Course Title: Develop and prepare financial plan

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2018

Course Code: BAFI5214C

Course Title: Develop and prepare financial plan

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5343 - Diploma of Financial Planning

Course Contact: Callie Harvey

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5772

Course Contact Email: callie.harvey@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

 

Andrew Shiangolis

Program Coordinator Financial Services

andrew.shiangolis@rmit.edu.au

+61 3 9925 5982

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and prepare a financial plan that meets the client’s needs. It encompasses establishing plan objectives and scope, and developing strategic assumptions, strategies and a preliminary financial plan compliant with regulatory and organisational requirements.

It applies to individuals who, within their level of authority, manage relationships, apply systematic approaches and use specialised knowledge to recommend customised solutions for a diverse range of clients. Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.                                   


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

FNSFPL503 Develop and prepare financial plan

Element:

1. Establish plan objectives and scope

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Review research results and compare to client requirements and expectations

1.2 Analyse current client situation to determine opportunities and constraints

1.3 Identify and assess desired financial resource and market parameters

1.4 Develop plan objectives for asset growth, income, risk, taxation and any other objectives developed in consultation with client

Element:

2. Develop strategic assumptions

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Develop and test client related and economic key assumptions

2.2 Identify and test legislative and regulatory requirements, including taxation assumptions

2.3 Seek clarification from client or other professionals as required and document strategic assumptions for client review

Element:

3. Develop financial plan strategy

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Develop initial options based on strategic assumptions and client specifications

3.2 Analyse and model strategic options and reject any inappropriate options

3.3 Develop supporting arguments for each final strategic option and include in draft overall strategy

3.4 Conduct any necessary client checks or consultations to verify plan strategy

Element:

4. Develop preliminary financial plan

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Select specific products and options to meet agreed strategy with cash flow, liquidity and capital preservation or estate planning requirements incorporated as required

4.2 Develop recommendations for financial asset allocation structure, including where provision is required for equities, trusts, partnerships, allocated pensions and superannuation, and planned capital expenditure

4.3 Develop recommendations for changes to income and taxation arrangements, including referral advice to accountants or lawyers as appropriate

4.4 Develop recommendations on risk management strategies and products, and incorporate in plan

4.5 Incorporate anticipated fees and charges into preliminary plan

4.6 Incorporate information on internal and external complaints and dispute resolution procedures available to client

4.7 Document preliminary financial plan according to organisational guidelines and procedures

Element:

5. Ensure compliance of financial plan with regulatory and organisational requirements

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Check preliminary financial plan to ensure that role of representative or adviser is properly documented and complies with relevant Acts, regulations and regulatory guidelines

5.2 Assess preliminary financial plan for its ability to successfully achieve objectives

5.3 Check preliminary financial plan to ensure that it complies with ethical and regulatory requirements

Element:

6. Produce completed plan

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Produce financial plan in accordance with organisational quality control requirements

6.2 Attach relevant supporting documentation relating to products, regulatory considerations and organisational processes, including internal and external complaints procedures


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

 

This course is comprised of three competencies that are co-delivered and co-assessed (delivered and assessed together).

FNSASICZ503 Provide Advice in Financial Planning

FNSFPL503 Develop and Prepare a Financial Plan

FNSIAD501 Provide Appropriate Services, Advice & Products to Clients

 

Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:

  • Program overview and requirements
  • MyRMIT/Canvas
  • Overview of assessment requirements
  • Pre-Training Review including:
    • Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
    • Assessment of current skills and knowledge
  • Competency/Grading Criteria
  • Plagiarism
  • Appeals
  • Extensions
  • Feedback
  • Privacy
  • Submission requirements
  • Resubmission policy
  • Where to get support
  • Student responsibilities 

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities including the self - paced activities in the workbooks.

Weekly Schedule

Weekly Schedule

Week

Topic

Readings and Activities

Assessment

Week 1 – 02/07/2018

 

Introduction to course schedules

 

Part 1:   Provide Advice in Financial Planning 

Topic 1:

What is the Financial Planning Process?

Topic 2:

Six steps in the financial planning process

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship: Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

Overview of the Financial Services: Chapter 1, 3 & 4

 

 

 

Week 2 – 09/07/2018

 

Part 1:   Provide Advice in Financial Planning 

Topic  3:

Preparation prior to commencing the process

Topic 4:

The first step

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

Overview of the Financial Services, Chapter 1, 3 & 4

 

 

Week 3 –16/07/2018

 

Part 1:   Provide Advice in Financial Planning 

 

Topic 5:

The second and third steps

 

Topic 6:

The fourth step

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

Overview of the Financial Services, Chapter 1, 3 & 4

 

 

Week 4 – 23/07/2018

 

Part 1:   Provide Advice in Financial Planning 

 

Topic 7:

The fifth step

Topic 8:

 The sixth step

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

Overview of the Financial Services, Chapter 1, 3 & 4

 

Week 5 – 30/07/2018

 

Part 2:   Develop and Prepare Financial Plans  

 

Topic 1

Introduction Statement of Advice (SoA)

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

Overview of the Financial Services, Chapter 1, 3 & 4

 

Week 6 – 06/08/2018

 

Part 2:   Develop and Prepare Financial Plans  

Topic 2

Strategy development and solutions

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

Overview of the Financial Services, Chapter 1, 3 & 4

 

Week 7 – 13/08/2018

 

Part 2:   Develop and Prepare Financial Plans  

Topic 3:

 

Statement of Advice  construction

Topic 4:

Statement of Advice format

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

Overview of the Financial Services, Chapter 1, 3 & 4

Assignment 1 – Research and Application Assignment 13/08/2018

Week 8 – 20/08/2018

 

Part 2:   Develop and Prepare Financial Plans 

 

Topic 5

Compliance

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

Overview of the Financial Services, Chapter 1, 3 & 4

 

Week 9 – 03/09/2018

 

Part 3:   Present services, advice and products 

 

Topic 1

Create rapport with clients

 

Topic 2

Client decision making

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

 

 

Week 10 – 10/09/2018

 

Part 3:   Present services, advice and products 

Topic 3

Presenting the Plan

 

Topic 4

Implementation

 

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 3 & 4

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

 

Week 11 – 17/09/2018

 

Part 3:   Present services, advice and products 

 

Topic 5

Ongoing service

 

Course Workbook

Manage Client Relationship, Chapter 4 & 5

Financial Planning Advice, All chapters

 

Week 12 – 24/09/2018

 

Part 4:   Estate Planning  

Topic 1

Estate planning process

 

Topic 2

The Will

Course Workbook

Financial Planning, Chapter 10

 

Week 13 – 01/10/2018

 

Part 4:   Estate Planning  

 

Topic 3

Estate planning considerations 

 

Topic 4

Managing the estate after death

 

 

Course Workbook

Financial Planning, Chapter 10

Assignment 2 – Workplace Simulated Project - 01/10/2018

Week 14 – 08/10/2018

Student Feedback on Assessment

Review and Revision

Exams

Assignment 3 – Supervised Assessment - 08/10/2018

Week 15 – 15/10/2018

Feedback and Re-assessment

Feedback and Re-assessment Activities

 

Week 16 – 22/10/2018

Feedback and Re-assessment

Feedback and Re-assessment Activities

 

 

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete this course.  This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Online learning materials can be accessed by going into the RMIT web sites Online Learning Hub/Canvas.

The online learning materials listed include:

  • Course outlines
  • Power point Presentations
  • Course Workbooks
  • Supporting Reading material
  • Industry relevant articles
  • Activities

 


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • analyse options and make justified recommendations to clients using use in-depth knowledge of the financial planning industry, industry regulations, codes of practice, financial products, financial markets and investment characteristics
  • develop a detailed financial plan that :
    • maximises the client’s outcomes and reaches client objectives
    • establishes plan objectives and scope, and develops strategic assumptions
    • complies with regulatory and organisational procedures
    • assesses impacts of taxation, social security, economic and other government policy on client investment and financial requirements.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:

  • describe the key features of generic products available in the financial services industry
  • discuss the impact of taxation, social security, economic and other government policy on client investment and financial requirements
  • describe the key features of investment and savings vehicles, financial markets, asset classes and investment characteristics
  • identify investment risk factors and describe relationship to return expectations
  • discuss the principles of effective negotiation
  • describe the internal and external complaints and dispute resolution procedures available to clients
  • describe the key features of relevant industry codes of practice
  • outline the key ethical considerations in developing and preparing financial plans
  • outline the general impact of relevant:
    • economic, taxation and social security policy on the client’s financial planning needs
    • state and territory planning considerations on the client’s financial planning needs
  • explain the role of the financial planning adviser and financial planning practice, including compliance requirements and the disclosure of capacity
  • describe the key features of legislation and regulations affecting the financial services industry.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the financial planning field of work and include access to:

  • office equipment, technology, software and consumables. 

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
 


Assessment Tasks

Overview

This course is comprised of three competencies that are co-delivered and co-assessed (delivered and assessed together).

FNSASICZ503 Provide Advice in Financial Planning

FNSFPL503 Develop and Prepare a Financial Plan

FNSIAD501 Provide Appropriate Services, Advice & Products to Clients

You will demonstrate competency by undertaking three assessments, a workplace simulated project, a research and application assignment and a supervised assessment.

The assessments for this course have been designed to allow you to apply your learning to particular workplace scenarios and demonstrate your competence in a variety of ways.

Critical Aspects of assessment are described above in the performance evidence for this course.

Assignment Task 1 – Research and Application Assignment – Due Date 13/08/18 – Week 7

This is assessment Task 1 of a total of 3 assessment tasks. You must successfully complete all 3 tasks to achieve competency in this cluster. You must successfully complete all eight activities to be deemed competent in Task 1 Context/purpose of Task 1 For this Assessment Task you are required to demonstrate your knowledge by completing a series of eight theory and problem solving activities over the course of the semester from weeks 3 to 8.

For this Assessment Task you are required to demonstrate your knowledge by completing a series of eight theory and problem solving activities over the course of the semester from weeks 1 to 5. 

The purpose of the activities is to enhance your understanding and ability to apply the knowledge to practice in the following areas : 

a.      Informing  client about procedures for  complaints handling

b.      Use arrange of communication skills to gather clients, personal,  financial and business skills

c.       Outline the concept of a financial product

d.      Outline the types of financial investment products

e.      Provide an overview of the operation of financial markets and roles played by intermediaries. 

f.        Provide an overview of the interrelationships with Financial Markets & interrelationships between industry sectors

g.      Discuss the various disclosure and compliance in relation to Corps Act, ASIC Act, Privacy requirements, Financial Services Reform Act (FSRA), Competition & Consumer Act

h.      Relationship between ethics and regulatory requirements

What you need to do You must complete all prescribed tasks below including the individual requirements of each one as listed in the questions. You will require access to the course resources on the Learning hub, recommended textbooks and the website links prescribed for the program.

You will be assessed against the criteria as listed in the observation checklist of this task and how well you answer the questions asked by your assessor. To achieve a satisfactory result you will need to address all criteria satisfactorily.

 

Assessment Task 2 - Workplace Simulated Project – Conduct and prepare Best Interest Duty (BID) Strategy working Paper - Due Date 01/10/18 – Week 13

For this assessment task you are required to complete Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1 -– requires you to prepare a financial plan for a simulated client of the Swanston Banking Group (Practice Firm) which is completed in Cluster 7.

Part 2 – requires you to deliver your financial advice as prepared in Part 1 to the client in a role play. The teacher will provide further information in the class as to the format and what is expected in order to fulfil this requirement.

The Workplace Simulated Project requires you to complete three parts: Part 1, Part 2.

For this project you will assume the role of a financial planner at the Swanston Banking Group Ltd (Practice Firm) and follow the company policies and procedures as if you were a real employee of the bank.  You will need to access a specific simulated client file which will include client details, background of their particular circumstances, assets and liabilities statement, a bank statement, pay slips and a superannuation statement. You will be required to analyse all of these documents in order to prepare strategies that will help client to meet their goals, your advice and financial projection and modelling. 

 

You will use “Advice Tools” stored in the employee portal throughout this course. The tools mirror those used in industry and will prepare you to adapt to industry practice and link your studies to the workplace. The tools include industry specific calculators and documents used in every day financial services practices including Best Interest Duty file note (BID), client checklist, fact find and style guide. 

 

The purpose of the assessment is to enable you to demonstrate a breadth of understanding across the course material from weeks 1 - 13. It assesses the knowledge you have obtained through undertaking the topics, your communication skills in presenting that knowledge and your problem-solving skills in answering the questions posed in a fact find presentation meeting with a simulated client of the “Practice Firm”.

For the first part of the project you will assume the role of a para-planner at the Swanston Bank Ltd and you will prepare a financial plan that includes a cash flow, asset and liabilities based on most recent tax rates. You will be required to calculate the lump sums the client will require at retirement and forecast their approximate superannuation balances for the next five years. The forecast will be based on the client’s current investment balances and contributions.

You will be able to determine the duration that the client needs before they can expect to receive a comfortable amount to retire as in accordance with ASFA standards. The financial plan that you will prepare must include strategies to increase the client’s investment balances at retirement.

Once you have successfully completed Part 1, for Part 2 you will be required to demonstrate your adviser communication skills and present your recommendations, responses and research to your client. 

It assesses the knowledge you have obtained through undertaking the concepts of superannuation, your communication skills in presenting that knowledge and your problem-solving skills in answering the questions posed in a live presentation meeting with the simulated client.

The purpose of the assessment is to enable you to demonstrate a breadth of understanding across all of the course material at an independent level. It assesses the knowledge you have obtained through undertaking:

 

  1. Creating rapport with the client
  2. Collecting, analysing and organising information
  3. Discuss financial plan with the client
  4. Planning and organising activities
  5. Negotiate effectively
  6. Working with others and in teams
  7. Complete and maintain necessary documentation

 

Assessment Task 3 - Supervised In Class Assessment Date: 08/10/18 – Week 14

Overview

For this Assessment Task you are required to demonstrate your knowledge by completing an open book in class supervised assessment comprised of a series of theoretical and practical questions including: short answer and mini case studies. The purpose of this Task is to assess your understanding of the concepts and issues included in the topics covered in this course. This assessment will take place during your normal scheduled class time.

The assessment comprises six short answer and problem solving questions style questions. . The purpose of this task is to assess your understanding of the concepts and issues included in the topics from weeks 2 to 13. The duration of the assessment is two hours. This assessment will take place during your normal scheduled class time.

med comp


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on Canvas

Other Information

 

Submission Requirements

 

You should:

 

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. 
  • Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
  • Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.

More Informationhttps://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for Special Consideration.  Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.

More Information:https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration

Resubmissions (VET Programs):

If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. 

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

Grading & re-submissions

Successful re-submissions will contribute a CAG only (Competency Achieved Grading) result to your overall grade for the course.

Adjustments to Assessment

In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

 

Marking Guide (Competency):

 

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

 

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.

 

 

Marking Guide (Grading)

 

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:

 

Final Grades table:

 

 

CHD

Competent with High Distinction

 

 

CDI

Competent with Distinction

 

 

CC

Competent with Credit

 

 

CAG

Competency Achieved – Graded

 

 

CA

Competency Achieved – Not Graded

 

 

NYC

Not Yet Competent

 

 

DNS

Did Not Submit for assessment

 

       

 

 

Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview