Personal finance is important for saving, spending, investing and protecting your money to achieve a fulfilling life.
However it’s often learned through trial and error which can lead to costly mistakes.
To master money management one needs knowledge, skills and the right attitude.
While there are many personal finance books some people benefit more from courses that offer expert guidance and practical application.
The best finance courses provide a structured learning experience and test your understanding with many being affordable or free.
Personal finance education is key to reducing wealth inequality as highlighted by Robert Kiyosaki a well-known author.
In the past learning about personal finance was challenging and limited to expert advice or a few books.
Today the internet has opened up a wealth of resources making it easier to learn about personal finance with many free options available.
Let’s get started.
15 Best Free Online Personal Finance Courses You Should Do
1. Personal Finance Education by Credit.org
This platform offers eight no-cost personal finance classes such as “Understanding Your Credit Report” and “Creating a Budget.”
The courses are accessible anytime without registration. To get a “Document of Achievement” you just have to share your email.
Link: https://credit.org/courses/
2. Real-Life Money Guide by CashCourse
Designed for college students CashCourse helps manage finances but anyone can sign up as an “Other Learner.”
It features courses on various financial topics tools like worksheets a Budget Wizard a progress dashboard and expert financial advice. Signing up is free.
Link: https://www.cashcourse.org/
3. Smart About Money
Offered by the National Endowment of Financial Education Smart About Money provides free resources for better financial management including courses articles calculators and tips. Topics range from basic money management to retirement planning.
A free account enables bookmarking budget tracking and quiz result saving.
Link: https://www.smartaboutmoney.org/
4. Khan Academy’s Personal Finance
Khan Academy known for its comprehensive educational content includes a personal finance course covering 10 topics including housing car expenses and taxes.
The lessons are video-based ideal for those who prefer watching to reading. While account creation is not mandatory it offers a more personalized experience and progress tracking.
Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/personal-finance
5. Missouri State University’s Personal Finance
Missouri State University’s YouTube video course dives into personal finance from consumer and societal angles.
It covers insurance savings investment basics and retirement planning. Ideal for visual learners seeking a comprehensive understanding of personal finance.
6. Personal Finance course by edX.org
Purdue University offers this free course on edX.org covering stock markets investments and insurance basics.
Registration is required to access the course and other educational materials.
Link: https://www.edx.org/course/personal-finance
7. Utah State University: Change Makes Sense
Offered by Utah State University Extension this course splits into four sections: Debt Elimination Credit 101 Budgeting Basics and Getting Organized.
It includes downloadable workbooks. You’ll play the roles of both “presenter” and “participant” filling out forms to access materials. For “organization” simply use “[your last name] household.”
Link: https://extension.usu.edu/change-makes-sense
8. Finance 102: Personal Finance by Study.com
Study.com hosts this free course with 81 video lessons across 11 chapters including Personal Taxes and Interest Rates.
While access doesn’t require an account signing up enhances the experience. A paid version offers college credit.
Link: https://study.com/academy/course/finance-102-personal-finance.html
9. Open University: Managing My Money
Open University’s course aimed at improving money management spans 8 weeks.
Topics include Budgeting, Savings, Pensions and Insurance with downloadable resources.
Registration is needed for full access and progress tracking also granting a participation statement.
10. Money Essentials by CNN Money
CNN Money’s free portal offers insight into insurance investing and retirement planning across 7 categories.
The short straightforward articles don’t require an account making it ideal for quick easy understanding of financial concepts.
Link: https://money.cnn.com/pf/money-essentials/
11. Duke University’s Behavioral Finance
Duke University’s behavioral finance course aims to shed light on common financial decision-making errors.
Over three weeks it offers insights into improving spending saving and investing through videos readings and exercises.
Hosted on Coursera it’s accessible without registration providing an opportunity to enhance financial decision skills.
Link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/duke-behavioral-finance
12. Money Skills by MRUniversity
Marginal Revolution University presents Money Skills focusing on practical financial knowledge like investing home-buying decisions and career choices.
The course is structured into four modules with 10 videos and accompanying exercises all available without the need for registration supporting its mission to offer top-notch economics education for free.
Link: https://mru.org/money-skills
13. Morningstar’s Investing Classroom
Morningstar’s Investing Classroom offers seven courses on stocks, mutual funds, ETFs and bonds.
Designed for both new and seasoned investors these text-based lessons aim to bolster investment decision-making skills contributing to financial security without any registration requirements.
Link: https://www.morningstar.com/start-investing/classroom
14. Personal & Family Financial Planning by University of Florida
The University of Florida’s course available on Coursera delves into essential personal financial management areas including income tax and credit.
Spanning eight weeks with videos readings and quizzes it’s free with a Coursera account offering structured learning for effective financial planning.
Link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/family-planning
15. SoFi: Introduction to Personal Finance
SoFi via Class Central provides an overview of personal finance covering budgeting, cash flow, setting financial goals and understanding taxes.
The course incorporates videos readings and activities to apply learned concepts equipping learners with essential knowledge to navigate personal finances effectively.
Link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/personal-finance-introduction
So grab the perfect course which suits your needs.
