Financial Basics Everyone Should Know (2019)

1h 17mGeneral2019-08-06

Authors

Michael McDonald

Researcher and Professor of Finance at Fairfield University

Course details

How do banks work? Are you saving enough for retirement? Considering the answers to these questions and understanding financial basics is critical to planning a strong financial future. This course breaks down the mystery around the financial industry and provides practical knowledge for everyone, so you can manage accounts in an informed way, whether you are working with a financial advisor or not. Topics covered include savings, investments, insurance, retirement, and more.

Learning objectives
Researching banks and bank rates
Using certificate of deposits
Monitoring credit scores
Investing in the stock market
Leveraging brokerage accounts
Using mutual funds, ETFs, and bonds
Diversifying a portfolio
Leveraging life and property insurance
Examining HSAs as an option
Planning for retirement
Comparing 401(k) to 403(b)
Using Roth IRAs and SEP accounts

Skills covered

Personal FinanceCorporate FinanceFinance and AccountingProfessional DevelopmentOne-Off

Concepts

Introduction - What Is Finance

01 - Getting a handle on your finances

1. Save

02 - Understanding how banks operate
03 - Understanding bank rates
04 - Using certificate of deposits
05 - Understanding credit scores

2. Invest

06 - The stock market
07 - Determining when to adjust assets
08 - Determining the value of a stock
09 - Setting up a brokerage account
10 - Investing with mutual funds
11 - Investing with ETFs
12 - How bonds work
13 - Diversifying your portfolio

3. Insurance

14 - The basics of insurance
15 - The basics of life insurance
16 - The basics of property insurance
17 - Deciding whether HSAs are right for you

4. Retire

18 - Considering the four principles to retire
19 - Applying two rules for retirement
20 - Choosing between 401(k) and 403(b)
21 - Using Roth IRAs and SEP accounts

Conclusion

22 - Wrap up