AYB250 Personal Financial Planning
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | AYB250 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,174 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,703 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,456 |
| International unit fee | $5,640 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYB250 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Laura De Zwaan | laura.dezwaan@qut.edu.au |
Overview
With the increasing complexity in taxation legislation, an ageing population, and the focus on self-reliance in retirement, individuals expect their financial advisers to be professionally equipped to provide effective investment, risk management, and sophisticated retirement planning advice. In response, many accounting firms, banks, and independent financial advice firms now integrate financial planning into the suite of services offered to clients. QUT graduates who develop skills and knowledge in this area are well positioned to gain a competitive advantage in the employment market. This unit is also valuable for students from other disciplines, as it provides a comprehensive overview of personal finance.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply an understanding of the nature and purpose of personal financial planning services, and the impacts of regulatory and professional environments on these services, to diverse financial planning contexts. [KS 1.1, SE 5.1]
- Exercise critical thinking, evaluation and judgement for evidence-based problem solving in the context of financial planning decision making. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Communicate in written forms to clearly and professionally structure and present ideas, judgements and opinions. [PC 3.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
- Demonstrate self-reflection skills and accountability for own learning applied to the study and practice of financial planning. [TS 4.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: TS (4.1)
Content
In this unit, you will be introduced to the fundamental aspects of the financial planning process, the legal framework governing the financial planning industry, and the responsibilities of financial planners. The unit will also expose you to alternative strategies of wealth creation, while taking into consideration taxation, superannuation, and social security issues. The following provides a brief overview of the topics that will be covered in this unit:
- Introduction to financial planning
- Taxation planning
- Investments
- Personal credit
- Risk management and insurance
- Superannuation and retirement
- Social security
- Estate planning
- Financial plan construction
- Legal framework and ethical responsibilities of the financial planner
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Teaching and learning strategies are designed to facilitate the aims and objectives of this unit. The emphasis in Personal Financial Planning is to equip you with the necessary analytical, critical thinking and research skills that will help you develop financial plans for individuals with different objectives.
Lectures
You are encouraged to attend lectures each week and use the lecture recordings linked to the unit Canvas site to provide further understanding of the lecture content. PowerPoint slides are provided to students each week and students are encouraged to read them before attending the lectures.
Tutorials
You are encouraged to attend tutorials each week. Tutorials commence in Week 2. Tutorials provide an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of key issues and concepts dealt with in lectures. Each week you will need to complete the required readings and to prepare answers for the tutorial discussion questions. You are expected to engage in and lead classroom discussion in tutorials as they represent an excellent opportunity to apply the concepts learnt in the preceding week to practical questions. Feedback gained in tutorials will also assist you in identifying the areas that you may have misunderstood.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning objectives for this Unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Individual Project
Part B cannot be completed without Part A.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Both Parts A and B of this assignment are eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Final Exam
The examination will consist of both practical and theoretical questions that will assess your knowledge of financial planning principles and will examine work and concepts covered in Topics 1 to 12 inclusive.
This examination will be an invigilated face-to-face exam undertaken either on campus or at an examination centre.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1, 2.2), TS (4.1), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
McKeown, W., Olynyk, M., Ciancio, L., La, D. 2024, Financial Planning Essentials, 2nd edition. John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Individual Project, Final Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Individual Project
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO4, Final Exam
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Individual Project, Final Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Individual Project - Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Individual Project, Final Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Individual Project - Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | AYB250 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
Overview
With the increasing complexity in taxation legislation, an ageing population, and the focus on self-reliance in retirement, individuals expect their financial advisers to be professionally equipped to provide effective investment, risk management, and sophisticated retirement planning advice. In response, many accounting firms, banks, and independent financial advice firms now integrate financial planning into the suite of services offered to clients. QUT graduates who develop skills and knowledge in this area are well positioned to gain a competitive advantage in the employment market. This unit is also valuable for students from other disciplines, as it provides a comprehensive overview of personal finance.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply an understanding of the nature and purpose of personal financial planning services, and the impacts of regulatory and professional environments on these services, to diverse financial planning contexts. [KS 1.1, SE 5.1]
- Exercise critical thinking, evaluation and judgement for evidence-based problem solving in the context of financial planning decision making. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Communicate in written forms to clearly and professionally structure and present ideas, judgements and opinions. [PC 3.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
- Demonstrate self-reflection skills and accountability for own learning applied to the study and practice of financial planning. [TS 4.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: TS (4.1)
Content
In this unit, you will be introduced to the fundamental aspects of the financial planning process, the legal framework governing the financial planning industry, and the responsibilities of financial planners. The unit will also expose you to alternative strategies of wealth creation, while taking into consideration taxation, superannuation, and social security issues. The following provides a brief overview of the topics that will be covered in this unit:
- Introduction to financial planning
- Taxation planning
- Investments
- Personal credit
- Risk management and insurance
- Superannuation and retirement
- Social security
- Estate planning
- Financial plan construction
- Legal framework and ethical responsibilities of the financial planner
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Teaching and learning strategies are designed to facilitate the aims and objectives of this unit. The emphasis in Personal Financial Planning is to equip you with the necessary analytical, critical thinking and research skills that will help you develop financial plans for individuals with different objectives.
Lectures
You are encouraged to attend lectures each week and use the lecture recordings linked to the unit Canvas site to provide further understanding of the lecture content. PowerPoint slides are provided to students each week and students are encouraged to read them before attending the lectures.
Tutorials
You are encouraged to attend tutorials each week. Tutorials commence in Week 2. Tutorials provide an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of key issues and concepts dealt with in lectures. Each week you will need to complete the required readings and to prepare answers for the tutorial discussion questions. You are expected to engage in and lead classroom discussion in tutorials as they represent an excellent opportunity to apply the concepts learnt in the preceding week to practical questions. Feedback gained in tutorials will also assist you in identifying the areas that you may have misunderstood.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning objectives for this Unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Individual Project
Part B cannot be completed without Part A.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Both Parts A and B of this assignment are eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Final Exam
The examination will consist of both practical and theoretical questions that will assess your knowledge of financial planning principles and will examine work and concepts covered in Topics 1 to 12 inclusive.
This examination will be an invigilated face-to-face exam undertaken either on campus or at an examination centre.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1, 2.2), TS (4.1), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
McKeown, W., Olynyk, M., Ciancio, L., La, D. 2024, Financial Planning Essentials, 2nd edition. John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Individual Project, Final Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Individual Project
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO4, Final Exam
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Individual Project, Final Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Individual Project - Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Individual Project, Final Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Individual Project, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Individual Project - Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam