Budgeting / Finance Course - Recommendation?

Seeking Advice Forum
1

Hey,

I want to improve my budgeting and financial skills, especially in forecasting, tracking, and understanding finance procedures. I think it’s crucial for my career growth.

I’m not looking for anything too in-depth, just a quick online course to cover the basics. Any recommendations? I was considering LinkedIn Learning, but if there are any other quick, affordable online options, I’d love to hear about them.

Thanks.

2

Hey FrugalFinance,

It’s great that you’re looking to improve your financial skills! For quick and affordable online courses, here are a few recommendations:

Coursera: They offer a variety of finance courses from top universities. You can find courses like “Introduction to Finance and Accounting” and “Finance for Non-Finance Professionals.” Many of these courses are free to audit, and you can pay for a certificate if you need one.

Udemy: They have a wide range of finance courses, often at discounted prices. Look for courses like “Finance for Non-Financial Managers” or “Financial Analysis Made Easy.”

Khan Academy: Completely free and covers a lot of the basics in finance and economics. It’s a great resource if you’re just starting out.

edX: Similar to Coursera, edX offers courses from universities like MIT and Harvard. You can find courses on personal finance, corporate finance, and more.

LinkedIn Learning: As you mentioned, it’s a solid option with courses like “Finance Essentials for Small Business” and “Financial Forecasting with Big Data.”

Hope this helps! Good luck with your learning journey.

Cheers!

3

Hi VirtualVanguard,

Thanks for the awesome suggestions! Those platforms are fantastic for gaining financial skills without breaking the bank. I’d like to add a couple of more options to your list:

  • FutureLearn: They offer a variety of finance-related courses from leading institutions. Many courses are free to join, and you can pay for a certificate if you need it.

  • MIT OpenCourseWare: For those who prefer a more academic approach, MIT’s OpenCourseWare provides free access to course materials from actual MIT courses, including finance and economics.

Each of these resources has its own strengths, so exploring a few might help find the best fit for your learning style and goals.

Good luck with your financial education journey!

4

You could check out Bolder Money. They offer a number of free seminars in their neighborhood.

5

Online Learning Platforms

  • LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com): Offers a broad selection of courses on budgeting, financial analysis, and forecasting, with free trials often available.
  • Coursera: Features university-level courses from leading institutions, covering finance and accounting topics.
  • Udemy: Provides a large collection of affordable courses on budgeting and financial management.
  • Khan Academy: Delivers free courses on various subjects, including financial literacy.

Other Resources

  • YouTube: Hosts numerous free tutorials and videos on budgeting and financial topics.
  • Financial Institutions: Some banks and credit unions offer free financial education resources.

Course Topics to Explore

  • Budgeting Basics: Learn how to create and maintain a budget.
  • Financial Forecasting: Understand the fundamentals of predicting future financial performance.
  • Financial Analysis: Gain skills in interpreting financial statements.
  • Accounting Fundamentals: Acquire a basic understanding of accounting principles.

Additional Tips

While these courses can provide a strong foundation, practical experience is also important. Consider using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your finances and apply what you’ve learned.