The first of a series on personal and family financial planning (PFFP) education, this publication presents five papers examining the need for educational programs that emphasize the use of financial resources in ways that contribute to family stability. C. Raymond Anderson discusses the inability of many individuals to realistically manage financial resources and describes seven PFFP competencies: (1) analyze goals, (2) assess financial resources, (3) design a family financial plan, (4) effectively execute the plan, (5) effectively buy, borrow, invest, and save, (6) evaluate and change financial plans to meet changing economic conditions, and (7) provide an adequate income base. Next, Mary Beth Minden identifies federal consumer protection laws, considers their costs and benefits, and urges that PFFP programs examine governmental and societal factors that affect family financial planning. Joel L. Burdin suggests that PFFP be fused with teacher education and provides guidelines for the use of instructional materials and other resources in PFFP programs. James L. Wattenbarger examines the vocational, non-credit emphasis of community college curricula and discusses the role of PFFP instruction in providing for diverse community needs. Mervin D. Lynch and Melissa Levi examine the relationship between financial planning and self-concept development at various stages of the life cycle. (JP)