With more Americans at home and online than ever before, people are increasingly using technology to work, shop and connect socially. However, this new digital reality also provides fraudsters with fresh opportunities to target you. Scams are on the rise, as sophisticated criminals try to capitalize on our changed circumstances. Fortunately, you can protect your Read More…
As a student, you have many responsibilities such as studying for exams, holding down a part-time job and handling at least some of your own finances. While you’re doing all this, con artists may also be trying to separate you from your cash. Scammers know students often have hectic schedules and may be new to Read More…
As a student, you have many responsibilities such as studying for exams, holding down a part-time job and handling at least some of your own finances. While you’re doing all this, con artists may also be trying to separate you from your cash. Scammers know students often have hectic schedules and may be new to Read More…
As a student, you have many responsibilities such as studying for exams, holding down a part-time job and handling at least some of your own finances. While you’re doing all this, con artists may also be trying to separate you from your cash. Scammers know students often have hectic schedules and may be new to Read More…
Career Center Every student should be thinking about getting a job before they graduate. The Career Center is here to help you find a job. Find job postings, get certifications to help build your resume, build interest from potential employers, and get valuable information on making yourself the best candidate you can be.
Complete the following short vocabulary quiz. Click ‘CONTINUE TO EXAM’ to start the exam for this chapter. Continue To Exam
Complete the following short vocabulary quiz. Click ‘CONTINUE TO EXAM’ to start the exam for this chapter. Continue To Exam
Complete the following short vocabulary quiz. Click ‘CONTINUE TO EXAM’ to start the exam for this chapter. Continue To Exam
3-09 Resources Ok new investor, you should be ready to begin. You can now leave the bleachers, put on a uniform, cross the white lines, and play. Stay focused, positive, and realistic. You might not make the Majors right away, but you can enter the investment world armed with solid knowledge, upon which you can Read More…
3-08 Set Goals and Targets You should have a “game plan” for your investing life. Just as you plan your workday, vacation, college financing, golf matches, and other areas of your personal and professional life, you need a plan, objective, and goal for your investment activities. Spend some quality time with yourself, thinking about what Read More…
3-07 How to Record Gains and Losses Unfortunately, when it comes time to file your tax return, the IRS wants to know how much money you made or lost in your brokerage account. Your brokerage firm will even report to the IRS your total proceeds from all of your sales of stocks, but they don’t Read More…
3-06 Short Selling So far, we’ve talked about how to make your first trades – buying a stock you think will get more valuable. But what about if you are SURE a stock is about to tank? Wouldn’t it be great if you could make profit in both directions? With short selling, you can! What Read More…
3-05 Buying on Margin When you are opening a real brokerage, you will be asked if you want to open a Margin Account. Buying on margin means that you purchase securities using some of your own cash and you take a loan from your broker to complete the purchase. The collateral for the loan is Read More…
3-04 Order Terms Now that you know some of the basic order terms, you can use Limit, Stop, and Trailing Stop orders to start building your portfolio, keeping an eye out for good deals and protecting yourself against loss. But when you go to actually place your order, there is one more option that pops Read More…
3-03 Types of Orders-Market, Limit, Stop Once you have the ticker symbol for the company you wish to trade, you are ready to place your first order. Go to your virtual trading account and you’ll see several options for order type—market, limit, stop, and trailing stop. You have already found the symbol to trade “LUV” Read More…
3-02 Understanding Stock Quotes A stock quote gives essential information about a particular stock at a point in time. The quote normally includes information such as the name of the company, the ticker symbol, the price, the day’s high and low prices, and the trading volume. Details Usually when you get a stock quote, you Read More…
3-01 How to Look Up a “Ticker Symbol” The first thing you must understand about trading stocks is that the exchanges have assigned each stock a unique “ticker symbol” for identification purposes. When researching stocks, getting quotes, and placing trades, you usually have to know the ticker symbol. Stock ticker symbols are usually 1 to Read More…
3-00 Chapter 3: Making Your First Trade Now that we covered the basics of different types of investments and why prices move, it is time to start “Learn by doing” and make your first trades. Best of all, you have your practice brokerage account to use, so you can try out your first investing strategies Read More…
2-11 Resources Don’t forget to check out a research platform like Zacks so you can compare stocks on your own. Zacks Rank uses a proprietary ranking system to evaluate stocks on a scale from 1 to 5; their #1 Strong Buy stocks have beaten the market in 26 of the 31 years they have been Read More…
2-10 Buying Individual Stocks Versus Investing in Mutual Funds As a newer investor, you should also be aware that you can save some research time by investing in mutual funds instead of individual stocks. Mutual funds contain a mix and diversity of stocks in which you will spread out one investment into many small blocks Read More…
2-09 Why Stocks Are a Good Choice For Investing In this course, we generally advocate that stock market investing is an excellent choice to receive consistently high Return on Investment (ROI). This does not mean we think everyone should be “stock picking” – but that stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs generally provide the best return Read More…
2-08 Brokers and How to Choose the Right Ones When you are ready to start buying your own stock, you won’t withdraw some cash from the ATM, head to New York, and look for someone with paper shares to sell. Instead, you would open an account with a stock brokerage, where you will make your Read More…
2-07 The Danger of Trying to Time the Market The mere perception that a market is becoming Bearish is not a predictor of disaster. Fortunes have been made in A prolonged period of pessimism and falling stock prices that seems to feed on itself and generates even more pessimism and even lower stock prices. Bear Read More…
2-06 Bull vs. Bear Markets Business and economic popular news will often refer to “Bull” or “Bear” markets. You probably already have some idea what this means – “Bull” markets tend to be going up, while “Bear” markets tend to be going down. What is a Bull Market? A “Bull Market” means that investors are Read More…
2-05 Market Timing and Moving Now that you know what the stock market is and what role the Stock exchanges are simply organizations that allow people the ability to buy and sell stocks. Stock Exchange plays, let’s take a step back and look at how stock prices and the economy move. As you might expect, Read More…
2-04 Public versus Private Companies & IPOs versus Secondary Market Securities Now that you know what an exchange is, it’s necessary to make a very important distinction between what shares trade on exchanges and what shares don’t. Most companies are private companies and don’t trade on exchanges. The barber shop and the florist on the Read More…
2-03 Other Stock Exchanges In addition to the New York Stock Exchange, there is also the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) and NASDAQ. In the past, the NASDAQ was for smaller companies that were just getting started, and it was prestigious for them to move up to the NYSE or AMEX. These smaller companies included a Read More…
2-02 A History Lesson – Wall Street Wall Street” is a street in New York City, near the southern end of Manhattan Island. It is the home of the New York Stock Exchange, and the biggest center of stock trading and finance in the world. History The first European colony in what we now know Read More…
2-01 What Are Stock Exchanges? In the last lesson, we used a simple example of 10 buyers and 10 sellers who got together in the same room to make trades of one company’s stock. In the real world, there are hundreds of millions of people and companies trading trillions of shares of millions of company’s Read More…
2-00 Chapter 2: How the Stock Market Works and Why It Moves Now that we are introduced to some of the basic types of investments, we can look into how the stock market actually works, and why prices move. To understand the basics of the stock market, we need a quick refresher on some core Read More…
1-13 Resources Congratulations, you are through the first chapter! This is a glossary review and some extra resources for more information before we continue on to the chapter exam. Glossary Bank accounts – a depository account at a bank that acts as a secure way to store your money and withdraw it later. Checking Accounts Read More…
1-12 Recent Performance of Investments Now that we have looked at several different types of investments, we can compare how they have performed over time. In this case, we will pretend we invested $10,000 in Stocks, Gold, Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, and a Savings Account in January of 2010, and pulled our money Read More…
1-11 Real Estate If you are a homeowner, your home is probably where you keep most of your wealth. Everyone hopes to be able to sell their home for more than they paid for it – which means that every homeowner is a real estate investor! “Real Estate Investing” means making money based on buildings Read More…
1-10 Foreign Currency and Foreign Stocks You just got some insider information – Nintendo is about to announce a new Zelda game, coming out on their new console. Gamers are getting pumped up, this is a sure-fire hit. As a savvy investor, you think now might be a good time to invest in Nintendo! But Read More…
1-09 Gold and Other Precious Metals When we covered commodities, we mentioned iron and copper, but not Gold and Silver. That is because Precious Metals operate by different rules than other commodities – and are very different to investors. This is because unlike iron or copper, which is just used as inputs for other industry Read More…
1-08 Commodities So far, we have talked about what the average “retail investor” thinks about when investing – bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. But the world is a big place, and there are bigger ways to invest! Besides the stock market, the biggest investment markets in the world are for commodities – raw Read More…
1-07 Bonds Unlike Stocks are “equity investments” which means that individuals that own stock shares of a company actually own part of that company. stocks, which are equity instruments, A debt obligation of a company, the U.S. Treasury Department, or a city where the borrower receives funds (usually in increments of $1,000), makes semi-annual interest Read More…
1-06 ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) ETFs are a cross between mutual funds and stocks. ETFs are simply a portfolio of stocks or A debt obligation of a company, the U.S. Treasury Department, or a city where the borrower receives funds (usually in increments of $1,000), makes semi-annual interest payments based on the coupon rate, and eventually Read More…
1-05 Mutual Funds A mutual fund is a type of investment where a money manager takes your cash and invests it as he sees fit, usually following some rough guidelines. For example, the Fidelity Group has a fund that specializes in finding high dividend paying [ts]stocks[tm]Stocks are “equity investments”, which means that individuals that own Read More…
1-04 Stocks Stocks are “equity investments” which means that when you own shares of a company you own part of that company. For example, if you own 1,000 shares of Apple Computer stock and Apple has 1,000,000 shares that are “issued and outstanding,” then you own 0.1% of the company. If Apple were then to Read More…
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) With a An investment choice at most banks where you agree to deposit a specific amount of money for a fixed period of time (this is called the maturity). By agreeing to keep your money at the bank for a certain length of time, the bank usually pays you an interest Read More…
01-02 Basic Bank Accounts Bank accounts are issued by banks, credit unions, and savings & loan institutions as a secure way to store your money and make it easily accessible later (without carrying around all your cash everywhere you go). If you are sitting with your first $500, you usually have two options for accounts: Read More…
1-00 Chapter 1: Introduction To Investing Whether you have $1,000 or $1,000,000 in savings, education is the key to empowering yourself to take charge of your financial future. In this course you will learn about the different broad investment choices you have available. Specifically, you will learn how the stock market works, how to evaluate Read More…
1-01 Understanding Investment Choices The first time Tiger Woods grabbed a golf club he couldn’t hit the ball perfectly straight 300 yards and the first time Michael Jordan touched a basketball he couldn’t dunk it, so don’t think that you will be able to earn a 100% return in the first year. Before Tiger could Read More…
Buying a car? Here are the key terms to know about auto loans Buying a car can leave you feeling like auto dealers are speaking a whole new language when they talk about things like a down payment, depreciation, direct lending or dealer financing. Follow this map to understand these terms and learn how financing Read More…
Buying a car? Here are the key terms to know about auto loans Buying a car can leave you feeling like auto dealers are speaking a whole new language when they talk about things like a down payment, depreciation, direct lending or dealer financing. Follow this map to understand these terms and learn how financing Read More…
Buying a car? Here are the key terms to know about auto loans Buying a car can leave you feeling like auto dealers are speaking a whole new language when they talk about things like a down payment, depreciation, direct lending or dealer financing. Follow this map to understand these terms and learn how financing Read More…
How to balance your family’s savings priorities Saving for one is hard enough, but family savings multiply the challenge. You have short-term desires versus long-term goals, plus unexpected expenses that can pop up regularly. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
How to balance your family’s savings priorities Saving for one is hard enough, but family savings multiply the challenge. You have short-term desires versus long-term goals, plus unexpected expenses that can pop up regularly. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
How to balance your family’s savings priorities Saving for one is hard enough, but family savings multiply the challenge. You have short-term desires versus long-term goals, plus unexpected expenses that can pop up regularly. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
What is a Dividend? Pop Quiz!
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Financial Literacy Post-Test Before the game finishes – there is one last quiz to take: the Financial Literacy Post-Test. This will help show what you’ve learned over the course of the game. Take The Post-Test
Lessons Complete! Congratulations, you have finished all the lessons in the Financial Life Simulation! We hope you have enjoyed using the Financial Life Simulation Tool. If you any have questions about a particular bank product or service, be sure to do your research and make informed choices. Bank of America and Northeastern University are not recommending Read More…
Documents you need to do your taxes Taxpayers spend 12 hours on average preparing their tax returns, according to IRS estimates. Yet, you can save time, cut back on stress and have an overall easier experience by gathering the documents you’ll need before it’s time to dive in. Check out this infographic, then return here Read More…
This way to a home of your own If it’s your first time buying a home, this guide shows the steps for making one of the most important purchases of your life Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
Buying a home within your comfort zone Before you go hunting for a home, it’s important to calculate a comfortable mortgage payment Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
9 questions to ask mortgage lenders Knowing what to ask could save you money in the long run. Read this short lesson and return here for a quiz question to continue!
The pros and cons of buying vs. renting a home Wondering if you should rent or buy? Understanding all the costs that go into renting or buying a home will set you up to make the right decisions for you. Watch this video, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
Delaying student loan repayment with deferment or forbearance If you’re in a situation where you simply don’t have the income to repay a loan, you may be able to put off the repayments until things change. Watch this video to learn more, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
Shopping for a car? 3 questions that need answers When you need a new car, the decisions you make on three important issues will help determine your monthly payments and how much you pay for the car overall. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue! Tip: Check Question Read More…
Comparing the cost of new and used cars Choosing between buying a new or used car may not be as simple as it seems. Find out what matters beyond simple sticker price. Watch this video, then return here for a quiz question to continue!
New job? Make the most of your employee benefits HS New jobs bring new names, faces and responsibilities. In the rush of acclimating to the work environment, you might overlook details like direct deposit forms, insurance coverage and retirement plans. But it’s important to make the most of all your new job’s benefits—from Flexible Spending Read More…
What is a balance transfer and how does it work? A balance transfer moves a balance from a credit card or loan to another credit card. Transferring balances with a higher annual percentage rate (APR) to a card with a lower APR can save you money on the interest you’ll pay. Read this short lesson, Read More…
How many credit cards should you have? These days, having multiple credit cards is common—but is it a good idea? Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
What is APR? You may have seen the term APR, or annual percentage rate, used in reference to everything from mortgages and auto loans to credit cards. Understanding how banks calculate APRs and how they work can help you make more informed credit card decisions. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a Read More…
4 strategies to pay off credit card debt faster If you carry credit card balances month to month, paying off that debt fast might be easier than you think. The key is developing a good plan and sticking to it. These four strategies can help you decide which course to take to quickly pay off Read More…
What is a credit score and how is it calculated? Your credit score affects many areas of your financial life, from getting approved for a credit card to the interest rate you’ll pay on your mortgage. It’s important to understand the number and how it is calculated so you can set yourself up for financial Read More…
Building credit and keeping yours healthy Building good credit takes work, but it can be done. Find out five things you can do to build a healthy credit score while avoiding the pitfalls. Watch this video then return here for a quiz question to continue!
How to build credit from scratch With some solid first steps and a focus on paying your bills on time, you’ll be on your way to building a solid credit score. Watch this video and return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
How to balance your family’s savings priorities Saving for one is hard enough, but family savings multiply the challenge. You have short-term desires versus long-term goals, plus unexpected expenses that can pop up regularly. Learn how to balance a family’s savings goals, and come back to answer a quiz question to continue!
Debunking the myths: 7 facts about credit cards Does paying less than the minimum count as a missed payment? Should you avoid having a high credit limit? Knowing the facts can help you make smart choices. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
Pay down debt or save? 5 questions to help you decide You probably know that carrying too much debt for too long isn’t good for your finances. And you may also know that you should have money put away for emergencies and other important goals. So how do you decide what’s more important—paying down debt Read More…
10 online and mobile security tips We’re living our lives online—from banking to shopping to posting on social media—and proper internet security is more important than ever. While it may seem obvious, safeguarding your information can be as simple as consistently reviewing your bank accounts and reporting any suspicious activity. But there are other things Read More…
Emergency cash: What are your options? When financial difficulties arise, you may need money fast. If you don’t have an emergency fund or other savings to tap into, you may feel as if there are no good options. By carefully weighing your choices, you can make sure you secure the best possible terms for your situation, with Read More…
8 simple ways to save money Sometimes the hardest thing about saving money is just getting started. This step-by-step guide can help you develop a simple and realistic strategy, so that you can save for all your short- and long-term goals. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to continue!
Savings account or CD: Which is right for you? Have money to set aside and save for your short- and long-term goals? Savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) are two great options. Both help keep your money safe while giving you the chance to earn interest. Break them down to figure out what’s right Read More…
8 Common Bank Fees Explained If you’ve ever felt like your bank charged you for something and you didn’t see it coming, this list is for you. Here’s a rundown of seven of the most common fees banks charge—and tips to avoid them. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question Read More…
Your bank account: 10 questions to ask What looks on paper like a no-fee or low-cost account may not actually be the one that’s best suited to your needs. Here are 10 questions to ask to help figure out if your account is right for you. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer Read More…
8 tips for getting the most out of your checking account A checking account is probably the account you’ll use most often every day to pay bills, access cash, transfer funds and probably to deposit your paycheck. Whether you’re paying tuition at school or setting up direct deposit for your first job, knowing a few Read More…
Credit vs. debit: What’s the difference? Credit and debit cards may look similar, but their features and uses are very different. Knowing when and how to use each can help you build a stronger credit history and keep your debt levels down. Read this short lesson, then return here to answer a quiz question to Read More…
Options for people who don’t like to budget Creating a budget may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn about the tools and techniques that can help simplify budgeting and help you reach your financial goals. After watching this short video about tips on making it easier to set a Read More…
Saving Money Every Day Saving starts with just a few simple changes to your spending. Learn how to save money on your everyday expenses, like groceries, transportation and entertainment. After watching this short video about tips on how to save every day, return here and answer a quiz question to continue! TIP: Check around the Read More…
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End Of The First Month We are coming up to the end of the first Month of the game – it is time to take stock on some of your objectives that have come up so far, and some final things to consider before the next month starts! Did You Hit Your Savings Goal? At Read More…
Test 12