Hello All!
This week's class topic/module was on Money Management! Woohoo! We spent the first 30 minutes of class watching a classic episode of the Honeymooners in which Jackie Gleason's character poorly manages a situation in which he finds a suitcase of counterfeit money on the bus that he drives...and although most of us will likely never encounter such a situation, some parallels could certainly be drawn between what some of us have done in the past when it comes to managing money that isn't really ours to spend (credit card usage, student loan refunds, etc)...
From this class session, what do you think you might do differently now regarding money management that you were not doing before? In class I made the following statement, “You should, whenever possible, only incur debt when taking out loans for your education or to purchase a house”. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Talk about the three C’s that are used to determine whether or not a person will receive credit…are any of these three characteristics of concern to you right now? Is money, and your management of your finite finances a current stressor in your life? Is it keeping you from focusing on your academics? If so, how could developing and sticking to a budget benefit you? And finally, why is it important to budget our financial resources and stick to a budget?
And for real, finally…at the end of the class session I shared that my LA151 supervisor observed that when visiting six different LA151 classes for observations, that in her 20 minute visits, in 5 of the 6 classes the topic of alcohol or drug use was brought up by students. My question to you is…is this appropriate? Should students in college or specifically AAU bring up these topics, as well as topics related to sexual activity in a college course? Why or why not?
I also shared, and I am also guilty of this at times, we choose HUMOR over being PROFESSIONAL. In other words, in certain situations, when perhaps our behavior and actions should be more professional (perhaps in a classroom or work setting) we choose to crack a joke or make a funny when perhaps we should not…is this okay? Has this become acceptable behavior? Or should people be more self-regulating? At what expense might someone choose humor over professionalism? As a result, does a person become less credible? Less...as some of you might put it...legit.
The blog response is due by Monday, April 23rd at 11:59PM.
We’re going to the SFMOMA next week (BRING YOUR STUDENT ID) on April 24, 2012…but we’ll first meet in the classroom where I will go over the FINAL PROJECT ASSIGNMENT!!
Have a great weekend!
The topic of money is not something that I like to talk about openly it makes me feel uncomfortable in a lot of ways. As far as managing my money I am often not the dictator of my spending habits because my mother mentors what I buy and what my budget should be. I agree that you should only incur debt for things that are as important was a home or education but in a way I am conflicted because education shouldn't cause individuals to go into debt. That is a personal belief outside of the class discussion. The three C's seem reasonable in the qualification of whether a person should get credit or not the list depicts individuals that are capable of staying on top of their loans. None of those characteristics are a concern to me Ive never been declined for credit or a loan. Money is not really a stress for me because my parents are well off and I don't really run into situations where I am not sure if I will have money or not. Fortunately I am blessed to have successful parents that are able to take the burden and stress of money off of my back. Although I do have my parents financial support I will accumulate some debt over the course of studies and that at times is bothersome to me.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the topic of sex and drugs in not always appropriate for a classroom setting but in some ways things have changed as far the dialogue of the youth in general. Things like sex and drugs have become normal and causal in the eyes of my peers. I have had teachers to speak of sex and I have become involved in projects that have required my spin on sex. Being at this school the topic of sex and drugs in not a big deal because often times this is a creative process for me as a advertising student. These conversations open up doors for me personally to now what will soon be my target market is into and how I should approach my ads. At an art school I don t find that it is necessary to be subject to the constraints of other school because we are much different in our ways of thinking and our conversations come with a different purpose.
Humor is subjective so each individual situation may be different and appropriate in the way that people choose to make a joke. The key is knowing your audience and not relying solely on jokes to make a point.
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DeleteMoney management may be my most threatening weakness! I have been pretty good this semester about staying within my budget, but I still have spent more than I really needed to on shopping trips, causing me to skip meals here and there. I don’t have a credit card, and don’t plan to get one anytime soon seeing as I’m not going to be thinking of buying a car within the next few years, and not entirely certain that I even want to buy a house someday. I also really don’t want to chance repeating what happened to my mom with her credit and the whole identity theft crisis (it made everyone in the home very hardboiled and maddeningly cynical, including myself). One money issue affecting me right now is simply eagerness to get a few jobs this summer so that I can buy myself some equipment that would make my work much easier; such as a Mac and my own copy of Logic Pro to use whenever, instead of relying on the labs so much. Consequently I’m saving at least $300 to cover the cost of Logic.
ReplyDeleteAbout political correctness: At an art school where projects sometimes can revolve around drug culture or sexual themes, I’d say that there’s definitely a time and a place to discuss such matters if one wanted to. As someone who doesn’t personally find any interest in using drugs, I don’t mind people telling me about their adventures when there is downtime. The topic of sex itself doesn’t really bother me either –it’s just annoying if people talk about sex like they’re still in high school. The key in broaching these topics, as with all other topics, is the maturity level with which you handle it.
On the topic of humor over professionalism: Most of the jokes I would make don’t make sense unless written. And even then I have a horrible sense of humor, which I inflict only on my friends. I don’t feel that making people laugh ruins your ethos, though you sure can say something completely out of line (as happens quite often in politics) and lose your job over it.
I've been writing it down on my small notebook every time I spent my money since last semester. I figured that during last semester, I spent it a lot on outings such as going to a restaurant, clubbing, movies, etc. it's okay to go out and be stress free once in awhile but I arranged to spend less money on food for restaurants because I already payed for the school meal plan. so unless it's really a special thing like birthday dinner or catching up with someone I haven't seen for awhile, I don't waste my meal plan that my parents already payed for. also, I could have gone to LA for spring break but I decided to just stay in SF to save money because I'll be in LA for summer anyways. plane tickets cost so much these days and saving money makes me feel good because it's a way of helping parents out and giving them less stress.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement because you never know what the future holds and you don't want to risk it. I only use my credit card for something that I really need at that time such as school registration fees, etc. and when the price costs quite a lot, I tell my parents ahead. I think it's a way of showing them respect since I don't work but they do.
The most money problem that stresses me out is school financial fees. this school asks for a lot of money and classes are pretty hard too.
I think it's okay to talk about it because our generation is different but there should be always a limit. like don't go too deep in that topic or talk about something that makes everyone go "wtf" cause it could be awkward for other people. I don't think not too many kids know how to be "classy". sometimes, I hear others talking and it makes me think how cheap they sound. but no judging tho because I'm not perfect either.
I honestly love the teachers who take it easy and make jokes about certain things. it makes the classes whole a lot better and not boring. I hate those professional teachers with no sense of humor. they may teach you the right things but they don't do it in a right way. so you basically don't get a lot out from them.
The last class topic was a good one, money management is something we all have to deal with, like it or not. Budgeting your spending is a very good strategy to keep a stable balance with your funds. I feel that it would help anyone with money situations or anybody who wants a little more cash there pockets. I agree with what you said, school funds might be necessary, but for housing, I'm not to sure, if you can afford it than yes, but some people might bite off more than they can chew and end up getting there places foreclosed. I have no problem with my credit, if i ever do incur debt, i plan on paying it off one way or another, for sure. I think money could stress anybody out, even those of wealth. I try not to stress about it too much, but i still think about it, i think its good in a way, to at least keep track of your finances. Luckily it isn't distracting me, probably because its not of great stress. Keeping a budget is important because it helps you stabilize your finances and keep you on track with all your payments.
ReplyDeleteI feel as if it might not really be appropriate, but it would also depend on the situation. If it applies to the current subject someway to help the topic than yes, but out of random comments than no.
It is okay to use humor at times, actually i think its professional in a way. If you notice, when being straight to the point, it doesn't really catch everyone's attention, using humor or applying it to a current subject will help catch the listeners attention and laughing never hurt anyone. It is an acceptable behavior, only in specific environments, and only at specific times. of course you should regulate your humor, like I said, it depends on the environment you are in at the current time to crack a certain joke. I think its smart to crack a joke just to brighten the mood, and catch people's attention.. a person only becomes less credible if they do not know what they are talking about. A person with knowledge of a subject can use humor, just as they can be professional. Everyone likes humor, one way or another..
As same as grace, I have my own monthly schedule and every time I get to buy something, I keep all of my receipts and arrange the parts into it's month. Then I write down all the amounts I've used in each month. I say budgeting are very useful to see your balance . However, last semester, I've used to much money spending especially on restaurants. Thats because last semester was my first year and I didn't like the food that was served at the cafeteria. Everyday, they had the similar food and I wanted korean food so much and here, the price were expensive. But this year, I've started to thing carefully when I'm trying to buy something. I alway think myself, "If this stuffs are really needed immediately?" And of course money gives us a lot of stress. Since I go to art school, every class requires supplies and It costs too much money. Also, mobile monthly costs lot too. But other than that, I'm trying to save my money.
ReplyDeleteTalking about the drugs and sex in class discussion, I think it depends on the situation. But, America and the generations these days are very open minded so I don't think it does cause to the other people. Also as an art student, I think it's okay to talk about those things since there are many topics and themes based on drugs and sex. Because these can also be part of the creativity.
Lastly, I think using humor is a very useful in a professionally. Humor are not only talking about foolish things but based on the topic we could make some humors to make people to understand easier and to get close to the topics. But also it depends on the situations. There's also some place and times that's not appropriate to talk about humors. But, once they make an humor many people will like it and will start to concentrate of one' topic through humor.
Money management has never been an issue with me thus far. I rarely ever use my credit card, and usually manage to save up to 70% of my monthly budget. The only drawback so far is taking out a student loan, but with my current money spending habits, paying back the fees shouldn't be a problem. I've personally never been one to shell out huge amounts of money unless I was prepared to do so. Of course it's important to have a monthly budget, because whether it's for sudden emergencies like a car breakdown or a house it's a good feeling to know that you're financially in good standings, for tomorrow or years down the road. A little preparation can come a long way.
ReplyDeleteTalking about alcohol and drug use probably isn't the best topic to bring up unless it's related to the current conversation.
Humor on the other hand varies. I prefer having some humor in the room because it breaks the awkward silence or the facade of a professional demeanor. Usually, if you're in a room with your superiors, then humor should be kept to yourself unless you know what kind of personality the people you're working with have. Being funny depends on the time and place and what kind of people you're dealing with.
I realize that most of my spendings are from eating out. I feel that it is unnecessary since I have a meal plan here at the academy. I also spend a lot on things that I don’t need, for example more shoes... I have a good amount of shoes but I have a few pairs that I wear often and the rest remain untouched. I do agree that you should only incur debt when taking out loans for education because you are using that money to better yourself and to gain knowledge that will land you a better job in the future, and paying off that debt wont be as hard. I do have a credit card but I never use it, I mainly use my debit because I want things paid off immediately. I should start building up my credit though, especially if I want to start renting a place for myself. Right now, I don’t think money is too much of a stressor that it will interfere with my academics.
ReplyDeleteI think that talking about sex and drugs in college isn’t exactly appropriate but it is common, specially when everyone starts getting to know each other in class. Some people just want to express themselves, and I honestly am not against it, but don’t expect me to randomly blurt out things related to that topic.
Humor... I believe is appropriate. Especially when talking to a group of students, not so appropriate in other cases though. Does it make a person less credible? or professional? It depends.
Regarding the statement, I neither agree or disagree. While I agree with the notion that education and/or a roof to sleep under is a worthy investment to take out a loan on, I think that it should only be done if one can to afford it. And none of the three C's are concern to me right now. While money (and managing it) is one of the stress in my life, it's definitely not the most stressful one, I see it more as discipline, spending only on what I need, and occasionally, splurging on what I want. I view budgeting money as a responsibility and a skill that one must develop, a curse of growing and maturing (along with many other), and can apply to other aspect of life, such as discipline, self-control, management of whatever it is, etc.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the topic of drug and alcohol use is concerned, I really don't think it's inappropriate as long as it was the topic on hand, which in our case, it was not. I really didn't know how the it was brought up in the first place, but I guess there are worse topic to bring up, like coitus.
Humor or Professional? That depends, the biggest variable is the environment and the people you're in the room with, if one is in a room with strangers, or people that one know does not take jokes well, then humor should be kept to a minimal.
I will start keeping a more efficient budget, such as setting aside a monthly amount for transportation and art supplies. I agree that taking out loans for only the essential and the "needs" of life. The wants should be paid off right then and there so that they don't incur unnecessary debts. The three C's are Character, Capital and Capacity. They are not of concern to me since my parents take care of my loans and my other spending. Money is not an issue for me, but I would like to start a job again once the semester ends, so that I can get that sense of responsibility again and help my parents out in any way I can. Keeping a budget is very important since it is easy to get carried away when spending. With a budget you can keep track of how much you are spending and how much you have left.
ReplyDeleteI think that talking about topics like this will help bring out new information for those who may not know as much about it. Personally, I stay away from the drugs and alcohol, so hearing others talk about it add to my general knowledge in a weird way. I will know what's good and what is bad.
I feel that it is okay to use a little humor in a professional setting. Sometimes where you are starting to lose the audience, or if the room has gone stiff, from tension or whatever it maybe, I think that using humor to capture the audiences' attention again is completely okay. I don't think it makes a person less credible. If the humor was offensive, or disturbing, then it would be inappropriate.
Now that I have an income, its easier to track how much I'm spending vs. how much money I'm making. Its helping me understand how much more difficult it is to survive on my own, not to mention its making me much more appreciative of my mom's support. I don't necessarily have my excel chart operational, nor a plan on what to do with my income, but I am slowly becoming more financially responsible and aware of my spending, tho I'm never sure I will be able to be financially responsible with art supplies. Regarding loans, I think they should only be taken out for, as Sj said, the "needs of life," or to start a business, to fund an art installation etc etc. In my opinion, its only smart to take out a loan when you are using it on something that will give you a monetary return. The 3 C's, hmm well they are not really a concern for me as much they are something I am becoming more mindful of. Money isn't an issue for me at this point, but slowly I am working to become more financially independent so its slowly dawning on me that I need to focus on organizing my funds. I'm starting to get a little stressed out, now that I am paying for all of my living expenses minus a good chunk of my rent, but it is also driving me to work myself harder. Its good, but sometimes lonely which is what I'm struggling with the most.
ReplyDeleteI kinda enjoy the random banter about sex and drugs. Its fun to hear everyone's take on them. I think it would be interesting to have a class session where we talk about how sex and drugs effect us as artists: our creative process, inspiration, etc. If we were mature about it and didn't giggle every two seconds, i think we could learn a lot about how we work, and also it would give you, the AAU staff, a better understanding of what drives art students to turn to drugs and what you could do to make it 1 safer for the students or 2 change school policies or 3 offer support to those individuals who feel like they have to turn to drugs and alcohol. essentially a little rehab for students. i know quite a few people who could use it.
The humor is great. I have always liked it when teachers brought their own personality into their teaching style. It personifies you a little more, especially since a good majority of us -I would assume- have experienced the robotic teachers that know how to make fun things boring. Even if it were inappropriate, it shows us how you think and for that reason allows us to grasp the information a little better.
As of now I don't spend my money on anything I don't need. Before this semester I spent my money carelessly and aimlessly on everything I wanted. So, I put a hold on the unnecessary spending. I've been spending my money mostly on school supplies. Also helping me control my spending is the fact that I really don't call home for money anymore and I just try to survive totally on my own. I definitely agree about the statement made in class that people should only incur debt for education purposes. I can't see myself being in debt because of the latest car or a lavish home. I'd rather save and spend on something I really want. I also don't believe in incurring debt because you may want to spoil yourself. Honestly, money isn't a major stressor in my life right now. I mean, it's nice to have and I want it but, the big picture from working hard is in my view. I've now trained myself to believe that if I don't work hard I don't deserve it!With concerns of discussing personal issues in class, it a can be appropriate at times. It mostly depends on the topic being talked about in class and the professor that we are dealing with. Making jokes and personal suggestions aren't appropriate for class but when the class is a AP course others tend to see it as a chill time. In certain situations it could make the teacher less credible but not in Machado's case.
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