Introduction to Financial Planning unit (BFA508)

Hobart

Introduction

A comprehensive financial plan will contribute towards the quality of a person's life by reducing the uncertainty about their future needs and the resources that will be available to meet them. This unit is an introductory course examining what is involved in organising and managing an individual's financial resources, and how to protect, maximise and enjoy the benefits obtained from these resources. The financial planning industry has undergone significant change commencing from March 2004 with the implementation of the Financial Services Reform Act 2001 (FSRA). The aim of the unit is to provide a sound understanding of the process of financial planning, together with some of the fundamental skills and knowledge that are required. In line with these objectives, each of the recognised steps in the financial planning process that have been developed by financial planners will be examined in detail, namely: gathering qualitative and quantitative data; identifying goals; identifying financial problems including: setting priorities, deciding on trade-offs and considering opportunity costs; preparing or interpreting written recommendations; implementing agreed-upon plans; and, reviewing, revising and maintaining personal financial plans. The `key areas' that are important for the financial planning process are examined, namely: the regulatory framework; investments; managed funds; superannuation; home ownership; risk management and insurance; taxation; consumer credit; social security; estate planning.

Summary

Unit name	Introduction to Financial Planning
Unit code	BFA508
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline	Accounting
Coordinator	Doctor Ayobolawole Ogundipe
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Critique the advisory functions of financial planners. within the adviser/client relationship
• Analyse the Australian legal framework within which financial planners operate.
• Apply sustainable financial planning process steps to client scenarios.
• Evaluate the ethical considerations and professional conduct requirements

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
080101	$2,174.00	$1,703.00	not applicable	$3,284.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	For each of the Topics there are workshop power point slides, online presentation material and video interviews that introduce key concepts. The 12 topics /weeks are for students to use as readings and source material. The on-campus classes will be delivered in intensive three-hour block workshops, four times a semester.   There are  12 x 1 hour weekly online workshops across the semester.
Assessment	Assignment analysis (25%)|Workshop participation activities (35%)|Project (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

McKeown, Olynyk, Kerry, Cianco, La, 2021, Financial Planning, Essentials Edition, Wiley, E-Book or Paperback

Recommended

Taylor, S; Juchau, R, 2021, Financial Planning in Australia  Essentials Edition, LexisNexis Butterworths, Sydney Russell, S 2019, Behavioural Finance: A Guide for Financial Advisers, Simon Christopher Russell at Trustee for the BCF Consulting Services Trust.  Lawson, C, Gill, R, Feekery, A Witsel, M, Lewis, M & Cenere, P 2019, Communication Skills for Business Professionals, second edition, Cambridge. Ackert, L & Deaves, R 2009, Behavioral Finance: Psychology, Decision-Making, and Markets, 1st edn, Cengage Learning  https://faaa.au/

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.