Case Study
Jamison is graduating in December. He will earn a degree in marketing and he has
accepted a job in Dallas as a marketing associate for a mid-size technology company. The
position will require some travel. He has an opportunity for advancement, if he exceeds
his job expectations. He is seeking some financial advice to help him as he begins his new
career.
Here’s the information he provided.
Salary - $50,900
Checking - $875
Savings - $3,750
Benefits
- Health insurance premium is paid for by his employer; he could have deductibles
and co-payments but he doesn’t have any major problems or expect to need health
care. - Life insurance is paid for by his employer; twice his salary for term insurance.
- Retirement will be funded by a 401(k). If he contributes 5%, his employer will
match it.
Housing - Jamison has not yet decided where he will live. He would like to live alone, but he’s
discovered that rent, not including electricity, costs $2,700 a month for a one-
bedroom unit that is 3 blocks from where he will be working in Downtown Dallas.
His family lives in Ft. Worth (33 miles from Dallas) and will allow him to live there
for $975 per month. He has his bedroom furniture from college and a dining room
table. If he lives with his family, he will have to sell his furniture or store it.
Jamison’s furniture is worth $2,100 total.
Transportation - He drives a Honda Accord that is now 12 years old and has 195,000 miles on it and
gets 28 miles per gallon. Jamison’s car is valued at $4,500. There are no major
problems with it but he would really like to get a newer car that gets better gas
mileage.
Technology - Smart Phone- his cell phone is paid for and is on his parent's plan
- Cable- He wants to acquire membership of at least three streaming sites and needs
internet access. His parents don’t have either cable or internet access.
Wardrobe - Like most college students, he will need to purchase new work attire to adhere to
the company’s dress code. Luckily, he can dress business casual, but on some
occasions, he may need to wear a business suit. He doesn’t have to buy everything
at once but knows this is going to be something he will have to pay for.
Debt - School loans – He has $29,500 in loans and must start repaying 6 months after graduation.
- Credit cards – His Visa has a $7,500 limit. He is carrying $7,350 on it from his
Summer Trip with his friends and is only able to pay the minimum every month
right now. The interest rate is 28.99%.
Roommate’s Wedding - In July, he will be in his roommate’s wedding in Galveston.
His tuxedo is paid for. He will need to rent shoes if he doesn’t buy a pair of black
dress shoes by then. He will also have other expenses for travel, etc. for the
wedding and he plans to help two other groomsmen host a bachelor party in June.
They are planning a fishing trip to the Gulf and plan to rent a boat.
Anticipated expenses prior to starting his new position on January 7th - Pay costs beyond deposit on college apartment. They’ve had a lot of parties and the walls have lots of marks on them and the carpet is – disgusting. They are pretty sure they’ll have to pay when they move out.
- Has to pay $525 in parking tickets (to the university) before he can receive his diploma.
- Wants to go to the beach (South Padre Island) with friends after graduation for at least a week.
- Wants to buy a graduation present for his girlfriend who is also graduating.
As a financial planner, describe how you would “break the ice” and establish a relationship with Jamison?
After reading the case study, what questions would you ask Jamison about his financial situation? Please share why you would ask those specific questions?
What do you think are the four most significant problems for Jamison?
Identify and describe two short-term goals for Jamison.
Identify and describe two long-term goals for Jamison.
What recommendations or suggestions do you have for Jamison and why? Provide (at minimum) five recommendations/suggestions.