Investing Fundamentals

This series covers basic investing information and strategies. Fundamental topics covered include planning your financial goals, budgeting, managing diversification and risk, and options for retirement savings. Organization of finances is covered in detail, including analyzing net worth, putting aside emergency funds, and proper record keeping. An in-depth examination of investment options, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, is provided. The series concludes with a thorough discussion of planning for the future with solid investment strategies, retirement planning, and insurance coverage.

Syllabus

THE BASICS

Explains to users how to get a general picture of their personal financial situations and begin the process of investing.

• Making Realistic Plans
• Maximizing Small Savings
• Managing Risk
• Diversification
• Starting Out Slowly
• Checking Up on Yourself
• Tightening the Budget Belt

ORGANIZING

Explains to users how to determine their financial situations and make plans for investment funds.

• Looking at Net Worth
• Learning from Net Worth
• Keeping Cash
• Making Cash Reserves Work
• Setting Financial Goals
• Learning More

STOCKS

Explains how to choose and invest in stocks.

• Introducing Stocks
• Learning the Types of Stocks
• Getting Started
• Choosing Candidates
• Reading the Stock Pages
• Researching Online and Using Value Line
• Trading Stocks

BONDS

Explains how to choose and invest in bonds. Each type of bond (U.S. Treasuries, U.S. government agency bonds, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds) is explained and the unique advantages and disadvantages are described.

• Introducing Bonds
• U.S. Bonds
• Municipal Bonds
• Corporate Bonds
• Researching and Buying Bonds

MUTUAL FUNDS

Explains to users how to choose and invest in mutual funds.

• Introducing Mutual Funds
• Stock Funds
• Bond Funds
• Analyzing Mutual Funds
• Fund Evaluations and Online Research
• Choosing a Mutual Fund
• Reviewing Fund Investing

PLANNING

Explains how to prepare for the future with solid investing strategies, retirement planning and insurance coverage.

• Planning for Retirement
• Using IRAs
• Using 401(k) Plans
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance

Qualifications

Qualification: Printable Transcript

On completion of this course you may print a transcript off as evidence of your progression throughout the course.

Requirements for Entry

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Study Options

If you do not have Internet access, or would prefer to study this course via the traditional paper/postal based study method, you can find more information on the course by clicking on the link below.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 40 hrs.