Foundations of Personal Finance

About Course

Foundations of Personal Finance is a comprehensive, practical course designed to equip students with essential money management skills for real-world financial independence. Through an engaging and applicable curriculum, students will explore core principles of budgeting, credit, debt management, saving, investing, taxes, insurance, and financial goal setting. This course empowers learners to make informed financial decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and build sustainable wealth over time. Whether preparing for college, career, or everyday adulthood, students will gain the confidence and competence to take control of their financial futures.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Create and manage a personal budget using modern tools and strategies.

• Understand how credit works, what affects credit scores, and how to build and maintain good credit.

• Differentiate between good and bad debt and understand how to manage and repay loans effectively.

• Understand the fundamentals of savings, emergency funds, and compound interest.

• Explore basic investment principles and different types of investment options.

• Accurately read paychecks, understand payroll deductions, and file simple tax returns.

• Evaluate types of insurance and identify what coverage is needed at different life stages.

• Set short-term and long-term financial goals using SMART goal-setting frameworks