In this course, you will learn the English you need to confidently manage your finances by learning about paychecks, credit cards, loans, taxes, budgeting, and planning for the future. The course includes real-life examples of people navigating their own finances in the U.S., explanations of concepts like insurance and interest, advice from governmental agencies on topics such as filing taxes and avoiding scams, and resources on where to find help when you need it.
Understand fundamental concepts in the financial industry, e.g. banking, lending, and credit. Learn terminology connected to payroll, taxes, and insurance. Read and listen to advice on healthy spending, saving, budgeting, and borrowing habits. Protect yourself from predatory practices, fraud and identity theft.
Overview:
Saving & Budget: It’s easy to spend money without thinking about it. This unit includes tips and advice for creating a budget, finding ways to spend less, and putting money away for the future.
Money & Bank Accounts: In this unit, you will learn about different types of banks and bank accounts and how to perform basic transactions such as withdrawing, depositing, and transferring money.
Borrowing Money: Nearly everyone will have to borrow money at some point in their lives. Learn about the basics of lending and borrowing money, the importance of establishing credit history, and how to avoid losing control of your debt.
Credits Cards: Credit cards can be a great resource, but they can also get you in trouble fast. In this unit you will learn how credit cards work and how to use one responsibly.
Work & Pay: Do you know what’s on your paycheck? An important part of knowing your finances is managing your income and understanding how it works.
Taxes: Taxes can seem quite complicated, but this unit will teach you the terminology you need to understand the basics of tax filing, as well as get advice on how to get help if you run into trouble.
Fraud and identity theft: Unfortunately, not everyone you deal with will be acting honestly. Avoid losing money to common financial scams and identity theft.
Family Finances: Managing your finances when you have a family is even more complicated than it is for a single person. This unit gives advice on both short-term solutions as well as ideas for long-term financial health for your family.
Health Expenses: Health care is becoming a larger and larger portion of the average household budget. Learn about how health insurance works and about other alternatives to budgeting for known and unexpected health expenses.
Renting & Buying: Should you rent or buy a home? How do you manage a mortgage? Learn about a number of financial matters connected to renting and buying homes in the U.S.
Long-term Financial Planning: Once you have your everyday finances under control, it’s time to start planning for the long term. Here you can learn about how to start a financial plan that will bring you closer to retirement and other life goals.
Review what you’ve learned about personal finances to see how far you’ve come.