andrecord a budgetto plan forthem

    D (e) 4

    IncomeDisposal

    Furtherknowledgeabout tax,pensions,nationalinsurancecontributionsand howdeductions are

    made

    Offer advice inthis area

    Research what taxes are usedfor and how they are collected

    Analyse different case studiesto see what their tax, pensionsand national insurancecontributions would be

    B (c) 3

    Financialresponsibility

    Further myunderstanding ofdifferent sourcesof advice andinformation

    A increasedunderstandingso that I canaccuratelysignpost andrefer people on

    Perform a mapping exercise ofrelevant agencies in the areathat I work

    Collate information on where

    people can go to receiveinformation, guidance andadvice

    B (h) 1

    Learning

    Outcome 2:

    Understand

    the format

    and

    structure of

    the adult

    financial

    Learning

    Outcome 3:Understand

    financial

    products

    and how

    they

    address

    '

    http://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/CS/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/QZ4O56T5/%5Bmay%20be%20found%20at:%20http:/shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html%5Dhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/CS/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/QZ4O56T5/%5Bmay%20be%20found%20at:%20http:/shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html%5Dhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/CS/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/QZ4O56T5/%5Bmay%20be%20found%20at:%20http:/shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html%5Dhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/CS/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/QZ4O56T5/%5Bmay%20be%20found%20at:%20http:/shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html%5Dhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/CS/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/QZ4O56T5/%5Bmay%20be%20found%20at:%20http:/shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html%5Dhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/CS/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/QZ4O56T5/%5Bmay%20be%20found%20at:%20http:/shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html%5Dhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/CS/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/QZ4O56T5/%5Bmay%20be%20found%20at:%20http:/shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html%5D
  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    9/12

    Q9. Based on the 'Ali' case study below, briefly explain thebenefits of budgeting and financial planning process to Ali[AC 4.1] and how to collect, record, interpret and act onfinancial information for financial products and services [AC4.4]. You should suggest and describe types of bank account,

    insurances, savings plans and credit and apply these to hisimmediate and future needs [AC 3.1, AC 4.2]. [AC 3.2].Justify why these products and services would be best forhim [AC 4.3] at this stage in his life.

    Advisement.

    Completing this task thoroughly sentence by sentence as it arises in the

    question will help you to avoid missing any assessment criterion [AC].

    Assessment Criteria 3.1 Analyse how bank accounts,insurance, saving plans

    credit/loans may meet people's

    needs.

    Assessment Criteria 3.2 Summarise the key features of twopersonal finance products that have a religious/ethical

    theme.

    Assessment Criteria 4.1 Explain the process of financialplanning.

    Assessment Criteria 4.2 Apply the financial planning processdecision-making

    taking into account personal

    circumstances. For example,

    deciding to buy or rent a home,

    saving for retirement or

    decisions about insurance.

    Assessment Criteria 4.3 Justify the appropriateness offinancial products and services

    suggested as meeting the needs identified.

    Assessment Criteria 4.4 Explain how to collect, record,interpret and act on

    information.

    Ali Case study

    Ali is 23, a Muslim, and lives in a middle-income household with his elderly parents

    and two younger sisters. He has worked as a Departmental Under-Manager for a

    large multiple chain store since leaving school and earns circa 16,000 basic and an

    annual bonus. Ali left school with 2 'A' levels at the age of 18 and thinks that he has

    good prospects at work but worries about redundancy and securing another job

    because of his educational background. Not having a degree he feels inadequate as

    most of his friends are just leaving University, and so he has enrolled on a part time

    degree course at the local college. He has been in a strong relationship for over one

    year and wants to move out and have a place of his own as well as his own car,although this independence worries him in terms of managing his finances,

    9

    Learning

    Outcome 4:

    Be able to

    apply the

    financial

    planning

    process to

    personal

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    10/12

    particularly providing for a wife and family and, given the state of the economy, his

    financial future in retirement. Ali has a debit card and is a saver by heart, and

    cautious by nature. His aunt recently died and left him shares that are valued at

    10,000, although he has never understood how the share market operates and has

    never taken the time to learn about financial products. He needs guidance.

    - Briefly explain the benefits of budgeting and financial planning

    Budgeting and sound financial planning will allow you to get a clear picture of

    your financial situation which will help you plan for the future and achieve the

    financial goals you set yourself. It will help you to ensure that you make the most

    out of your money and prevent you from getting into debt or putting yourself in a

    precarious financial situation. Financial planning is the first step to alleviating

    stress or staving off money worries. Budgeting and financial planning will ensure

    that you are able to cope successfully with any unforeseeable event as well asachieving your long term goals and aspirations. In your case, it will allow you to

    juggle studying and getting work and hopeful help you transition to a greater

    degree of independence in the future.

    Firstly, it is very important to do some research to understand the different

    financial products that are available to you. There are multiple avenues that offer

    comprehensive and detailed financial information. If you would like financial

    information, there are some very useful websites such as

    www.moneyadviceservice.com and moneysupermarket.com. It might also be

    good to listen to regular podcasts that outline certain topics that are relevant atthe moment such as BBCs Moneybox.

    For you to start your financial planning on the right foot it would be worth

    keeping a spending diary for the next month. This will give you insight into your

    day-to-day spending and highlight areas where you could save some money.

    Alongside this, it would be good to put together a money planner. Try and put

    aside some time to look at your incomings and outgoings and write them up into

    a budget spreadsheet you can find some very useful budgeting resources on

    the money advice service website. Remember to include your regular out-goings

    such as contribution to utility bills but also your annual or ad hoc spending such

    as a holiday or your books for University, try to include this to get a good

    overview of your finances. Once you have written down your in and out goings it

    would be good to think about your long term goals and other payments that will

    come into effect in the future such as paying back your student loan. Sit down

    with your bank statements, loan information, spending diary and any other

    financial information you have to make this as comprehensive as possible.

    At the moment you have a debit card which is the simplest way to access your

    money. As you are keen to save, I would recommend opening an account for

    saving money and putting aside some money every week or month if you do

    this remember to include it in the out-goings section of your budget. It would be

    10

    http://www.moneyadviceservice.com/http://www.moneyadviceservice.com/
  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    11/12

    worth shopping around to ensure you get the best deal for your savings account.

    Many banks in the UK offer Sharia compliant bank accounts, rather than gaining

    interest on your savings they will be invested in profit generating activities that

    are Sharia compliant some of the profit will then be passed on to you. Also, you

    might consider saving with your local Credit Union. In this case, you may make

    some extra money through dividends if the Credit Union is making a profit.Saving with the Credit Union would also open up the possibility of taking loans

    with them which may be useful in the future, for a car for example.

    I would also consider taking out a credit card, if you are cautious with what you

    spend and ensure you pay it off every month, this will increase your credit rating

    which will help you when you apply for a mortgage in the future. However, if you

    would like a sharia compliant savings plan I would recommend setting up a

    savings account with the Credit Union. They do not offer interest but saving them

    will give you access to s

    2 x financial products that have a religious theme

    - how to collect, record, interpret and act on financial information for

    financial products and services

    - You should suggest and describe types of bank account, insurances,

    savings plans and credit and apply these to his immediate and future

    needs

    - Noting that Ali is a Muslim, explain the key features and benefits of a

    Sharia-compliant mortgage, and an ethical investment product for

    pension planning to prepare for his retirement- Justify why these products would be good for him at this stage in his

    life.

    11

  • 7/28/2019 Teach Me Final Assignment

    12/12

    Appendix A - Assessment terminology used for Teach Me

    Analyse

    Break down an argument or information into smaller parts and identify how

    these parts are connected.

    Apply

    Use a concept in a particular situation.

    Compare and Contrast

    Identify the similarities and differences between two situations or things.

    Critically - question the information given.

    Define

    State the meaning. Try to keep this short and clear and use an example to

    illustrate.

    Explain

    Is about demonstrating comprehension and understanding. Writing clear

    sentences to make clear the issue and try to provide 'why' or 'how' in your

    explanation.

    Justify

    Support an argument and state the reasons why you think it to be true.

    SummariseIs about giving an overview of the main ideas or points in a condensed form.

    Possible Sources

    Transact is the National Forum for Financial Inclusion found at

    http://www.transact.org.uk/

    FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVISION AND PREVENTION OF FINANCIAL EXCLUSION

    (March 2008) found at http://Ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi

    National Institute for Adult Continuing Education (Niace):http://shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html

    12

    http://www.transact.org.uk/http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsihttp://shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.htmlhttp://www.transact.org.uk/http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsihttp://shop.niace.org.uk/adult-financial-capability-download.html