Mathematics for Business and Personal FinanceUnit 4:
Making Financial DecisionsWebQuestsInvestment Options Introduction
Do you ever daydream that you have uncovered something valuable in an obscure corner of an attic? Do you have unknown treasures hidden under your bed? It is fun to imagine that your grandmother's china or your father's baseball cards could someday be worth a fortune. People collect all sorts of unexpected things: stamps, rare coins, vintage handbags, and antique toys, for example. Some collectors enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Others feel nostalgia for things of their childhood. Some collect in the hopes of selling their collection at a great profit. They believe their collections are truly investments that will increase in value as time goes by. Task
In this WebQuest, you are a financial advisor to an important client. This client is a professional business person and about ten years away from retirement. Your client has recently become interested in collecting antique watches. The client wants your opinion on the risks and advantages of investing in collectibles. You will also research the pros and cons of three other investment options. Process
1. Research the risks and advantages of investing in collectibles. Who is the ideal investor, and who should stay away from this kind of investment?
2. Investigate the pros and cons of three other investment options. You may choose from the following list:
- Mutual funds
- Real estate
- Precious metals and gemstones
- Certificates of deposit
- Stocks
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3. Create a four to eight slide Power Point presentation to educate your client on investment options. The presentation should explain the four investment options you researched. It should clearly state the risks and advantages of each kind of investment.
4. Since your client hopes to retire within ten years, consider how much risk this person should accept. Should a person close to retirement take the same risks as a person who plans to work decades longer? Why or why not? In your presentation, advise your client on which investments are the riskiest. If these investments are risky, why do some investors still take them? 5. How many of the four investment options do you advise your client to take? Which should be avoided? Remember, most investors choose a variety of investment options. Include this advice in your presentation. 6. What is your advice to your client on investing in antique watches? Does this investment option make the best financial sense? Are there other reasons, beyond financial reasons, why your client might pursue the hobby? 7. Print out a copy of your presentation to show your teacher. Resources
Here is a list of Web resources to help you investigate investment options.
Investment Types
Understanding Risk
Tips for an Effective Presentation
Evaluation
| Beginning
1 | Developing
5 | Accomplished
10 | Exemplary
15 | Score | Research | Information is inaccurate or inadequate | There is evidence of only a little research | Research is thorough and relevant | Research is thorough, and the information selected is detailed and interesting | | Presentation Content | Little relevant content is included | Some relevant content is presented | All content relevant to the topic is included | Content is complete, and additional interesting details are included | | Writing Quality | Most of the writing is not in complete sentences, and most capitalization and punctuation are not correct | Some of the writing is in complete sentences, and some capitalization and punctuation are correct | Most of the writing is in complete sentences, and most capitalization and punctuation are correct | All of the writing is in complete sentences, and proper capitalization and punctuation are used | | Organization of Presentation | The presentation layout and organization are confusing | Information is organized consistently | Information is organized in a meaningful and attractive way | Information is extremely well organized, and the design eye-catching | |
Conclusion
As a financial advisor, you play an important role in helping others plan for their financial futures. Your client values your opinion and takes your advice. Well done! You have shown that collectibles is a fun option for investing. It is also just one choice among many.  | 
