Teach students money management like you would teach them to read and write.

Money management is one of the most essential life skills, yet it’s rarely taught in schools. We’ve seen this firsthand. Many young adults enter the workforce without a clear understanding of budgeting, credit, debt, or investing—leading to financial struggles that could have been avoided with the right education.

So how can we bridge this gap?

One of the best ways is through structured, expert-led courses that provide practical financial knowledge. The Financial Planning for Young Adults course by the University of Illinois on Coursera is designed specifically to teach students money management skills, covering everything from budgeting and saving to credit, debt, and investing.

teach students money management — Canadians seemed to have misjudged their financial literacy according to Investment Executive

Why Financial Literacy Is Important

For many young adults, managing money wisely is a skill learned through trial and error—often at a high cost. Without proper guidance, they may fall into credit card debt, struggle with student loans, or fail to save for emergencies and retirement. To teach students money management, we empower them to make informed financial decisions, avoid common money blunders, and build long-term wealth and stability.

This course provides an accessible, easy-to-follow roadmap for young adults to take control of their finances and make smarter money choices—no prior experience needed.

Discover This Course hide

1 Overview & Skill Focus

2 Time Commitment

3 Certification & Resume Value

4 Format & Flexibility

5 Target Audience

6 Pros & Cons

7 Alternatives & Similar Courses

8 Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Overview & Skill Focus

Financial literacy is a crucial life skill, yet many young adults graduate without knowing how to budget, save, or invest wisely. The Financial Planning for Young Adults course from the University of Illinois aims to bridge this gap by providing a structured and accessible introduction to personal finance.

Designed specifically to teach students money management skills, this course covers everything from budgeting basics to long-term financial planning, making it a great starting point for young adults looking to take control of their financial future.

Module 1: Introduction to Financial Planning

The importance of financial literacy and early planning.
How financial decisions impact long-term wealth and security.
Creating a personalized financial roadmap.

Module 2: Budgeting & Cash Flow Management

How to track expenses and manage monthly cash flow.
The 50/30/20 rule for budgeting essentials.
Strategies for cutting unnecessary expenses without sacrificing quality of life.

Module 3: Understanding Credit & Debt

How credit scores work and why they matter – The advantages and disadvantaged of leveraging debt and credit.
The risks and benefits of using credit cards responsibly.
Best practices for managing student loans and personal debt.

Module 4: Saving & Investing for the Future

How to set and prioritize financial goals (short-term vs. long-term).
Introduction to different types of savings accounts and emergency funds.
Basics of investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds and the difference therein.

Module 5: Insurance & Financial Protection

The role of insurance in financial security.
Understanding different types of insurance (health, auto, life).
How to evaluate policies and choose the right coverage.

Module 6: Planning for Retirement (Yes, Even Young Adults Need This!)

Why starting early is the key to a secure retirement.
Overview of retirement account types in Canada and United States (401(k), IRA, RRSP).
How compound interest can maximize long-term savings.

If you’re looking for a structured, beginner-friendly course to teach students money management, this is an excellent place to start.

For those students looking to enroll in post secondary, we’ve considered this one of the Best 5 Online Certifications To Strengthen Your University Application. You can also read up on the Top 5 Skills Universities Look For on your application.

Time Commitment

One of the biggest advantages of the Financial Planning for Young Adults course on Coursera is its flexibility. On average, students complete the course in 4–6 weeks with a recommended time commitment of 2–4 hours per week.

However, since it’s self-paced, you have the freedom to complete it quickly or take it slowly and stretch it out for as long as you’d like. If you’re motivated to build your financial knowledge quickly, you can complete the course in 2–3 weeks by dedicating 5–7 hours per week. Many students who focus intensively on the material finish ahead of schedule.

The skills you’ll gain in this course will set a financial foundation you can carry with you for life—from budgeting and saving to understanding credit and investing wisely. Spending just a few hours per week can teach students money management in a way that creates long-term financial stability and success.

Certification & Resume Value

Earning a Coursera certificate from the University of Illinois for completing the Financial Planning for Young Adults course can be a valuable credential that can enhance your resume and career prospects. Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college or a university student looking to boost your financial literacy, this certification proves that you’ve taken the initiative to develop essential financial skills.

How This Certificate Strengthens Your Resume

Adding this certification to your arsenal can set you apart because it signals a commitment to bettering your own understanding of financial literacy, and your own personal and professional growth. Many students who complete this course mention their certification on job applications, university admissions essays, or professional networking platforms like LinkedIn.

These are critical skills that employers or admission committees love to see. Moreover, it illustrates you’ve learned how to manage money wisely, which is always an attractive trait for roles in business, finances, or entrepreneurship.

If you’re serious about mastering personal finance and want an official credential to showcase your knowledge, this certification is definitely worth it. Plus, it’s a low-cost alternative to formal financial courses, making it an excellent investment for students and young professionals alike. It’s these skills that teach students money management and provide lifelong foundations for financial independence.

Format & Flexibility

One of the standout features of the Financial Planning for Young Adults course by the University of Illinois on Coursera is its highly flexible format. Designed for busy students, young professionals, and anyone looking to teach students money management skills, this course allows learners to study at their own pace, making it an excellent choice for those juggling school, work, or other commitments.

The course is structured into five modules, each covering a critical aspect of financial planning. Since it is self-paced, learners can move through the content as quickly or as slowly as needed. It incorporates:

🔹 Video Lectures – Engaging and easy-to-follow lessons taught by financial experts.
🔹 Interactive Quizzes – Reinforce key concepts with short, practical quizzes.
🔹 Real-World Case Studies – Apply what you learn to real-life financial situations.
🔹 Peer Discussions – Optional forums where students can discuss topics and share experiences.

The course is available 100% online through Coursera, making it accessible on desktop, tablet, or mobile. Whether you prefer learning from a laptop at home or watching lessons on the go, you can fit this course into your lifestyle with ease.

✔ No strict deadlines—study on your own schedule.
✔ Pause and resume lessons at any time.
✔ Downloadable resources for offline review.

For anyone looking to teach students money management in a flexible and accessible way, this course is a top choice. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a parent helping a young adult navigate their finances, this course adapts to your schedule, ensuring that learning financial literacy is both convenient and effective.

Target Audience

The Financial Planning for Young Adults course is designed for anyone looking to teach students money management skills and develop essential personal finance skills. It answers basic questions about why financial literacy is important.

Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college or a parent or educator guiding students toward financial independence, this course provides practical, easy-to-understand lessons that can be applied immediately. Here’s how we’d breakdown the best demographics for this course:

1️⃣ High School & College Students

Many students graduate without basic financial literacy, leaving them unprepared for real-world financial responsibilities.
This course teaches students about money management by covering budgeting, credit scores, saving, and investing—skills that are essential for adulthood and ones that are often not taught in Canadian schools.
It helps students understand student loans, scholarships, and financial aid before making big decisions about their education.

why financial literacy is important
teach students money management

2️⃣ Parents & Educators

Parents can use this course as a structured guide to teach students money management at home. Educators can integrate key concepts into their curriculum or recommend the course as a supplemental learning resource.
Financial literacy seems to be lacking in Canadian schools. Look at the map below – Most ‘financial literacy’ blocks are factored in as lessons or units in mathematics courses.
It provides real-world financial case studies, making it easier to engage students in meaningful discussions about financial responsibility.

3️⃣ Anyone Looking to Improve Financial Literacy

Even if you’re not a student or educator, this course provides practical knowledge for anyone looking to develop stronger financial habits.
It simplifies complex topics like investing, credit management, and financial planning into digestible lessons.

If you’re looking for a flexible, beginner-friendly, and comprehensive way to teach students money management skills, this course is an excellent starting point. With a structured curriculum, real-world examples, and engaging lessons, it equips students, parents, and educators with the financial knowledge they need to understand why financial literacy is important.

Pros & Cons

The Financial Planning for Young Adults course by the University of Illinois is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly course designed to teach students money management skills. Like any course, it has its strengths and potential drawbacks. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you decide if this course is the right fit for your financial learning journey.

Pros: Why This Course Stands Out

✅ Beginner-Friendly and Easy to Understand
The course is specifically designed for young adults with little to no financial background. Concepts like budgeting, credit scores, and investing are explained in clear, everyday language, making it accessible to students of all backgrounds

✅ Self-Paced & Flexible
With no strict deadlines and 100% online accessibility, this course is perfect for students, working professionals, or anyone with a busy schedule. You can learn at your own pace without pressure.

✅ Real-World Applications
The course doesn’t just focus on theory—it teaches students about money management through real-life scenarios. Topics like managing student loans, setting financial goals, and understanding credit are directly applicable to young adults’ lives..

✅ No Cost to Audit
Learners can access course materials for free on Coursera if they choose the audit option. This makes it a low-risk opportunity for anyone interested in learning personal finance fundamentals.

✅ Respected University Credential
Taught by professors from the University of Illinois, the course offers a strong academic foundation in financial literacy. If you choose to earn a certificate, it adds credibility to your resume.

Cons: Potential Drawbacks to Consider

❌ Limited Depth on Advanced Financial Topics
While the course covers personal finance basics, it doesn’t dive deeply into complex investing strategies, tax planning, or wealth building. Students who want advanced financial knowledge may need to seek additional courses.

❌ No Personalized Financial Guidance
The course provides general financial knowledge, but it doesn’t offer one-on-one financial coaching. If you’re looking for personalized budgeting or investing advice, you may need to supplement with additional resources.

❌ Certificate Requires Payment
While you can audit the course for free, earning a certificate of completion requires a fee. This might be a drawback for students on a tight budget who still want official proof of completion.

❌ Self-Motivation is Required
Since the course is self-paced, it requires discipline and consistency. Students who struggle with staying accountable in online courses may find it challenging to complete without external motivation.

Alternatives & Similar Courses

The Financial Planning for Young Adults course by the University of Illinois is an excellent option to teach students money management, but it’s not the only one. Whether you’re looking for a different learning style, more in-depth financial education, or a free alternative, here are some of the best courses available online.

1. Personal & Family Financial Planning – University of Florida (Coursera)

🕒 Duration: ~15 hours | 💰 Cost: Free to audit, certificate available
🔍 Best For: Students looking for a comprehensive financial planning course with a strong academic foundation.

This course teaches students money management skills but with a broader scope than the University of Illinois course. It covers personal finance basics, investment strategies, and retirement/ estate planning. This is geared more towards the learner who is accounting for a family or beneficiaries.

Why choose this? If you want a deeper dive into financial planning beyond basic budgeting and you aren’t comfortable managing money on behalf of others (like family or beneficiaries).

2. Introduction to Personal Financial Planning – Indiana University (edX)

🕒 Duration: 4 weeks (3-5 hours per week) | 💰 Cost: Free to audit, certificate available
🔍 Best For: Students who prefer short, practical lessons on financial literacy

This course focuses on financial decision-making for young adults, covering things like income and expenses, using credit responsibly, and planning for financial independence.

Why choose this? If you’re looking for a quick and practical financial literacy course, this is a strong option. This is offered on edX, a different e-learn platform so you may want to consider those differences.

3. The Complete Personal Finance Course – Udemy

🕒 Duration: 16+ hours | 💰 Cost: Usually $20-$50 (often discounted)
🔍 Best For: Those who want detailed video lectures on personal finance

This Udemy course provides a step-by-step guide to financial success and covers budgeting, saving, goal setting, investing in stocks, bonds, real estate, and other commodities, as well touching on retirement savings and tax strategies.

Why choose this? If you prefer self-paced video lectures with lifetime access, Udemy courses are a great choice. It also covers some tax topics that aren’t covered in previous courses.

4. Financial Literacy for College Students – Khan Academy

🕒 Duration: Self-paced | 💰 Cost: Completely free
🔍 Best For: Students looking for a free, self-guided resource

This course offers bite-sized lessons to teach students money management skills in a way that’s easy to understand. It covers all the basics: banking and credit, creating budgets, and understanding taxes and loans.

Why choose this? If you want free, high-quality financial education, Khan Academy is a fantastic resource. We liked how they also covered scams and frauds as well.

Which Course Should You Take?

Course	Best For	Key Features	Cost
Financial Planning for Young Adults (University of Illinois – Coursera)	College students and young professionals	Beginner-friendly, self-paced, real-world applications	Free to audit, certificate available
Personal & Family Financial Planning (University of Florida – Coursera)	Comprehensive financial education	Covers investing, retirement, estate planning	Free to audit, certificate available
Introduction to Personal Financial Planning (Indiana University – edX)	Practical, short lessons	Focus on responsible financial decision-making	Free to audit, certificate available
The Complete Personal Finance Course (Udemy)	In-depth video tutorials	Lifetime access, investing strategies, tax planning	~$20-$50
Financial Literacy for College Students (Khan Academy)	Free financial literacy education	Budgeting, credit, banking, taxes	Completely free

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Course for You

If you’re looking for an accredited course to teach students money management skills, the Financial Planning for Young Adults course is a strong choice. However, if you prefer deeper financial planning insights, more practical case studies, or free alternatives, the courses above provide excellent options.

Tip: Choose a course based on your learning style, financial goals, and whether you need a certificate for your resume.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

As a guidance counselor, I’ve observed how financial literacy is lacking in our youth. It could be considered a cornerstone to successfully transitioning to adulthood. The Financial Planning for Young Adults course by the University of Illinois offers a structured, expert-led approach to teach students money management in a way that is engaging, practical, and easy to follow.

This course is particularly useful for students who want to develop smart financial habits early, helping them avoid common money mistakes and set themselves up for long-term success. It can also be extremely valuable to educators wanting to bolster their acumen in this area in an effort to teach students money management skills.

That said, while the course provides a strong foundation in personal finance, it does not cover advanced investing strategies or tax planning in depth. Students looking for more detailed financial planning courses may want to pair this with more specialized courses on topics like investing, taxes, or real estate finance.

Acquire Financial Planning Skills Now

If your goal is to learn or teach students money management in a structured and engaging way, this course is an excellent starting point. It provides real-world financial skills that can help young adults navigate personal finances with confidence.

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