Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

No. This Specialization is not designed to earn university credit.

What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?

After the Specialization you will have the tools to evaluate your current money situation, set goals for the future, and take steps to achieving those goals. You will understand the important terms and concepts related to personal finance.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

The Fundamentals of Personal Finance Specialization

The Fundamentals of Personal Finance Specialization

Learn the Money Skills You Need. Gain a better understanding of personal finance topics and how to implement strategies to meet your own financial goals.

Instructor: Brian Walsh

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

5 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.6

(239 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 month at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

5 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.6

(239 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 month at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

This Specialization is intended for anyone looking to take control of their finances. Through these five courses, you will cover a variety of personal finance topics, including budgets, investing, and managing risk. The readings, videos, and activities will prepare you to understand the current state of your money, as well as take actions to work toward your financial goals. This specialization is geared towards learners in the United States of America.

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

103 practice exercises

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from SoFi

Specialization - 5 course series

Introduction to Personal Finance

Course 111 hours4.7 (217 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

This course is a general overview of a variety of personal finance topics - including budgeting, the importance of your credit score, cash flow, setting financial goals, and taxes. Taught by two CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professionals, the concepts are broken down through videos, readings, and activities so you can apply what you are learning in real time. The course provides the foundation to build on for the rest of The Fundamentals of Personal Finance Specialization or as a standalone survey course to improve your understanding of basic personal finance terminology, as well as how they apply to your own financial situation.

Skills you'll gain

Financial Planning, Tax, Budgeting, Goal Setting, Cash Flow Forecasting, Self-Awareness, Credit Risk, Asset Management, Financial Analysis, Decision Making, and Expense Management

Saving Money for the Future

Course 29 hours4.5 (35 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

This course is designed for anyone who currently has, or will have in the future have, savings goals. Learners will come to understand the importance of compounding growth, the variables that impact setting goals like retirement savings, and how much money you need to save now to reach future goals. The course will help learners think through individual goals, like retirement, but also how those goals fit into your bigger financial picture. For example, saving for retirement, buying a home, and funding college for your kids all at the same time. The instructors will also cover how preparing for emergencies can prevent the derailment of those financial goals.

Skills you'll gain

Financial Planning, Goal Setting, Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Return On Investment, Budget Management, Prioritization, Higher Education, Investments, and Budgeting

Managing Debt

Course 37 hours4.7 (22 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

This course is aimed at anyone who has debt, is thinking of taking on debt, or wants to better understand debt as part of your overall financial picture. It covers a variety of debt types, as well as debt payment options. The course will help you assess your current debt situation and understand the paths to paying off your debt. This includes categories such as mortgages, credit card debt, and student loans. Learn how to differentiate between good and bad debt, as well as how to think about debt as you work towards your financial goals. This course is geared towards learners in the United States of America.

Skills you'll gain

Consumer Lending, Mortgage Loans, Goal Setting, Financial Planning, Cost Benefit Analysis, Loans, Financial Analysis, Credit Risk, Consolidation, and Budget Management

Fundamentals of Investing

Course 47 hours4.3 (113 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

This is primarily aimed at novice investors who want to better understand the concept of investing and how it can fit into their overall financial plan. Taught by a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, this course will cover different investment vehicles, risk tolerance, diversification, and the difference between active and passive investing, as well as investment fees and taxes.

Skills you'll gain

Investments, Tax, Portfolio Management, Derivatives, Equities, Risk Management, Risk Analysis, Return On Investment, Financial Planning, Securities (Finance), Financial Analysis, Asset Management, and Tax Planning

Risk Management in Personal Finance

Course 56 hours4.7 (55 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

This course is primarily aimed at those who want to understand more about how they can protect their finances from unexpected events. Taught by a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, this course covers the role insurance plays into your financial plan, including what kinds of insurance to explore, how to determine how much insurance you need, and how different kinds of insurance works. The course includes life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, auto insurance, and umbrella insurance. You will also learn about estate planning, including the documents involved and special considerations for new parents.

Skills you'll gain

Insurance, Risk Management, Estate Planning, Needs Assessment, Financial Planning, and Asset Protection

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Brian Walsh

SoFi

5 Courses59,314 learners

Offered by

SoFi

Compare with similar products

	Category: This Certificate

Rating
Level
Skills
Last updated
Number of practice exercises
Degree eligibility
Part of Coursera Plus

Related skills

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Learn more

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Explore degrees

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

The Specialization includes five courses and you can work through them at your own speed. The course can take up to a few months to complete.

The Specialization is designed for those from high school age and up. The material covered will benefit those without a high school degree but also those with advanced degrees. The topics covered in the five courses are not typically covered in school settings and can benefit anyone.

While it is recommended to take the courses of the Specialization in the designated order, you can skip around based on your interest.

The Fundamentals of Personal Finance Specialization

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

What’s included

Advance your subject-matter expertise