Badge of Practice
Course Description
This foundational course introduces students to essential personal finance concepts and practical money management skills needed for financial well-being throughout their lives. Students will learn to create budgets, understand banking services and credit systems, explore basic investment principles, and develop personalized financial plans with actionable goals. Through hands-on activities and real-world applications, students will build the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and establish healthy financial habits.Learning Outcomes
- Identify the basic components of financial literacy and explain why financial education is important for personal financial well-being.
- Create a simple monthly budget that tracks income and expenses, including a plan for emergency savings.
- Describe the main types of financial accounts and services offered by banks and credit unions, including checking, savings, and basic digital banking features.
- Explain how credit scores work and list at least three strategies to build or maintain good credit.
- Distinguish between different basic investment options (such as savings accounts, CDs, and retirement accounts) and explain the concept of risk versus return.
- Develop a basic personal financial plan with at least three specific financial goals and simple action steps to achieve them.
Instructor
- LecturerDr. Barbara A. Bailey, PhD
- Middle Georgia State University
Teaching:FallSpring
January
6
Spring
2026
Start Date
April
30
Spring
2026
End DateUpcoming refers to the next academic term after the current one.
May
1
Summer
2025
Start Date
September
2
Summer
2025
End DateDuration
16 weeks
Instruction Method