Problem:
Over the weekend, you get a call from your brother. He is currently working for a large restaurant chain in their management training program.
"Hi, Lee," you say. "How's everything in the sandwich business?"
"Good," he says. "Great, really. I'm calling because I need your financial brain."
"Sure. What do you need?"
"Well, I think I found my niche with this job," he says. "I like the business model this company uses, and I have an opportunity now to buy a franchise. Isn't that great?!"
"Congratulations!" you say. "You've worked hard. You've earned it. So how can I help?"
"I want you to look at my personal finances and then help me to understand how to manage it all so I can be successful with this restaurant franchise."
"Okay. Sure. Let me think about this first, and I'll call you back after this next week is over. I'm working on some time-sensitive things at Apex and I want to be able to shift my focus."
"That's perfect," he says. "I'll clear my calendar for next weekend so we can get together—whatever is best for you."
"Okay! See you soon."
You hang up and think about how to apply all of the things you have learned over the past 5 weeks at Apex to help Lee manage his personal finances. Maybe a good place to start is to think about your own personal finances, and then translate that to your brother's situation. Discuss the following:
How can you apply financial analysis techniques to your own personal financial management?
What opportunities do you see?
Note: Write in general terms. Do not divulge personal information.