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Arshad Ahmad

In Debt, we take on one of the most challenging financial questions that remains unresolved: How much to borrow? We start by demonstrating why using debt has always been and continues to be a great temptation, particularly when borrowing costs are historically low. We identify conditions for selecting the optimal amount of debt for a corporation looking to maximize its value. You’ll become fluent in related concepts like norms and benchmarks. You will explore these and other factors that influence debt for individuals and for public sector organizations -including governments, who are the largest consumers of debt. Like pollution, debt creates systemic risks even for the people and organizations that don’t create it. This course discusses the imperative of limiting and reducing debt and the costs to all of us if we don’t. We build on case based learning giving you opportunities to interpret, uncover and acquire financial information that is often hidden or missing. We also summarize important threads from previous courses to give you a deep and cohesive understanding of when debt works for you and when it becomes your worst enemy.

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Syllabus

Welcome & Personal Debt
Welcome! This first week will introduce you to a critical question for our time: how much debt is too much debt? We start by demonstrating why using debt has always been and continues to be a great temptation, particularly when borrowing costs are historically low. Then we’ll delve into Personal Debt and how building your financial literacy as well as tapping into your own motivations can help you manage your debt level, instead of it managing you. You will make connections between Debt and concepts in the prior three courses of this Specialization, and start examining what area of debt from your experiences that you would like to address as part of this course’s final assignment.
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Corporate Debt
This week we will look at Corporate Debt and how this type of debt has significant advantages over equity under certain conditions. Taking a critical yet realistic lense, we’ll explore how debt favours and benefit firms who use it as financial leverage aimed at increasing a firm’s value, while impressing an understanding of why this is an advantage only during times of growth. We’ll also tap into each other’s thoughts on how this type of debt could influence our own investing decisions
Government Debt
This week we’ll move beyond the personal and corporate to the bigger picture of Government Debt. We’ll collectively understand why a measure of debt is often a requirement to grow national wealth. But, we’ll also discuss how this ‘measure’ of debt has become a ‘monolith’ of debt in many instances around the globe. The key aspect that we’ll work together to uncover is how this impacts you and the people and places surrounding you, and consider how we might plan and react to finding ourselves at an economic turning point in our history. This week will also be the launch of our peer review activity around your debt case study.
Debt Synthesis
Week 4 is the time to synthesize all that we have learned about debt - from our personal experiences, the state of corporations as well as the current level of government debt, and scrutinize and address it in a way that will increase your debt literacy. You will also reexamine your debt case study and share your biggest takeaways from the course, and look ahead to F4E: Capstone!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Arshad Ahmad, this course gives learners an edge in understanding debt and its implications
Develops an understanding of debt for individuals, corporations, and governments
Provides real-world examples and case studies to illustrate debt concepts
Examines the systemic risks of debt and the importance of limiting and reducing it
Offers hands-on opportunities to interpret and acquire financial information related to debt
Provides a deep and cohesive understanding of debt by summarizing important threads from previous courses

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Reviews summary

Accessible finance lesson

According to students, this course is an important lesson on finance that is accessible for everyone. Reviewers highly recommend this course.
This is a course that everyone can understand.
"An important lessor for everyone."
Learners say this course is an important lesson on finance.
"An important lessor for everyone."

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: Debt with these activities:
Review "The Psychology of Money"
Read "The Psychology of Money" to gain insights into the behavioral and psychological aspects of debt and financial decision-making.
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  • Read the book thoroughly
  • Reflect on the key concepts presented
  • Apply the lessons to personal or organizational debt management
Review Financial Literacy Basics
Review the basics of financial literacy to ensure clear understanding of terminology and concepts used throughout the course.
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  • Review basic financial terms and concepts
  • Calculate simple interest and compound interest
  • Create a simple budget
Attend a Debt Management Workshop
Participate in a debt management workshop conducted by financial professionals to gain practical guidance and insights.
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  • Identify and register for a relevant debt management workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate
  • Apply the knowledge and skills gained to manage debt effectively
Five other activities
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Discuss Debt Management Strategies
Engage in peer discussions to share and learn about effective debt management strategies for individuals, corporations, and governments.
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  • Join a peer study group or discussion forum
  • Share experiences and insights on debt management
  • Evaluate different debt management approaches
Calculate Debt-to-Income Ratios
Practice calculating debt-to-income ratios for various scenarios to enhance understanding of financial leverage.
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Show steps
  • Gather necessary financial data (e.g., income, debt obligations)
  • Calculate debt-to-income ratios using different formulas
  • Analyze results and identify potential financial risks
Explore Corporate Debt Case Studies
Analyze real-world corporate debt case studies to gain insights into the strategic use and potential risks of debt in business.
Show steps
  • Select relevant corporate debt case studies
  • Review financial statements and analyze debt metrics
  • Assess the impact of debt on corporate performance and valuation
  • Identify lessons learned and best practices
Develop a Debt Management Plan
Create a comprehensive debt management plan to address personal or organizational debt, applying principles learned in the course.
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  • Assess current debt situation and financial goals
  • Identify and prioritize debt obligations
  • Develop a repayment strategy and timeline
  • Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed
Contribute to Open Source Debt Management Projects
Contribute to open source projects related to debt management to gain practical experience while expanding knowledge and skills in the field.
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Show steps
  • Identify relevant open source debt management projects
  • Review existing code and documentation
  • Propose and implement improvements or new features
  • Collaborate with other contributors and maintain the project

Career center

Learners who complete Finance for Everyone: Debt will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers oversee investment portfolios for individuals, families, and institutions. They make investment decisions, manage risk, and track performance. This course could help someone succeed as a Portfolio Manager by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences investment decisions. The course also covers topics such as portfolio theory and asset allocation, which are essential for anyone working in the investment management industry.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks for organizations. They use data to analyze risks, develop risk management strategies, and implement risk controls. This course could help someone succeed as a Risk Manager by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences financial decisions. The course also covers topics such as risk management frameworks and risk modeling, which are essential for anyone working in the risk management industry.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals, businesses, and governments. They use data to assess the risk of default, recommend credit limits, and make lending decisions. This course could help someone succeed as a Credit Analyst by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences credit decisions. The course also covers topics such as credit risk management and debt restructuring, which are essential for anyone working in the credit industry.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts study financial information to make sound investment decisions. They use data to assess the performance of investments, recommend investment strategies, and make investment decisions. This course could help someone succeed as a Financial Analyst by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences financial decisions. The course also covers topics such as financial literacy and debt management, which are essential for anyone working in the financial industry.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers provide financial advice to corporations and governments. They help companies raise capital, acquire other companies, and manage their debt. This course could help someone succeed as an Investment Banker by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences financial decisions. The course also covers topics such as financial modeling and valuation, which are essential for anyone working in the investment banking industry.
Auditor
Auditors examine financial records to ensure that they are accurate and complete. They also assess the effectiveness of internal controls and make recommendations for improvements. This course could help someone succeed as an Auditor by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences financial statements. The course also covers topics such as auditing standards and procedures, which are essential for anyone working in the auditing industry.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families manage their finances. They provide advice on budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning. This course could help someone succeed as a Financial Planner by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences financial decisions. The course also covers topics such as financial planning principles and practices, which are essential for anyone working in the financial planning industry.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants prepare and file tax returns for individuals, businesses, and organizations. They also advise clients on tax planning strategies and represent them in tax disputes. This course could help someone succeed as a Tax Accountant by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences tax liability. The course also covers topics such as tax laws and regulations, which are essential for anyone working in the tax accounting industry.
Budget Analyst
Budget Analysts develop and manage budgets for organizations. They analyze financial data, identify areas for cost savings, and make recommendations for budget improvements. This course could help someone succeed as a Budget Analyst by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences financial decisions. The course also covers topics such as budgeting principles and techniques, which are essential for anyone working in the budgeting industry.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers study consumer behavior and market trends to help businesses develop and market products and services. This course could help someone succeed as a Market Researcher by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences consumer spending. The course also covers topics such as market research methods and consumer psychology, which are essential for anyone working in the market research industry.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. This course could help someone succeed as a Data Analyst by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences financial decisions. The course also covers topics such as data mining and machine learning, which are essential for anyone working in the data analysis industry.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including finance, strategy, and operations. This course could help someone succeed as a Consultant by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences financial decisions. The course also covers topics such as problem solving and critical thinking, which are essential for anyone working in the consulting industry.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use data to analyze economic trends, forecast economic growth, and make policy recommendations. This course could help someone succeed as an Economist by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences economic decisions. The course also covers topics such as economic theory and econometrics, which are essential for anyone working in the economics industry.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers oversee sales operations and lead sales teams. They develop and implement sales strategies, set sales targets, and motivate sales staff. This course may help someone succeed as a Sales Manager by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences customer purchasing decisions. The course also covers topics such as sales management principles and practices, which are essential for anyone working in the sales management industry.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They conduct market research, develop marketing strategies, and manage marketing budgets. This course may help someone succeed as a Marketing Manager by helping them build a strong understanding of debt and how it influences consumer spending. The course also covers topics such as marketing principles and practices, which are essential for anyone working in the marketing management industry.

Reading list

We've selected 41 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: Debt.
Provides a comprehensive history of debt, from its origins in ancient Mesopotamia to its role in the modern global economy. It valuable resource for understanding the complex and often contradictory nature of debt.
Provides a sweeping analysis of the distribution of wealth and income in the 21st century. It shows how rising inequality is driven by the increasing concentration of capital in the hands of a few.
Provides a comprehensive analysis of wealth and inequality, including the role of debt in shaping economic outcomes.
Provides a historical and anthropological perspective on debt, tracing its origins and evolution over time.
Provides a comprehensive overview of corporate debt, including its uses, risks, and how to manage it effectively. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about corporate finance.
Provides a broad overview of the history of money and finance, including the role of debt in shaping economic and social systems.
Provides a unique insight into the mind of one of the world's most successful investors. Soros explains his theory of reflexivity, which argues that financial markets are self-referential and can create their own reality.
From the International Monetary Fund provides a clear and concise overview of government debt. It covers the different types of government debt, the risks associated with it, and how to manage it sustainably.
Examines the challenges and opportunities facing the global financial system, including the role of debt in the post-2008 world.
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the culture of Wall Street in the 1980s. It cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and recklessness in the financial industry.
Examines the impact of debt on the global economy and offers a vision for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Provides a detailed account of the 2008 financial crisis. It shows how the failure of several major banks led to a global economic meltdown.
A study of how economies and voters interact with debt and policies to reduce debt, and the impact this relationship has on growth and prosperity.
Comprehensive textbook on corporate finance. It covers a wide range of topics, including capital budgeting, capital structure, and dividend policy.
Provides a futurist perspective on the role of debt in the emerging global economy.
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From the International Monetary Fund examines the role of fiscal policy in promoting economic growth. It discusses the different types of fiscal policy tools and how they can be used to stimulate growth.
Classic guide to investing. It provides timeless advice on how to make sound investment decisions.
From the World Bank provides guidance to borrowers on how to manage debt effectively. It covers the different types of debt, the risks associated with it, and how to develop a debt management strategy.
Comprehensive guide to corporate finance. It provides detailed information on the different aspects of corporate finance, such as capital budgeting, capital structure, and mergers and acquisitions.
Comprehensive guide to public finance. It provides detailed information on the different aspects of public finance, such as taxation, government spending, and fiscal policy.
Comprehensive guide to international finance. It provides detailed information on the different aspects of international finance, such as exchange rates, balance of payments, and international financial markets.
Comprehensive guide to financial economics. It provides detailed information on the different aspects of financial economics, such as asset pricing, portfolio theory, and risk management.
Explores the causes and consequences of sovereign debt crises. It provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of sovereign debt crises and how they can be resolved.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of uncertainty in the financial markets. It covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of risk, the role of luck in investing, and how to protect yourself from the black swan events that can occur in financial markets.
Comprehensive guide to fixed income securities. It provides detailed information on the different types of fixed income securities and how to invest in them.
From the World Bank provides guidance to policymakers on how to manage debt in developing countries. It covers the different types of debt, the risks associated with it, and how to develop a debt management strategy.
From the International Monetary Fund examines the role of debt relief in reducing poverty. It provides a detailed analysis of the different types of debt relief programs and their impact on poverty reduction.
Provides a comprehensive overview of how to get out of debt and achieve financial freedom. It covers a wide range of topics, including how to create a budget, how to pay off debt, and how to save for the future.
Provides a comprehensive overview of how to manage your finances as a millennial. It covers a wide range of topics, including how to budget, how to save money, and how to invest for the future.
Explores the causes and consequences of the global debt crisis. It argues that the global debt crisis major threat to the global economy and calls for a new international financial system.
Provides a comprehensive overview of how to save money and achieve financial independence. It covers a wide range of topics, including how to track your spending, how to create a budget, and how to invest for the future.
Examines the history of debt from the ancient world to the present day. It argues that debt major source of social and economic inequality and calls for a new understanding of debt.
Argues that the traditional understanding of money and debt is outdated and that a new understanding is needed for the new economy.

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