PEM LIFE {Review}

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIE{W CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

 

I believe it’s vital to give students a strong foundation in financial education. I was quick to sign up for Personal Finance Illustrated® Homeschool Edition from PEM LIFE when the course was available to review.

This program is designed to provide students with a solid financial understanding. The course covers a single semester, but access is provided for a 6-month period. Students can work independently through the course with minimal supervision by the parent. An instructional path is also available where parents can choose to utilize instructor videos and resources.

I chose to use the instructional path to stay closely involved in the course. Initially signing up for this review I planned to use the program with my older high school son. The scheduling did not work out, so I assigned it to my younger high school son. As he’s beginning a breeding project on our small farm, I want to see him develop stronger financial skills to better manage his efforts.

The course includes over 60 lessons spread over 18 core units. There are abundant resources to support the course. Students are expected to download and read from the course textbook. There is video instruction provided by the course author Don Blanton, assignments, quizzes, and a discussion forum.

Unit Titles Include:

1. Personal Economic Model
2. Time Value of Money
3. Lifetime Capital Potential
4. Opportunity Cost
5. The Tax Filter
6. Lifestyle Regulator
7. Temperament & Finances
8. Time Importance of Protection
9. Debt – What It Is, What It Is Not
10. Pay Cash or Finance?
11. The Investment Tank
12. The Savings Tank
13. Access to Capital
14. Qualified Plans
15. Mortgages, The Right Choice
16. Why Go To Work
17. Principles of Work
18. The Danger of Riches

When initially beginning the course, my son was overwhelmed. I have to admit I was a little intimidated by the amount of resources and information. The course uses a visual economic model to demonstrate the flow of money. The visual model was used throughout the course to demonstrate key points.

I have been going through the course with my son. It contains important financial lessons that students need. As some material is more advanced for him, we are taking it slow. Instead of completing the written assignments and tests, we are reading the textbook, watching the video instruction, and discussing the key points.

The lessons in this program go beyond basic budgeting. An older student that already has some financial understanding would benefit from this course.

Click on the image below to see how others from the Review Crew are using this course from PEM LIFE.