I am going to be teaching a four-part Family Finance Class starting at the end of this month. I have to condense a 10-week course designed by the FDIC down to a four week course. I'm wondering what four main topics you all would suggest to build each of the classes around. I was thinking credit/debt management; budgeting; saving, and am struggling for a fourth. The participants of the class will span many socio-economic classes, but the class is being sponsored by the same non-profit that runs the local food bank, so I'm thinking there won't be many who will be at the point in their life where they need investing tips (plus, I'm not qualified in that area.) Any ideas for the four topics on which I can build my classes would be appreciated. Thanks!
Jen

I'm not familiar with the course that you are trying to condense, but I've seen a lot of articles lately about not pampering one's children, basically knowing how to say no to the kids when they have large demands. I think a lot of families could stand to hear that - maybe you could include that in your budgeting class.

E

I'm also not familiar with the class, but a basic overview of financial communication/organization skills probably wouldn't hurt.

Where do you keep your records?
How can you simplify things?
If you are a couple, how do you divvy up responsibility for financial matters?
If you are a couple, what kind of threshold do you set for "discussing" purchases?
If you are a single parent, how do you build a support network/let them know about important financial information?

Things like setting up beneficiaries on savings accounts, letters of instruction, wills for parents with kids, etc., all seem like a good fit.