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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.

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what should give you pause

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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

Practical personal finance basics

According to learners, this course offers a practical and accessible foundation in managing personal finances. Many highlight it as an excellent starting point for understanding key concepts like budgeting, saving, credit, and investing. The course materials are generally clear and easy to follow, making complex topics understandable. However, some students with prior knowledge found the content to be quite basic and wished for more in-depth coverage on specific areas. Overall, it's seen as a highly beneficial course for beginners seeking actionable steps to improve their financial health.

Lectures and readings are easy to follow.

"The lectures were clear and concise, breaking down potentially confusing topics effectively."

"I found the readings and supplementary materials very helpful and easy to understand."

"The instructor's explanations were easy to follow, even for complex subjects like time value of money."

"Materials were well-structured and easy to grasp..."

Excellent introduction to core concepts.

"As someone with no prior finance knowledge, this was the perfect introduction. Everything was explained simply."

"It's a great place to start if you're new to personal finance and need to learn the basics."

"The fundamentals were covered really well, building a solid base for further learning."

"This course is perfect for beginners wanting to understand financial planning basics..."

Provides actionable financial advice.

"I learned practical strategies that I could apply immediately to my own budget and savings goals."

"This course truly helped me manage my money better and make more informed decisions."

"I feel more prepared to handle my finances after applying the principles taught here."

"The course provided actionable advice I use in my daily life..."

Content too basic for some learners.

"While good for beginners, I was hoping for more advanced insights into investing and tax planning."

"If you already have some understanding of personal finance, you might find this course covers ground you're already familiar with."

"Could benefit from more detailed modules on specific investment strategies or complex financial situations."

"I was already familiar with most topics, making it quite basic..."

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical personal finance basics

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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