Learners will develop important financial literacy skills that they can use throughout their entire life: Calculating money, determining needs vs. wants, achieving goals, having a savings account, and properly using credit.

About Aspire Learning Academy's Owner and the content creator for this class:

During Shelia's time at DePaul University from 2001 to 2003, she immersed herself in a rigorous academic program within the esteemed School of Commerce. As a student majoring in Finance, she undertook a comprehensive curriculum that laid the groundwork for her understanding of financial principles. Shelia delved into a diverse range of subjects, including Business Calculus, Accounting, and Economics. These foundational courses equipped her with the analytical and quantitative skills necessary to navigate the intricate world of finance.

During her impactful tenure as a Certified Pre-Purchase Housing Counselor from 2013 to 2015, Shelia dedicated herself to empowering aspiring homebuyers who faced challenges in qualifying for mortgage loans. With a comprehensive range of certifications, she acquired the expertise to guide clients through credit and money management, ultimately enabling them to fulfill their dreams of homeownership.

Here is a glimpse into the diverse certifications Shelia earned during that time:

🔑 Closing the Financial Literacy Gap through Student Loan Counseling
Equipped with this certification, Shelia guided clients in developing effective strategies to manage their student loan debt, bridging the gap to homeownership.

🔑 Delivering Effective Financial Education
With this certification, she honed her skills in delivering impactful financial education. Through interactive and engaging sessions, she empowered individuals with the knowledge and tools they needed to make sound financial decisions, paving the way for mortgage loan qualification.

🔑 Financial Management: Building Competency in Housing Counseling
This certification underscored Shelia's ability to provide comprehensive financial management guidance. From budgeting and debt management to savings strategies and investment principles, she equipped clients with the necessary skills to enhance their financial well-being and improve their eligibility for mortgage loans.

🔑 FreddieMac Credit Smart
Possessing this certification signified her expertise in credit education. Shelia possesses a deep understanding of credit reports, credit scoring, and effective strategies for improving creditworthiness. By leveraging this knowledge, she empowered clients to take control of their credit and increase their chances of qualifying for mortgage loans.

🔑 Homebuyer Education Methods: Training The Trainer
With this certification, she was qualified to train and educate individuals on the intricacies of homebuyer education. By employing effective instructional techniques and sharing best practices, she ensured that clients were well-prepared to overcome challenges in their homebuying journey.

🔑 Homeownership Counseling Certification: Principles, Practices, and Techniques
This comprehensive certification showcased Shelia's ability to provide personalized counseling to aspiring homebuyers. She would guide clients through the entire process, from understanding mortgage options to evaluating affordability and improving financial readiness for successful loan qualification.

🔑 Mortgage Lending Fundamentals for Homeownership Professionals
This certification increased her understanding of mortgage products, interest rates, and lending criteria, which allowed her to guide clients in making informed decisions and increasing their eligibility for mortgage loans.

🔑 Mortgage Math Made Simple for Homeownership Professionals
With this certification, she mastered the art of simplifying complex mortgage calculations. By demystifying mortgage math, Shelia helped clients to understand the financial implications of their decisions, ensuring they can navigate the loan qualification process with confidence.

🔑 National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling Code of Ethics and Conduct
This certification affirmed Shelia's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in homeownership education and counseling.

🔑 Understanding Credit Reports and Credit Scoring
This certification signifies her comprehensive understanding of credit reports, credit scoring models, and the factors that impact creditworthiness. This enabled her to guide clients in improving their credit profiles, boosting their eligibility for mortgage loans, and realizing their homeownership goals.

🔑 eHome America Homebuyer Education Course
Completion of this course demonstrated her commitment to providing accessible and convenient homebuyer education. By delivering a comprehensive online education experience, Shelia equipped clients with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the homebuying process.

With her extensive training and experience, Shelia is equipped to guide learners toward a brighter financial future through two key areas: credit and money management. When it comes to credit, she has honed her ability to review credit reports with a keen eye for improvement opportunities. She knows precisely where to focus and how to identify areas that require attention. By leveraging this knowledge, she has successfully guided countless individuals on the path to credit excellence. By leveraging effective strategies, she has empowered others to harness the power of a Spending Plan—a dynamic tool that enables them to assess income versus expenses. Through this transformative process, they learn how to seize control of their finances, eliminate unnecessary expenses, pay off debts, and build an emergency fund. 

With over 6 years of experience as a licensed Real Estate Agent in three different states, Shelia brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Through rigorous coursework, she has acquired a deep understanding of finance, including how to calculate mortgage payments, interest, taxes, and insurance. And with regular continuing education, she stays up-to-date on the latest financial strategies and industry trends.

Homework Offered
Assignments will be given after each class to put in to practice concepts learned in each lesson. Assignments should take less than an hour and may need some assistance from parents or guardians. 
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered