The Financial Literacy Committee has gathered the following resources that students have found useful in the past. This is not an exhaustive list, but can be helpful for students trying to figure out the beginning stages of financial literacy.
Classes on Campus:
Economics 110-120 – Gateways to Economics
These courses introduce first-year students to principles of economics through special topics. Each course emphasizes the application of economic concepts to topics of general interest, capitalizing on the special interests and expertise of the faculty. A list of topics and course descriptions will be included with registration materials each semester. These courses are open only to first-year students.
Management Studies 231 – Personal Finance (offered every year during Interim)
This practical course provides information needed for informed decision making in major areas of personal finance, including budgeting, basic tax planning, insurance, investments, major purchases and retirement planning. Does not count toward the finance or management area of emphasis.
Websites:
Cash Course – Cash Course is a financial literacy website designed towards college students. Contains a wide variety of resources (quizzes, videos, articles etc.) tailored specifically towards the financial decisions of college. Go here for great information on budgeting, study abroad, credit cards, student loans and items to consider when landing that first job after college.
The Simple Dollar – The Simple Dollar is a place where anyone can come to acquire financial information on finding the best products and services, saving money, making smart investments, and controlling personal finances.
National Endowment for Financial Education – The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) is the leading private nonprofit foundation dedicated to inspiring empowered financial decision making for individuals and families through every stage of life. Has good information for basic banking through retirement.
Hands on Banking – Hands on Banking is a resource offered by Wells Fargo that offers more information about numerous topics that can be specific to each stage of life.
How to Set Up A Checking or Savings Account – A check list that will help you figure out which checking or savings account makes the most sense for you. This website will go over items you need to consider and help clarify terms you need to know when making your selection.
Credit Card Insider – Website that details the different aspects and things to consider when looking at your very first credit card. Has good comparisons of various cards.
How to Budget Money Beforehand and then Save Money While Abroad – This website helps you develop a budget for yourself before you go and then how to refine and find savings once you are abroad!
Credit Cards vs Debit Cards – Article detailing the differences between these two card options. Provides useful descriptions of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of card.
Student Finance Glossary – Defines a lot of key terms that you’ll encounter as you make your way through college.
Eight Financial Tips for Young Adults – Start with the basics and learn how to grab control of your own financial future.
Financial Management Tools:
Mint – Mint is a free online tool (and app!) that allows you to view all of your finances in one place. It can connect all of your accounts (checking, saving, credit card, student loan etc) in one handy place! It also has a lot of helpful graphics to help you set up a budget for yourself and then will send out alerts to help you STAY on budget.
MoneyStream – MoneyStream is another free online tool that accesses all of your financial accounts in order to help you organize your personal finances. MoneyStream is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Household Budget Worksheet – Would you prefer a simpler worksheet in trying to come up with your monthly budget? This is a simple online budget tool that can help you start to get a grasp on your money and where it goes every month.