Basic Principles of Finance 101: Learn How Money Really Works!

This course will have one live session each week. Students will utilize Google Docs and Nearpod for interaction and submit assignments to the classroom portion of the course that will be due by Friday each week. I will hold office hours for students if they have questions or need additional help. Student messages will be replied to within 24 hours. 

Most people just focus on earning money but many do not know how to manage it effectively. In order to make wise financial decisions you must gain knowledge about financial concepts and how to apply them in the real world. Throughout this course we will learn about several financial topics, case studies, real-life scenarios, and additional resources to help with finding reputable financial sources.

Week 1: Financial Markets and Institutions
Students will learn about the Federal Reserve and Monetary policy. They will explore financial intermediaries and international markets.

Week 2: Setting Financial Goals
We will learn about setting S.M.A.R.T. financial goals and how we can use them to be successful.

Week 3: Savings
Students will learn how to manage a bank account wisely. They will learn about emergency funds and how saving can help avoid debt.

Week 4: Investing
Students will learn about the Time Value of Money and Compounding Interest. We will discuss how money grows and how investing can help reach our financial goals. They will gain basic knowledge of stocks, bonds, and other investment options.

Week 5: Credit & Debt
Students will learn what I wish I had known about credit and debt. We will discuss how to avoid debt and use credit wisely.

Week 6: Budgeting and Shopping Smart
We will discuss making wise financial decisions (Needs vs. Wants). Students will learn how to create a budget and use it to reach their financial goals. 

Week 7: Let’s Make Financial Decisions Together
Students will be provided with several real-life financial scenarios and will have to make decisions using the concepts they have learned in the course.

Week 8: Fraud, Identity Theft, Misinformation 
Students will learn how to research and find accurate financial resources and information. Also we will discuss types of fraud and how to protect their identity.