Introduction to Personal Financial Planning

Indiana University

via

edX

Course Features

Duration

4 weeks

Delivery Method

Online

Available on

Limited Access

Accessibility

Mobile, Desktop, Laptop

Language

English

Subtitles

English

Level

Beginner

Effort

6 hours per week

Teaching Type

Self Paced

Course Description

Introduction to Personal Financial Planning is made possible by the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation.

The Introduction to Personal Financial Planning course is designed for individuals to build financial literacy, one of the most pressing needs Americans face today. Financial decisions made by individuals impact the larger community in significant ways with pervasive cost due to financial mistakes. A recent study by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) reveals over 50% of Americans have less than $10,000 saved for retirement. In addition, over 50% of Americans have no emergency fund, unable to cope with an unexpected car repair without borrowing funds. Financial literacy is an urgent need for many.

In this course, you’ll gain the basic building blocks of financial literacy to build a secure foundation for your future.

This fast-paced course prepares you to:

Build a financial plan through a step-by-step approach designed to meet your personal financial objectives
Understand financial planning essentials including income statements, balance sheets, and budgets
Recognize how planning and timing impact your personal wealth over a lifetime
Go deeper into your understanding of taxes and how tax decisions impact your wealth
Identify obstacles to sound financial decisions, including common cognitive errors and confirmation biases
Discover valuable resources including personal financial planners
Explore the scope and purpose of personal finance and its role in the broader spectrum of financial knowledge
Appreciate how positive reinforcement and research-based evidence impact your financial goals

Build your money management skills through course videos, selected short readings, and self-paced activities. You’ll gain practical skills, understand the core concepts of financial planning, and achieve a broader understanding of how personal financial planning contributes to a successful and fulfilling life.

Improve your financial situation, net worth, and retirement plan by registering for the Personal Finance Program.

Course Overview

International Faculty

Post Course Interactions

Instructor-Moderated Discussions

Skills You Will Gain

Prerequisites/Requirements

Basic arithmetic

Good reading comprehension

Willingness to learn

What You Will Learn

Account for rates of return and opportunity cost

Classify assets and liabilities

Deepen your understanding of how money impacts your personal satisfaction

Define the scope of personal financial planning and understand its impact

Determine the present value of single and multiple cash flows

Evaluate the services of financial planning professionals

Get ahead in a low interest rate environment

Make progress toward your financial goals and avoid common mistakes

Prepare and use financial statements, including budgets

Review taxation basics including filing, deductions, exemptions, credits, and audits

Understand options to defer or avoid taxes legally and responsibly

Use a formula to determine net worth

Utilize the SMART financial planning method

Course Content

Expand all sections

Module 1: Week 1

Module 2: Week 2

Module 3: Week 3

Module 4: Topics in Personal Finance

Course Instructors

Kenneth Carow

Executive Associated Dean of Faculty and Research and Professor of Finance at Indiana University Kelley School of Business Indianapolis

Kenneth Carow is Executive Associated Dean of Faculty and Research and Professor of Finance at Indiana University Kelley School of Business Indianapolis. He also served as Associated Dean of Indianap...

Todd Roberson

Senior Lecturer, Finance, Kelley School of Business

Throughout the Certificate in Personal Finance - as well as this course - you'll hear from Professor Roberson in video, quiz and exam formats. Professor Roberson had more than 15 years of experience ...