Financial Planning for Young Adults Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to personal financial planning tailored for young adults. Over six modules, learners will build foundational skills in budgeting, saving, investing, managing debt, and planning for long-term financial goals. Each module takes approximately one week to complete, with 3-5 hours of content per week, combining video lectures, readings, and hands-on exercises. By the end, you'll have practical tools to create a personalized financial plan and gain confidence in making informed money decisions.

Module 1: Introduction to Financial Planning

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Define personal financial goals
• Understand the concept of personal net worth
• Learn key principles of financial decision-making
• Create a personal financial snapshot

Module 2: Budgeting and Saving Strategies

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Analyze cash flow and spending patterns
• Explore different budgeting methods
• Develop a personalized savings plan
• Apply spending categories to build a realistic budget

Module 3: Understanding Credit and Debt

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Interpret credit reports and credit scores
• Understand FICO score components
• Learn strategies for managing debt wisely
• Analyze a sample credit report and create a repayment strategy

Module 4: Investing Basics

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Assess personal risk tolerance
• Explore major asset classes (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
• Understand the power of compound interest
• Build a sample diversified investment portfolio

Module 5: Insurance and Risk Management

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Identify types of insurance: life, health, property
• Evaluate personal risk exposure
• Learn how insurance protects financial goals
• Assess personal insurance needs

Module 6: Retirement and Estate Planning

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Explore retirement accounts: 401(k), IRA
• Estimate retirement savings needs
• Understand basics of wills and trusts
• Create a simple estate plan

Prerequisites

• No prior finance or economics background required
• Basic understanding of English to follow course materials
• Access to internet for completing hands-on assignments

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Create a personalized budget and savings plan
• Interpret and improve your credit report and score
• Build a diversified investment portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance
• Assess and manage personal financial risks with appropriate insurance
• Develop a long-term financial plan including retirement and estate considerations