You can achieve a lot from learning outside the formal systems of education. For example, Kenyan javelin thrower and gold medalist at the 2015 World Championships Julius Yego learned how to throw on YouTube. And if you want to be better at personal finance, self-learning is a great way to go.
Here is a selection of the best online personal finance courses to take in 2023.
Personal finance 101: everything you need to know by Udemy
Personal finance 101 is an introductory course that covers everything from heading off to college or getting ready to retire. The course consists of 52 videos spread across three hours, each covering a specific topic in a short, engaging animated format.
While it’s marketed for the North American audience, the skills are transferable across country borders. For example, the course will teach you how to:
- Get a bank account
- Rent and buy properties
- Navigate dating, marriage, children, and finances
- Make a spending plan
- Invest wisely
Personal & family financial planning by Coursera
The personal & family financial planning course teaches the basics of financial security and the time value of money. It takes about 15 hours to complete, which includes self-study material, practical assignments, and tests.
For example, the lesson on week five includes two videos, like insurance decision-making (32 minutes) and introduction to risk management (22 minutes), self-study material on managing risk (10 minutes), an insurance assignment (30 minutes), and a quiz (30 minutes).
As the name suggests, there is a heavy focus on family and household finances rather than on an individual.
Financial markets by Coursera
This is the perfect first step for anyone looking to get an in-depth understanding of financial markets. Set aside more time to complete it (4-7 hours each week), but the material is never dull.
This course is taught by a Professor of Economics at Yale University, so it’s a rare opportunity to get a fancy certificate from personal finance courses (online and free). The survey among people who took the course reveals that 33% started a new career, 42% gained significant career benefits, and 12% earned more or got a promotion.
You and your money by The Open University
The course is featured by the British public research university, where the stated learning outcomes are the knowledge of the financial services industry, financial planning models, and the borrowing process.
One of the strengths of this course is that it considers the wider dynamic social and economic context of money. It’s not a stagnant concept, and the issues around it are always changing. So, it’s beneficial to learn about debt and household finance while analyzing how they can change over time.
Practical lessons on personal finance by Alison
The last on this list of personal finance online courses (but not least) is practical lessons on personal finance. You can finish the course in just 1.5-3 hours of learning and become informed on the principles of wise spending, monetary asset management, and even major investment strategies.
The first module is focused on defining personal finances and teaching financial planning. The second part of the course talks more about money management and investment vehicles.
Why online finance courses for beginners are great
With the demand for education and the rise in technology, it’s no wonder that free personal finance courses online have become so popular. You can try out as many courses as you want without the financial commitment, study at any time and at any pace you want, and gain confidence to take full control of your finances. Why not start today and learn how to manage your day-to-day financial needs and plan your future?
Sources:
Personal finance 101: everything you need to know, Udemy
Personal & family financial planning, Coursera
Financial markets, Coursera
You and your money, The Open University
Practical lessons on personal finance, Alison