Budgets and taxes and investing \u2014 oh my!<\/p>\n
Managing personal finances can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn\u2019t have to be.<\/p>\n
Introduction to Personal Financial Planning, which could also be called “Adulting 101,” aims to equip students with essential money management skills to navigate daily life.<\/p>\n
The nine-week online asynchronous spring course, FNCE 2P50<\/a>, helps students gain confidence using financial terms, instruments and problems they may face in their personal life, says course instructor and Assistant Professor of Finance Osman Ulas Aktas.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a very practical course, and everyone is going to be dealing with the content in their life,\u201d he says. \u201cThe course gives an overall picture of financial planning from life after graduation to their family life and how they prepare for retirement.\u201d<\/p>\n Students will learn about financial goal setting, how to evaluate the implications of their goals, understanding personal credit and debt, and how to prepare and analyze financial statements.<\/p>\n Also covered are key elements of financial literacy, including emphasis on mortgage borrowing, investment alternatives for individuals and families, personal taxes, an overview on basic insurance products for families, financial planning for retirement and estate planning.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone will engage in personal budgeting, purchasing home, car or life insurance and taking out loans or mortgages at some point,\u201d Aktas says. \u201cThe topics covered here will equip them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed, smart financial decisions.”<\/p>\n The course also helps students better understand inflation, interest rates and how people can protect themselves from volatility.<\/p>\n \u201cWe keep this course at a general level so students from Faculties across the University can enrol in it with no previous business experience,\u201d says Aktas. \u201cIncreasing the financial literacy of our students really motivates me as I teach this course.\u201d<\/p>\n This course is open to non-business students across the University. Students enrolled in the BAcc, BBA, BBE or BCB programs can instead take Personal Financial Planning (FNCE 3P95). For more information or to register for Spring\/Summer courses, visit brocku.ca\/springsummer<\/a><\/p>\n