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Gautam Kaul

Want to learn how to think clearly about important financial decisions and improve your financial literacy? Finance for Everyone will showcase the beauty and power of finance. This introductory finance course will be a gateway into the world of finance and will examine multiple applications to apply to your everyday life. Join us to better understand how to apply frameworks and tools to make smart financial choices.

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Want to learn how to think clearly about important financial decisions and improve your financial literacy? Finance for Everyone will showcase the beauty and power of finance. This introductory finance course will be a gateway into the world of finance and will examine multiple applications to apply to your everyday life. Join us to better understand how to apply frameworks and tools to make smart financial choices.

You will be able to value the impact of different choices available to you: from renting or buying, evaluating car, home and student loans, or deciding whether to go to college versus pursuing a new idea to simply understanding how the financial world works.

Starting with time value of money, the course will help you develop a full appreciation for the many applications of finance. Using real world examples, the course will enable you to understand and analyze many personal and professional decisions we confront on a daily basis. You will understand stocks and bonds, learn to allocate scarce resources in a value-add way, and adopt smart tools for making every day decisions.

Finance is simultaneously a way of thinking and a set of tools. Finance is everywhere. There are no prerequisites for this course except for a sense of curiosity and a positive attitude. However, a comfort level with algebra and numbers and an understanding of accounting (the language of business) will clearly help. We will, however, try to cover everything starting with fundamentals and highlight when there is a need to do some further work in specific subjects.

What you'll learn

  • Why finance is everywhere and how it affects all of us
  • An understanding of the financial world, and an appreciation for the beauty and power of finance
  • Gain the fundamental knowledge, skills, and tools of finance and the ability to apply them everywhere, in personal and professional situations
  • Different frameworks for decision-making
  • Acquire skills in using different decision-making tools, and learn to make sound personal and professional financial decisions
  • The concept of Time Value of Money (TVM) and apply related tools and frameworks to everyday decisions

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Why finance is everywhere and how it affects all of us
  • An understanding of the financial world, and an appreciation for the beauty and power of finance
  • Gain the fundamental knowledge, skills, and tools of finance and the ability to apply them everywhere, in personal and professional situations
  • Different frameworks for decision-making
  • Acquire skills in using different decision-making tools, and learn to make sound personal and professional financial decisions
  • The concept of time value of money (tvm) and apply related tools and frameworks to everyday decisions

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores financial concepts that students will encounter in their everyday lives
Provides students with frameworks and tools to make informed financial decisions
Demonstrates how financial principles can be applied to personal and professional situations
Emphasizes the importance of understanding the time value of money, a fundamental concept in finance
Provides opportunities for students to apply their learning through real-world examples
Taught by instructors Gautam Kaul, who are recognized for their work in finance

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Finance for Everyone: Smart Tools for Decision-Making with these activities:
Review basic algebra and arithmetic concepts
Refreshing basic math skills will strengthen foundational knowledge for the course.
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  • Review key algebra concepts, such as equations, inequalities, and functions.
  • Practice basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Read 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham
This classic book provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental financial principles and investment strategies, enhancing understanding of course concepts.
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  • Read the book thoroughly, highlighting and noting important concepts.
  • Summarize each chapter's key takeaways and insights.
  • Identify real-life examples of the financial principles discussed in the book.
Follow online tutorials on Time Value of Money (TVM)
Interactive tutorials provide a hands-on approach to understanding and applying TVM principles.
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  • Identify reputable online resources and tutorials on TVM.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, solving practice problems and examples.
  • Apply the learned concepts to real-world financial scenarios.
Five other activities
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Join a study group and engage in discussions
Engaging in peer discussions fosters collaboration, deepens understanding, and provides diverse perspectives.
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  • Identify or create a study group with fellow learners enrolled in the course.
  • Actively participate in group discussions, sharing insights and perspectives.
  • Work collaboratively to solve problems and clarify concepts.
Solve Finance case studies
Applying financial principles to real-world situations will solidify learning and enhance critical thinking skills.
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  • Identify the key financial concepts and principles applicable to the case study.
  • Analyze the financial data and information provided in the case study.
  • Develop and evaluate alternative financial solutions and recommendations.
  • Present and justify the recommended financial solution or strategy.
Create a financial plan for a specific personal or business goal
Creating a practical financial plan reinforces understanding of financial principles and their application in real-world situations.
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  • Identify a specific financial goal (e.g., saving for a down payment, investing for retirement).
  • Research and gather relevant financial information and data.
  • Develop a detailed financial plan, including timelines, strategies, and budget.
  • Present and explain the financial plan, highlighting key assumptions and recommendations.
Develop a financial model for a small business
Building a financial model for a business enhances understanding of financial principles in a practical and hands-on manner.
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  • Identify a small business and gather relevant financial data and information.
  • Develop a financial model using spreadsheets or financial modeling software.
  • Analyze the financial model, identify key insights, and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Present and explain the financial model and recommendations to stakeholders.
Contribute to an open-source financial software project
Contributing to open-source projects enhances practical skills, fosters collaboration, and keeps learners up-to-date with industry trends.
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  • Identify an open-source financial software project aligned with interests and skills.
  • Join the project community, actively engage in discussions and contribute suggestions.
  • Work on specific tasks or features, contributing code, documentation, or testing.

Career center

Learners who complete Finance for Everyone: Smart Tools for Decision-Making will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use their knowledge of finance to help companies make important decisions about their finances. They analyze financial data, make recommendations on investments, and develop financial plans. By taking this course, you'll gain the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to value the impact of different financial choices, analyze financial statements, and make sound financial decisions.
Financial Consultant
Financial Consultants provide financial advice to individuals and businesses. They help clients with a variety of financial planning needs, such as retirement planning, investment planning, and estate planning. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to analyze financial data, develop financial plans, and make sound financial recommendations.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help companies raise capital by issuing stocks and bonds. They also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions. This course will provide you with the foundation in finance needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to value companies, analyze financial data, and make sound financial recommendations.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers manage investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. They make investment decisions and allocate assets to achieve specific financial goals. This course will help you build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to analyze financial data, build investment portfolios, and make sound investment decisions.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify and assess risks for companies and individuals. They develop risk management plans and implement strategies to mitigate risks. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to identify and assess risks, develop risk management plans, and make sound risk management decisions.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. They provide advice on a variety of topics, such as retirement planning, investment planning, and estate planning. This course will provide you with the foundation in finance needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to analyze financial data, develop financial plans, and make sound financial recommendations.
Accountant
Accountants provide financial information to companies and individuals. They prepare financial statements, audit financial records, and provide tax advice. This course will help you build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to analyze financial data, prepare financial statements, and provide sound financial advice.
Auditor
Auditors examine the financial records of companies to ensure that they are accurate and complete. They also provide advice on internal controls and risk management. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to analyze financial data, conduct audits, and make sound audit recommendations.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants prepare tax returns for individuals and businesses. They also provide advice on tax planning and tax law. This course will help you build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to analyze tax laws, prepare tax returns, and provide sound tax advice.
Budget Analyst
Budget Analysts develop and manage budgets for companies and governments. They analyze financial data, forecast revenue and expenses, and make recommendations on how to allocate resources. This course will help you build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to analyze financial data, develop budgets, and make sound budget recommendations.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. They analyze financial data and make recommendations on whether or not to extend credit. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to analyze financial data, assess credit risk, and make sound credit recommendations.
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance Underwriters assess the risk of insuring individuals and businesses. They analyze financial data and make recommendations on whether or not to issue insurance policies. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. You'll learn how to analyze financial data, assess insurance risk, and make sound insurance underwriting decisions.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. They help clients with a variety of financial planning needs, such as retirement planning, investment planning, and estate planning. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this role as it provides a foundation in finance and financial planning.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Finance for Everyone: Smart Tools for Decision-Making.
Provides a comprehensive overview of corporate finance. It covers topics such as capital budgeting, capital structure, and financial distress. This book good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about corporate finance.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the financial world, from the basics of accounting and financial analysis to advanced topics such as derivatives and risk management. It good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about finance without getting too bogged down in the details.
Classic guide to value investing, a strategy that involves buying stocks that are trading below their intrinsic value. This book good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about value investing.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of investments. It covers topics such as asset allocation, security analysis, and portfolio management. good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about investing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern portfolio theory. It covers topics such as asset allocation, security analysis, and portfolio optimization. This book good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about modern portfolio theory.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory of investment value. It covers topics such as asset pricing, risk and return, and portfolio management. This book good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about the theory of investment value.
Provides a simple and straightforward guide to investing. It covers topics such as the importance of diversification, the benefits of index funds, and how to avoid common investing mistakes. This book good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about how to invest wisely.
Provides a unique perspective on money and investing. It covers topics such as the importance of financial literacy, the dangers of debt, and how to build wealth through real estate and other investments. This book good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about how to achieve financial freedom.
Provides a simple and straightforward guide to becoming a millionaire. It covers topics such as the importance of saving, the benefits of compound interest, and how to create a plan for reaching your financial goals. This book good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about how to achieve financial success.
Provides a timeless set of principles for achieving financial success. It covers topics such as the importance of saving, the benefits of investing, and how to avoid common financial mistakes. This book good choice for anyone who wants to learn more about how to achieve financial prosperity.

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