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Course Description

This foundational course introduces students to the essential tools, techniques, and concepts of comprehensive personal financial planning. Serving as a prerequisite for all other courses in the program, it provides the groundwork for understanding how to develop effective, client-centered financial plans.

Topics include financial statement analysis, goal setting, time value of money, education funding strategies, debt management, insurance fundamentals, investment basics, retirement planning, and key economic principles. Students will also explore the psychological aspects of financial decision-making and learn how to gather and analyze client data.

Course Outline

  • Overview of Financial Planning
  • Time Value of Money
  • Client Communication
  • Personal Financial Statements and Analysis
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • Education Funding
  • Investments
  • Retirement Planning
  • Income Tax Planning
  • Estate Planning
  • Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct

Learner Outcomes

  1. Describe the financial planning process, assess the external environment, use goals to establish financial direction and analyze a client’s present financial position.
  2. Apply time value of money concepts to various financial planning problems and develop investment strategies using different types of securities.
  3. Estimate the impacts of income tax planning strategies, apply the basic process for retirement planning, and define the considerations for estate planning.
  4. Evaluate the roles of various insurance products in managing risks and recognize the professional and ethical aspects of financial planning.

Notes

For the best experience in our online courses, we recommend using Google Chrome as your web browser.

Refund eligibility is determined by the date of withdrawal. A detailed refund schedule is posted on our website at the beginning of each registration cycle.

Prerequisites

A working knowledge of introductory finance and basic accounting principles is strongly recommended for success in this course. Students should be comfortable with concepts such as the Time Value of Money, financial statements, and foundational accounting terminology. If you need to strengthen your understanding in these areas, free online resources—such as Khan Academy and YouTube—can be helpful for review and self-study.
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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Section Title
Financial Planning Fundamentals - Spring 2026
Language of Delivery
English
Type
Online, fixed date
Dates
Jan 12, 2026 to May 11, 2026
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee non-credit $575.00
Drop Request Deadline
No drop request allowed after enrollment
Transfer Request Deadline
No transfer request allowed after enrollment

Section Notes

The first day of class for Spring 2026 is Monday, January 12. Content will be made available to you on the first day of class.

 

Refund Policy:

In case something comes up during the semester and you need to withdraw from the course, our Withdrawal and Refund Policy is below.

Date of Withdrawal | Percent of Course Fee Refunded

  • On or before January 18: 90%
  • After January 18 and on/before February 15: 60%
  • After February 15 and on/before March 22: 30%
  • After March 22: No refund
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