FINC 352 at the University of Maryland Global Campus is a three-credit study of the tools and principles of life and health insurance in financial planning for businesses and individuals. UMGC notes that students may receive credit for only one of BMGT 347 or FINC 352.
The goal, per the catalog, is to assess personal needs and decide which types of life and health plans fit best. Topics include pension planning strategies such as deferred-compensation and profit-sharing plans, the use of trusts in business and in planning estates, and the effects of income, estate and gift taxes on life insurance and estate planning.
The course is a prerequisite for FINC 490, so students planning financial planning careers need it. The difficulty is combining insurance, tax and legal ideas in one recommendation.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Course code | FINC 352 |
| Credits | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Prerequisite | None listed in the catalog |
| Credit restriction | Only one of BMGT 347 or FINC 352 |
What FINC 352 Covers
| Catalog topic | What to be able to do |
|---|---|
| Assessing personal needs | Estimate coverage for income, debts and dependants |
| Life and health plan types | Compare term, permanent and health coverage |
| Pension planning strategies | Describe deferred compensation and profit-sharing plans |
| Trusts in business and estates | Explain why and how trusts are used |
| Income, estate and gift taxes | Trace the tax effects on insurance and estate plans |
Key Concepts with Worked Examples
Estimating Life Insurance Need
A common method adds the funds a family would need and subtracts existing resources.
Example: A household needs $240,000 to replace income for a surviving spouse, $200,000 to clear a mortgage and $60,000 for education, a total of $500,000. Existing savings and group cover total $150,000, so the shortfall is $350,000. Your analysis should state each assumption and explain that real planning uses current tax and benefit rules.
Term Versus Permanent Insurance
Term cover is for a set period and is usually cheaper at the start. Permanent cover lasts for life and builds cash value, at higher cost. Match the type to the need: a temporary need such as a mortgage suits term; a lifelong need such as estate liquidity may suit permanent.
Why Taxes Matter
Whether premiums, proceeds and transfers are taxed shapes the best structure. Describe the principle and cite current rules for your jurisdiction, because figures and thresholds change.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
UMGC's public page lists no assessments. This table shows typical work for the course; follow your syllabus.
| Assignment type | What it tests | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Needs analysis | Quantifying coverage | List needs, resources and the gap clearly |
| Plan comparison | Matching products to needs | Compare cost, duration, flexibility |
| Business insurance or pension case | Applying plans to firms | Identify the goal, then the structure that serves it |
| Tax and estate discussion | Understanding effects | Use current rules and cite them |
Comparing Cover Types
Use a comparison table to prepare for case questions. This outline is a general summary; confirm details in your text.
| Type | Typical feature | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| Term life | Cover for a set period, no cash value | Temporary needs such as a mortgage or child-raising years |
| Permanent life | Lifetime cover with cash value, higher premium | Lifelong needs such as estate liquidity |
| Health coverage | Pays or reimburses medical costs | Protecting against large medical bills |
| Employer-based plans | Group cover, sometimes with deferred pay features | Employee benefits and owner planning |
For each case, state the need first, then choose the type, then discuss cost and tax treatment.
A Second Example: Deferred Compensation in Context
An owner wants to keep a key manager by promising extra income at retirement. A deferred-compensation arrangement promises future payments, and the business may fund the promise with life insurance on the manager.
A case answer should explain the goal, how the arrangement works, what each party gets and risks, and the tax treatment as described in your course materials. Avoid stating tax outcomes you cannot cite, because rules differ by plan type and change over time.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Jargon. Define terms the first time you use them.
- Dated tax figures. Check current rules and cite the source.
- Recommending a product without a need. Always begin with the gap.
- Mixing business and personal uses. Keep the two cases separate.
Study Tips for FINC 352
- Make a comparison table of term, whole life and health coverage types.
- Practice the needs analysis with different families.
- Keep a glossary of trust and pension terms.
- Note that the course content is general education, not advice for a real person.
How We Help with FINC 352
Send the case, readings and rubric. A finance writer can prepare a worked needs analysis or paper, or review your draft for logic and clarity. See our finance assignment help guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The catalog lists none.
UMGC lists FINC 352 among the prerequisites for FINC 490.
Credit can be received for only one of BMGT 347 or FINC 352.
Yes, including the effects of income, estate and gift taxes on life insurance and estate planning.
Both: financial planning for businesses and individuals.
Yes. Send it and we review logic and calculations.