Overview

Unlock the secrets to financial success with our comprehensive course on investing and wealth building. Starting with an in-depth analysis of securities, markets, and diversification principles, you'll gain a solid foundation in investment strategies. As you progress, you'll explore risk and return measures and learn powerful time value of money techniques. The course culminates in exploring the benefits of a diversified portfolio and age-appropriate wealth-building strategies. Enhance your skills through a hands-on case study, preparing you to navigate the financial world with confidence. Join us and take the first step towards a prosperous future! This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit: https://acesonline.illinois.edu/

Syllabus

Orientation & Module 1 | Fundamentals of Investing and Markets

In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. In Module 1, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundational elements of investing. You will explore the intricate relationships between securities, issuers, stocks, and bonds, and delve into various philosophies of investing and wealth-building, including heuristics, biases, and types of risks. Additionally, we will consider the impact of national and global economic events on securities and define the key institutions involved in investing, such as brokers, dealers, custodians, and markets.

Module 2 | Advanced Concepts in Savings, Asset Allocation, and Risk Management

In this module, you'll delve into various types of portfolio risks, such as beta and standard deviation, and learn to manage them effectively. You'll also explore different types of returns, including arithmetic, geometric, and dollar-weighted, and understand their implications on your investments. Additionally, we'll introduce you to various savings accounts, including IRAs and 529 plans, and provide insights into asset allocation strategies to optimize your investment portfolio. Let's get started on this exciting journey to mastering advanced financial concepts!

Module 3 | The Great Portfolio Expedition: Navigating Risks and Returns

This module will guide you through the intricacies of portfolio diversification, demonstrating risk and return outcomes with a two-asset portfolio and expanding to multi-asset portfolios. You'll learn to build an efficient frontier using indifference curves and explore practical risk tools for investing across various asset classes. Get ready to enhance your understanding of portfolio management and optimize your investment strategies!

Module 4 | Time Travel with Money: Building Wealth Across the Decades & Conclusion

In Module 4 you'll learn to apply time value of money techniques to enhance your savings and explore key wealth milestones for investors at various life stages. From understanding basic TVM concepts to planning for financial health in your 50s, you'll gain valuable insights to help you build and manage wealth effectively over time. Let's embark on this journey to secure your financial future! At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!