Outline of the Making Smart Choices workbook I. FINANCE BASICS: Understanding your finances a. Money terms you need to know i. Banks and credit unions ii. Checking vs savings accounts iii. Special role of ATM and debit b. How to balance your checkbook i. Deposits ii. Atm withdrawals & debits iii. Fees iv. Interest c. Where does all my money go? i. Keep your receipts in a “spending jar” d. Determining your income and expenses i. Income – earned and unearned ii. Hints for people receiving SSI and working iii. Types of expense II. ORGANIZING YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE a. How to organize your personal financial files i. Gather your financial & personal paperwork ii. Organize your home office iii. Sort your paperwork into piles b. A Few examples of permanent or ongoing files you might create i. Monthly bills to be paid ii. Checking & Savings accounts iii. Income/wages iv. Health insurance v. Social security vi. Purchase of AT and out of pocket med expenses c. Other important files to consider keeping d. How to sort your mail i. Junk mail ii. Papers to file iii. Bills and action items
e. Documents to carry with you i. Carry with you at all times ii. Place in your car f. Documents you should leave home and why III. LIVE YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE a. Why you need a livable budget i. Create your first livable budget b. Using Cash Envelopes c. Saving for your future i. Set up an emergency fund ii. Save 3-6 months worth of expenses iii. Start an assistive technology fund iv. Start a retirement fund v. Long range planning for your future d. Why it is important to obtain a copy of your credit-report i. How to obtain a copy of your report ii. How to read your report 1. What agencies report on 2. public record and debt collection 3. mistakes on your report 4. interest rate shopping iii. How to improve your FICO score e. Believe you can become debt free i. Myths vs facts: the truth about credit and debt ii. Create a financial paln and a debt reduction plan iii. 15 quick tips to cut spending FINANCIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES a. Why you should learn about finances b. Where to start learning about finances c. Centers for independent living d. Internet resources: major financial web sites ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY a. What is Assistive Technology i. Common examples b. How is AT different from DME c. Understanding Insurance d. How are funding options different for DME & AT
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e. How to find the right AT f. Tips for documenting medical necessity of DME & AT VI. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES a. Where can I find the Assistive Technology that I need? b. Internet Resources: Major AT websites c. DME vendors i. Tips for choosing the right vendors d. Funding for AT: federal, state and community resources