Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Create a realistic and sustainable personal budget and cash flow statement.
• Differentiate between "good" and "bad" debt and develop a debt repayment plan.
• Understand the basics of saving, compounding, and establishing an emergency fund.
• Identify different types of investment vehicles (e.g., stocks, bonds, funds) and their risks.
• Navigate and utilize common employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401k, pension).
• Understand the basics of credit scores and how to maintain good credit health.
• Evaluate different insurance needs (health, life, disability) for risk management.
• Develop a long-term personal financial plan and review strategy.

• Employees seeking to take control of their personal finances.
• Individuals nearing major life events (e.g., marriage, home purchase, new child).
• Young professionals starting their first career.
• Anyone looking to reduce financial stress and anxiety.
• Employees interested in maximizing their retirement benefits.

• Individual development of a personal net worth statement.
• Group discussion on different debt repayment strategies.
• Workshop on analyzing investment fund expense ratios and returns.
• Individual exercise in creating a mock monthly budget based on provided data.
• Case study analysis of a financial planning scenario (e.g., early retirement).
• Development of a personal 90-day savings action plan.

Unit 1: Mastering Your Cash Flow

• Budgeting and Tracking
  • Defining net worth and creating a personal balance sheet.
  • The 50/30/20 rule and other practical budgeting methods.
  • Tools and apps for tracking income and expenses effectively.
  • Analyzing spending habits and identifying areas for saving.
  • The psychology of money and overcoming impulse spending.

Unit 2: Debt Management and Credit Health

• Eliminating "Bad" Debt Strategically
  • Understanding different types of debt (mortgage, credit card, student loans).
  • Strategies for debt repayment (e.g., snowball vs. avalanche method).
  • What a credit score is, why it matters, and how to improve it.
  • Avoiding common debt traps and high-interest loans.
  • Safeguarding against identity theft and financial fraud.

Unit 3: Saving and Risk Management

• Building the Foundation of Financial Security
  • The power of compounding and the "Rule of 72."
  • Establishing a fully funded emergency fund (why and how much).
  • Understanding different types of insurance (life, health, property, disability).
  • Introduction to tax-advantaged savings accounts (e.g., Roth vs. Traditional IRA).
  • The basics of estate planning (wills, powers of attorney).

Unit 4: Introduction to Investing

• Making Your Money Work for You
  • Defining risk tolerance and aligning it with investment goals.
  • Understanding the difference between stocks, bonds, and mutual/index funds.
  • The importance of diversification and asset allocation.
  • Basics of the employer 401(k) or pension plan and matching contributions.
  • Common investment pitfalls and the importance of long-term perspective.

Unit 5: Long-Term Financial Planning

• Retirement and Major Goals
  • Estimating future retirement needs and savings targets.
  • Developing a plan for major goals (e.g., down payment, child's education).
  • Strategies for negotiating compensation and reviewing benefits.
  • The role of financial professionals (when to hire an advisor).
  • Creating a process for annually reviewing and adjusting the financial plan.