Most people are never taught how to manage money with confidence, whether that means stretching a first paycheck, choosing a retirement account, or recovering from a financial setback. This Specialization covers the full arc of personal finance: calculating true income and building a balanced budget, comparing 401(k) and IRA options and building a diversified retirement portfolio, and applying SMART goals and self-forgiveness practices to move past setbacks with a resilient mindset. You'll leave able to build a working budget, choose retirement accounts and investments with confidence, and respond to financial challenges with the habits and clarity needed for long-term financial agility.
Applied Learning Project
Through hands-on projects, you'll build a complete monthly budget from your own income and expenses, assemble a diversified retirement portfolio suited to your risk tolerance and timeline, and construct a SMART financial recovery plan with a personal accountability structure, applying each skill to your real financial situation.
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