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Finance for Everyone

Decisions

Arshad Ahmad

4.7

Based on 853 ratings

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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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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

Fundamental finance concepts for beginners

According to learners, Finance for Everyone: Decisions is a clear and concise introduction to fundamental finance concepts, particularly suited for those with little to no prior background. Students highlight the easy-to-understand explanations and the practical application of concepts like Time Value of Money to real-life decisions. While many find it an excellent starting point, some students with existing finance knowledge found the course too basic and felt it lacked depth in certain areas, particularly concerning market finance. The Peer Review assignment received mixed feedback from students.

Mixed feedback on value and execution.

"The peer review assignment was interesting..."

"...peer review format was new to me, a bit awkward but valuable for feedback."

"The peer review assignment felt like busywork."

"The peer review system wasn't well explained."

"The peer review was okay, a bit hit or miss depending on who reviews you."

Core concept explained clearly.

"The time value of money sections were particularly helpful."

"Explains the time value of money very clearly which is a core concept."

"The math parts (TVM) were good reminders."

Concepts explained in an easy-to-grasp way.

"This was a very clear and concise introduction to finance principles. The concepts were explained simply..."

"Excellent course! The lecturer is engaging and explains complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner."

"Fantastically clear explanations of fundamental finance concepts like compounding and discounting."

"The calculations were broken down simply, and I feel confident now tackling things like mortgage options and savings plans."

Applies concepts to real-life financial decisions.

"The real-life examples made the concepts stick. Great for personal finance decisions."

"I liked the focus on practical decisions."

"Covered all the essential calculations needed for everyday decisions."

"Applying these to personal decisions was eye-opening."

Ideal starting point for finance newcomers.

"...the pace was just right for a beginner like me."

"...but for a beginner, it's perfect."

"Perfect start to understanding finance. The pacing and difficulty are appropriate for a beginner."

"Exactly what I needed! I had zero finance background and this course made it accessible."

May be too simple for non-beginners.

"doesn't go into much depth. If you have some finance background, this might be too simple."

"Found it a bit too simplistic."

"The content felt very basic and focused heavily on personal finance math."

"The course is way too basic. It barely touches on actual market finance or investment strategies."

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

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Gain a stronger understanding of how compound interest works.

Browse courses on Compound Interest

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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

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Enhance your understanding of how effective interest rates impact financial decisions.

Browse courses on Financial Calculations

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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

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Improve your proficiency using TVM to make better financial decisions.

Browse courses on Time Value of Money

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Review the concept of time value of money
Use a financial calculator to practice computing present and future values
Solve problems involving annuities

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Create a budget

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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

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Develop a plan and take action towards achieving your financial goals.

Browse courses on Savings

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Set a savings goal
Create a budget
Open a savings account
Automate your savings

Participate in a study group

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Engage with fellow students to discuss course concepts and reinforce your learning.

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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

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Gain valuable insights into investing and financial decision-making.

View The Intelligent Investor, 3rd Ed.: The... on Amazon

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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

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Share your knowledge and raise awareness about the significance of financial literacy.

Browse courses on Financial Literacy

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Agent

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mortgage Broker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Personal Banker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Stockbroker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Accountant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Credit Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Loan Officer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Accountant

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.

The Intelligent Investor, 3rd Ed.

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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.

The Intelligent Investor, 3rd Ed.: The Definitive...

Hardcover

Fundamentals of Corporate Finance

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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.

Finance for Everyone

Decisions

What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Fundamental finance concepts for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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