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Arshad Ahmad

Finance for Everyone: Decisions will introduce you to the workings of the free markets and the foundations of finance. You will learn how free markets and their “creative destruction” provide the architecture for the global economy and how those same markets move money in ways that create and destroy wealth. Your financial toolkit will include timeless concepts like compounding, discounting, annuities, effective interest rates, and more. You will also learn how to simplify important financial calculations and apply that knowledge to real-life decisions that can influence everything from how you pay for your car to where you live. Through peer review you will publish your view on an issue important to you. You will also discover how your applied decisions connect to bigger questions relating to changing market conditions as you prepare for the second course in F4E: Markets.

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What's inside

Syllabus

An Introduction to (Corporate) Finance
Welcome! This first week will give you a bit of background on the specialization and help set you up to make the most of your experience doing Finance for Everyone: Decisions. You will also engage with introductory concepts about finance, communicate with your fellow learners, and familiarize yourself with the course culminating project.
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Ideas & Time Value of Money I
In Week 2, you will continue to explore money flows and consider the time value of money. You can also optionally use a financial calculator, view a tutorial, and practice these new skills. Don't forget to continue brainstorming ideas for your course culminating project!
Debt & Time Value of Money II
In Week 3, you will delve deeper into money flows and time value of money. As these concepts wrap up for the course, you will continue to prepare your course culminating assignment.
Decisions Synthesis
In Week 4, you will synthesize your learnings for Finance for Everyone: Decisions. You will participate in a peer review of Op-Eds written by your classmates, complete a final quiz, and look ahead to Finance for Everyone: Markets!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces viewers to how 'free markets' operate and discusses how financial management turns money into wealth
Explores debt's effect on financial markets
Examines how financial decisions can influence everything from how you pay for your car to where you live
Helps viewers synthesize their learnings and apply them to financial decisions
Course led by Arshad Ahmad, an expert in finance

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Reviews summary

Finance for beginners

According to students, Finance for Everyone: Decisions is a good course for those who want to start their understanding of finance. However, some learners have stated that the course is not for beginners as the explanations aren't fluent.
Course is a good starting point for those new to finance.
"A great course for those who want to start their understanding of finance."
Topics are not suitable for beginners.
"It was a nice course but the topics are actually not for beginners and the explanation is not also so fluent."

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: Decisions with these activities:
Practice compound interest calculations
Gain a stronger understanding of how compound interest works.
Browse courses on Compound Interest
Show steps
  • Review the formula for compound interest
  • Use a financial calculator to practice computing compound interest
  • Solve problems involving compound interest
Practice solving problems involving effective interest rates
Enhance your understanding of how effective interest rates impact financial decisions.
Browse courses on Financial Calculations
Show steps
  • Review the concept of effective interest rate
  • Use a financial calculator to practice computing effective interest rates
  • Solve problems involving effective interest rates
Practice time value of money computations
Improve your proficiency using TVM to make better financial decisions.
Browse courses on Time Value of Money
Show steps
  • Review the concept of time value of money
  • Use a financial calculator to practice computing present and future values
  • Solve problems involving annuities
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Create a budget
Develop a plan for managing your finances effectively.
Browse courses on Budgeting
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  • Track your income and expenses
  • Categorize your expenses
  • Set financial goals
  • Create a budget
Start a savings plan
Develop a plan and take action towards achieving your financial goals.
Browse courses on Savings
Show steps
  • Set a savings goal
  • Create a budget
  • Open a savings account
  • Automate your savings
Participate in a study group
Engage with fellow students to discuss course concepts and reinforce your learning.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create your own
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material
  • Work together on practice problems
Read 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham
Gain valuable insights into investing and financial decision-making.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts
  • Discuss the book with others
Write a blog post about the importance of financial literacy
Share your knowledge and raise awareness about the significance of financial literacy.
Browse courses on Financial Literacy
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to financial literacy
  • Research the topic thoroughly
  • Write a blog post that is informative and engaging
  • Publish your blog post

Career center

Learners who complete Finance for Everyone: Decisions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
A **Financial Analyst** studies the performance of companies or financial markets to make investment recommendations. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding financial performance.
Investment Banker
An **Investment Banker** helps companies raise money by issuing securities. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to raise money through securities.
Risk Manager
A **Risk Manager** identifies and manages risks for companies and organizations. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to identify and manage risks.
Financial Planner
A **Financial Planner** helps individuals and families manage their finances. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to manage finances.
Credit Analyst
A **Credit Analyst** assesses the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to assess creditworthiness.
Tax Accountant
A **Tax Accountant** prepares tax returns for individuals and businesses. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to prepare tax returns.
Budget Analyst
A **Budget Analyst** analyzes and manages budgets for companies and governments. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to analyze and manage budgets.
Forensic Accountant
A **Forensic Accountant** investigates financial crimes. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to investigate financial crimes.
Compliance Officer
A **Compliance Officer** ensures that companies and organizations comply with laws and regulations. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to ensure compliance.
Insurance Agent
An **Insurance Agent** sells insurance policies to individuals and businesses. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to sell insurance.
Financial Manager
A **Financial Manager** oversees the financial activities of a company. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to manage a company's finances.
Loan Officer
A **Loan Officer** processes and approves loans for individuals and businesses. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to process and approve loans.
Stockbroker
A **Stockbroker** buys and sells stocks for clients. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to buy and sell stocks.
Mortgage Broker
A **Mortgage Broker** helps individuals obtain loans to purchase homes. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to obtain a mortgage.
Personal Banker
A **Personal Banker** provides financial services to individuals. Finance for Everyone: Decisions may be useful in this career as it provides a foundation in financial markets, money flows, and value of money, which are all important concepts for understanding how to provide financial services.

Reading list

We've selected 43 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: Decisions.
This classic book provides timeless advice on how to invest wisely. It must-read for any student who wants to learn about the principles of value investing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the time value of money and its applications in finance. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions or by industry professionals.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of corporate finance, covering topics such as capital budgeting, capital structure, and dividend policy. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
This classic book on investing provides a timeless framework for making sound investment decisions. It must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about investing.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the derivatives market. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different types of derivatives and how to use them to manage risk.
Provides insights into the importance of time value of money and how it can be used to make better financial decisions. This book is helpful in providing prerequisite knowledge.
Provides a comprehensive overview of security analysis. It good choice for students who want to learn more about how to analyze stocks and bonds.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of corporate finance, covering topics such as capital budgeting, cost of capital, and dividend policy. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the financial management of corporations.
Comprehensive guide to corporate finance, providing a thorough overview of the key concepts and theories involved. This book is more valuable as additional reading than a current reference.
This classic book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of security analysis. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to evaluate the financial health of companies.
This classic book provides timeless principles for achieving financial success. is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions or by industry professionals.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the econometrics field. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the statistical methods used to analyze economic data.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the microeconomics field. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the behavior of individual consumers and firms.
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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the behavioral finance field. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the psychological factors that affect financial decision-making.
Provides a concise overview of the principles of investing. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to invest wisely without taking on unnecessary risk.
Provides a controversial perspective on the importance of financial education. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to break free from the traditional financial system.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to corporate finance, making it a good choice for readers who are new to the subject. This book is more valuable as additional reading than a current reference.
Provides a comprehensive overview of personal finance. It good choice for students who want to learn more about how to manage their money in all aspects of their lives.
This classic book provides a comprehensive overview of security analysis. It valuable resource for investors and analysts alike.
Provides a fascinating look at how we can use behavioral economics to improve our decision-making. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand how to make better choices.
Provides a fascinating look at the history of Wall Street and its impact on society. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the financial industry.
Provides a fascinating look at the trading floor of Salomon Brothers in the 1980s. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the world of high finance.
Provides a fascinating look at the rise and fall of Long-Term Capital Management. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the risks of financial engineering.
Provides a fascinating look at the history of money and finance. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the role of money in the development of human civilization.
Provides a fascinating look at the impact of money on society. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the role of money in shaping human history.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fixed income market. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different types of fixed income securities and how to evaluate their risk and return.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the financial engineering field. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the mathematical and computational techniques used to develop and price financial products.
Provides a practical guide to personal finance for millennials. It good choice for students who want to learn more about how to manage their money in their 20s and 30s.
Provides a comprehensive overview of personal finance, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning. It good resource for those who are new to personal finance or who want to brush up on the basics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of investments. It good choice for students who want to learn more about how to invest their money.
Provides a comprehensive overview of behavioral finance. It good choice for students who want to learn more about how psychological factors influence financial decision-making.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the modern economy from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the historical context of finance.

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