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Personal & Family Financial Planning

Personal and Family Financial Planning will address many critical personal financial management topics in order to help you learn prudent habits both while in school and throughout your lifetime.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding Personal Finance

Path to financial security and time value of money.

Financial Statements, Tools, and Budgets

Managing your flows and reviewing your statements.

Managing Income Taxes

Income tax basics.

Building and Maintaining Good Credit

Credit basics.

Managing Risk

Risk management basics and insurance overview.

Investment Fundamentals

Rules of investing; Debt and equity.

Investing Through Mutual Funds

Mutual funds and managed portfolios; create a personal investment plan.

Personal Plan of Action

Putting your personal plan together.

Bonus Module

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Helps students manage their finances effectively

Provides a comprehensive overview of personal finance topics

Covers essential financial management skills, such as budgeting, investing, and credit management

Suitable for individuals with little or no financial management experience

Taught by a qualified instructor with expertise in personal finance

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Reviews summary

Financial freedom framework

Reviews say learners are largely positive about this course on personal financial planning. They say it's a great introduction to the basics of money management and investing for young adults, or for older learners who have not had the opportunity to learn about personal finance. Students say the course is well taught and the instructor is knowledgeable and engaging. The course covers a wide range of topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, retirement planning, and insurance. Students say the course helped them to understand the importance of financial planning and how to take control of their finances. They also say the course provided them with the tools and resources they need to make informed financial decisions. Overall, learners say this course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about personal finance and take control of their financial future.

The assignments are not theoretical exercises. Instead you work on your family financial situation and come out with a financial plan for yourself at the end of the course!

"The assignments and readings are interesting, and have the right level of challenge without being too difficult, or having complicated calculations."

The instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.

"Dr. Gutter is a very good instructor, he is very thorough."

"The way of teaching and the assignments, quiz and the online practise templates were informative and awesome."

The course will teach you the basics of personal finance, including budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning.

"For a beginner."

"Great course for someone who is fresh out of college and not familiar with personal finance."

"Anyone not familiar with any financial concept"

Some of the information in the course is outdated, especially the sections on taxes and investing.

"This course is extremely dated (2013 or 2014) and needs to be refreshed."

The course is US-centric, so some of the information may not be applicable to learners outside of the United States.

"A good portion can apply anywhere (for example, TVM or managing risk) but section on health insurance or taxation in US wouldn't apply to international students."

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 Personal & Family Financial Planning with these activities:

Review Financial Planning Basics

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Review the basics of personal financial planning to ensure you are ready to start the course.

Browse courses on Personal Finance

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Reread the course description and syllabus.
Review the textbook's first chapter.
Take practice quizzes on financial planning concepts.

Track Your Expenses

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Tracking your expenses will help you understand your spending habits and identify areas where you can save money.

Browse courses on Financial Management

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Choose a method for tracking your expenses (e.g., spreadsheet, budgeting app).
Record your expenses for at least one month.
Analyze your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back.

Practice Budgeting

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Budgeting is essential for personal financial planning. Practice creating a budget to prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Budgeting

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Gather your financial statements (bank statements, credit card statements, etc.).
Categorize your expenses.
Create a budget using a spreadsheet or budgeting app.

Five other activities

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Read 'The Psychology of Money'

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This book provides valuable insights into the psychological aspects of personal finance, which can help you make better financial decisions.

View In This Economy?: How Money & Markets Really... on Amazon

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Read the book.
Take notes on key concepts.
Discuss the book with a friend or family member.

Join a Study Group

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Collaborating with peers can enhance your understanding of the course material and provide support.

Browse courses on Personal Finance

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Form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Work together on assignments and projects.

Learn about Investing

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Investing is a key component of personal financial planning. Explore different investment options to prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Investing

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Research different types of investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.).
Read articles and watch videos about investing.
Open a practice investment account (e.g., paper trading).

Find a Financial Advisor

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A financial advisor can provide personalized guidance and support on your financial journey.

Browse courses on Personal Finance

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Research different financial advisors.
Interview potential advisors.
Choose an advisor who you feel comfortable with and who has the experience and expertise to meet your needs.

Create a Personal Finance Plan

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Creating a personal finance plan will help you apply the concepts learned in the course to your own financial situation.

Browse courses on Financial Planning

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Gather your financial information.
Set your financial goals.
Create a budget.
Develop an investment plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Personal & Family Financial Planning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Personal Financial Advisor

Personal Financial Advisors guide individuals and families in making informed financial decisions to achieve their financial goals. They assess clients' financial situations, identify financial planning needs, and develop and implement personalized financial plans. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning directly aligns with this role, providing a comprehensive understanding of financial planning principles, budgeting, investment basics, and risk management. By taking this course, aspiring Personal Financial Advisors can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to help clients navigate the complexities of personal finance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Personal Financial Advisor

Financial Planner

Financial Planners develop and implement financial plans for individuals and families, helping them achieve their financial goals. They assess clients' financial situations, identify financial planning needs, and develop personalized plans that may include investment strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course in Personal and Family Financial Planning provides a strong foundation for aspiring Financial Planners, covering essential topics such as financial planning principles, budgeting, managing risk, and investment fundamentals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Credit Counselor

Credit Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals and families in managing debt and improving their credit scores. They assess clients' financial situations, identify areas for improvement, and develop personalized plans for debt repayment and credit management. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be a valuable resource for aspiring Credit Counselors, providing a comprehensive understanding of credit basics, building and maintaining good credit, and managing risk. By taking this course, aspiring Credit Counselors can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to help clients overcome financial challenges and achieve financial stability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Credit Counselor

Financial Manager

Financial Managers oversee the financial operations of organizations, including budgeting, financial planning, and investment management. They analyze financial data, identify areas for improvement, and make recommendations to enhance financial performance. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be a stepping stone for aspiring Financial Managers, providing a strong foundation in financial management principles, including budgeting, financial planning, and investment fundamentals. By taking this course, aspiring Financial Managers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the financial resources of an organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Manager

Investment Advisor

Investment Advisors provide financial advice and guidance to clients on investment decisions. They assess clients' financial situations, risk tolerance, and investment goals, and develop and implement investment strategies to meet clients' objectives. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be beneficial for aspiring Investment Advisors, providing a comprehensive overview of investment principles, including rules of investing, debt and equity, and mutual funds. The course's focus on creating a personal investment plan can also translate to developing investment portfolios for clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Advisor

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use their expertise in the financial markets to provide valuable insights and advice to clients. They analyze financial data, identify trends, and make recommendations on investments, ensuring that clients make informed decisions. This course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be a stepping stone for aspiring Financial Analysts, providing a strong foundation in financial management principles, including budgeting, investing, and risk management. The course's focus on building a personal financial plan can also translate to creating investment strategies for clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Financial Risk Manager

Financial Risk Managers assess and manage financial risks faced by organizations. They identify potential risks, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and implement risk management plans. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be a stepping stone for aspiring Financial Risk Managers, providing a strong foundation in risk management principles, including managing risk and insurance basics. By taking this course, aspiring Financial Risk Managers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage financial risks and protect the financial stability of an organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Risk Manager

Insurance Agent

Insurance Agents sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses to protect against financial risks. They assess clients' needs, identify appropriate coverage options, and provide guidance on selecting the right insurance plans. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be beneficial for aspiring Insurance Agents, providing a strong foundation in risk management principles, including insurance basics. By taking this course, aspiring Insurance Agents can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advise clients on their insurance needs.

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Loan Officer

Loan Officers assess loan applications, determine creditworthiness, and approve or deny loans. They analyze financial data, verify income and assets, and calculate loan terms. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be beneficial for aspiring Loan Officers, providing a strong foundation in financial management principles, including credit basics and managing risk. By taking this course, aspiring Loan Officers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively evaluate loan applications and make informed lending decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Loan Officer

Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Brokers help individuals and families secure mortgages to finance the purchase of real estate properties. They assess clients' financial situations, identify suitable mortgage products, and negotiate with lenders on behalf of their clients. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be beneficial for aspiring Mortgage Brokers, providing a strong foundation in financial management principles, including credit basics, managing risk, and investment fundamentals. By taking this course, aspiring Mortgage Brokers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively evaluate clients' financial situations and help them secure favorable mortgage terms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mortgage Broker

Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts analyze financial data to develop and maintain budgets for organizations. They assess financial needs, identify areas for cost savings, and make recommendations on resource allocation. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be beneficial for aspiring Budget Analysts, providing a strong foundation in financial management principles, including budgeting, managing income taxes, and financial planning. By taking this course, aspiring Budget Analysts can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage organizational budgets.

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Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Agents assist clients in buying, selling, or renting real estate properties. They assess clients' needs, identify suitable properties, and negotiate deals on behalf of their clients. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be beneficial for aspiring Real Estate Agents, providing a strong foundation in financial management principles, including budgeting, managing risk, and investment fundamentals. By taking this course, aspiring Real Estate Agents can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advise clients on their real estate transactions and help them make informed financial decisions.

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Tax Preparer

Tax Preparers prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses. They calculate tax liabilities, identify deductions and credits, and ensure that tax returns are accurate and compliant with tax laws. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be beneficial for aspiring Tax Preparers, providing a strong foundation in income tax basics. By taking this course, aspiring Tax Preparers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively prepare and file tax returns.

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Bank Teller

Bank Tellers handle financial transactions for customers at banks and other financial institutions. They process deposits, withdrawals, and other transactions, and provide customer service. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning may be beneficial for aspiring Bank Tellers, providing a basic understanding of financial management principles, including managing income taxes. By taking this course, aspiring Bank Tellers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assist customers with their financial transactions.

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Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers maintain financial records for organizations, including recording transactions, preparing financial statements, and generating reports. The course in Personal and Family Financial Planning can be beneficial for aspiring Bookkeepers, providing a basic understanding of financial management principles, including managing income taxes. By taking this course, aspiring Bookkeepers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the financial records of an organization.

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Reading list

We've selected 29 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 Personal & Family Financial Planning.

The Essays of Warren Buffett

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Collection of essays written by Warren Buffett. It provides insights into Buffett's investment philosophy and his approach to business.

Personal & Family Financial Planning

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Financial freedom framework

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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