# Personal Finance & Investing 101 — Course Outline

## Course Overview
A beginner‑friendly, step‑by‑step program that demystifies money management, budgeting, debt reduction, and investing fundamentals. Learners will walk away with a personal financial plan, confidence to use core financial tools, and a clear roadmap to start building wealth.

## Who This Course Is For
- Recent graduates or early‑career professionals
- Anyone who feels overwhelmed by personal finance jargon
- Individuals with little to no investing experience
- People looking to get out of debt and start saving for the future

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

1. Build and maintain a zero‑based budget that aligns with their goals.  
2. Analyze and improve their credit score and manage debt strategically.  
3. Choose appropriate savings vehicles and set up an emergency fund.  
4. Explain core investment concepts (stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, diversification).  
5. Open and manage a brokerage account, execute basic trades, and monitor performance.  
6. Create a 3‑ to 5‑year financial roadmap that integrates budgeting, debt repayment, saving, and investing.

---

## Module 1: Foundations of Personal Finance
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 1.1 Money Mindset & Goal Setting | Identify personal values and set SMART financial goals. | Students will articulate three specific financial goals for the next 12 months. | Video + Worksheet |
| 1.2 Income & Cash Flow Basics | Break down sources of income and track cash flow. | Learners will create a simple cash‑flow statement using a template. | Video + Interactive Spreadsheet |
| 1.3 Introduction to Budgeting | Compare budgeting methods (envelope, 50/30/20, zero‑based). | Choose a budgeting method and set up a first month’s budget. | Video + Quiz |
| 1.4 Financial Terminology Cheat Sheet | Glossary of essential terms (net worth, APR, liquidity, etc.). | Accurately define ten key finance terms. | PDF Worksheet + Flashcards |

## Module 2: Budgeting & Expense Management
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 2.1 Building a Zero‑Based Budget | Step‑by‑step setup in a free budgeting app. | Implement a zero‑based budget for one month. | Video + App Walkthrough |
| 2.2 Tracking & Reducing Variable Expenses | Techniques to monitor and cut discretionary spending. | Reduce monthly discretionary spend by at least 10%. | Worksheet + Quiz |
| 2.3 Automating Savings & Bills | Set up automatic transfers, bill pay, and “pay‑it‑first” strategies. | Configure at least two automated financial processes. | Video + Checklist |
| 2.4 Reviewing & Adjusting Your Budget | Monthly review process and course‑correcting. | Perform a budget review and adjust for the next month. | Worksheet + Live Q&A Session |

## Module 3: Debt Management & Credit Mastery
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 3.1 Understanding Debt Types | Differentiate between good vs. bad debt. | Categorize personal debts into “good” or “bad.” | Video + Quiz |
| 3.2 Credit Scores Explained | How scores are calculated and why they matter. | Read a credit report and identify three improvement actions. | Video + PDF Guide |
| 3.3 Debt Repayment Strategies | Snowball vs. avalanche methods, consolidation options. | Design a personalized debt repayment plan. | Worksheet + Interactive Calculator |
| 3.4 Negotiating & Refinancing | Scripts and tactics for lower rates or settlements. | Draft a negotiation email/letter for a specific debt. | Video + Template |

## Module 4: Savings, Emergency Funds & Risk Management
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 4.1 Building an Emergency Fund | Determine appropriate size and best accounts. | Set up an emergency fund goal and choose a high‑yield account. | Video + Spreadsheet |
| 4.2 High‑Yield Savings & CDs | Compare interest rates, liquidity, and FDIC protection. | Open a high‑yield savings account and deposit initial funds. | Video + Checklist |
| 4.3 Insurance Basics | Overview of health, auto, renters/homeowners, life, and disability. | Conduct a personal insurance gap analysis. | PDF Guide + Quiz |
| 4.4 Protecting Your Identity & Assets | Fraud prevention, credit monitoring, and estate basics. | Implement two identity‑theft protection measures. | Video + Worksheet |

## Module 5: Investing Foundations
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 5.1 Why Invest? Power of Compounding | Real‑world examples of compound growth. | Calculate future value of a $1,000 investment over 20 years at 7% CAGR. | Video + Interactive Calculator |
| 5.2 Asset Classes & Risk Profiles | Stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities, cash equivalents. | Match three personal risk tolerances with appropriate asset mixes. | Video + Quiz |
| 5.3 Diversification & Portfolio Construction | Modern Portfolio Theory basics, rebalancing. | Build a simple diversified portfolio using ETFs. | Worksheet + Simulation |
| 5.4 Tax‑Advantaged Accounts | 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, HSA, and their rules. | Choose the optimal tax‑advantaged account for their situation. | Video + Decision Tree |

## Module 6: Getting Started with a Brokerage
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 6.1 Selecting a Brokerage | Fees, platform usability, research tools. | Compare three brokers and select one to open an account. | Video + Comparison Chart |
| 6.2 Account Setup & Funding | Step‑by‑step account creation, linking bank, initial deposit. | Successfully open and fund a brokerage account with at least $100. | Video + Checklist |
| 6.3 Placing Your First Trade | Market vs. limit orders, buying fractional shares. | Execute a mock trade (or real small trade) of an ETF. | Video + Live Demo |
| 6.4 Monitoring & Rebalancing | Setting alerts, reviewing performance quarterly. | Set up a quarterly portfolio review schedule. | Worksheet + Quiz |

## Module 7: Building a 3‑ to 5‑Year Financial Roadmap
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 7.1 Synthesizing Budget, Debt, Savings & Investing | Integrate all components into a single plan. | Draft a cohesive 3‑year financial plan document. | Video + Template |
| 7.2 Goal Tracking & Accountability | Tools for tracking progress (apps, spreadsheets, habit trackers). | Set up a personal dashboard to monitor key metrics. | Worksheet + App Demo |
| 7.3 Adjusting for Life Changes | How to pivot the plan after major events (job change, marriage, etc.). | Create an “adjustment checklist” for future life events. | Video + Checklist |
| 7.4 Next Steps & Continuing Education | Resources for deeper learning, community groups, certifications. | Identify three next‑level resources to pursue after the course. | PDF Resource List + Quiz |

---

## How to Deliver This Course
1. **Learning Management System (LMS)** – Host videos, PDFs, quizzes, and discussion boards on platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, or Kajabi.  
2. **Video Production** – 8‑12 minute high‑quality videos per lesson (mix of talking head, screen‑share, and animated graphics).  
3. **Interactive Elements** – Embedded quizzes after each lesson, downloadable worksheets, and live Q&A webinars (bi‑weekly).  
4. **Community** – Private Facebook/Discord group for peer support and instructor office hours.  
5. **Assessment** – End‑of‑module quizzes (70% pass) and a final capstone project (the 3‑ to 5‑year roadmap).  
6. **Certification** – Issue a “Personal Finance & Investing 101” certificate of completion upon passing the final assessment.  
7. **Marketing Funnel** – Free lead magnet (e.g., “7‑Day Budget Sprint” PDF), email nurture sequence, early‑bird pricing, and affiliate partnership program.  

*End of Outline*