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Investing and Building Wealth

Investing and Building Wealth

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Dr. Craig Lemoine

1,526 already enrolled

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Understand the relationship between securities, issuers, stocks and bonds.
Demonstrate risk and return outcomes with a two-asset portfolio.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is available as part of

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.

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Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

Unlock the secrets to financial success with our comprehensive course on investing and wealth building. Starting with an in-depth analysis of securities, markets, and diversification principles, you'll gain a solid foundation in investment strategies. As you progress, you'll explore risk and return measures and learn powerful time value of money techniques. The course culminates in exploring the benefits of a diversified portfolio and age-appropriate wealth-building strategies. Enhance your skills through a hands-on case study, preparing you to navigate the financial world with confidence. Join us and take the first step towards a prosperous future!

In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. In Module 1, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundational elements of investing. You will explore the intricate relationships between securities, issuers, stocks, and bonds, and delve into various philosophies of investing and wealth-building, including heuristics, biases, and types of risks. Additionally, we will consider the impact of national and global economic events on securities and define the key institutions involved in investing, such as brokers, dealers, custodians, and markets.

What's included

19 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

19 videos Total 69 minutes

Course Introduction 2 minutes
Module 1 Overview 1 minute
Issuers and Securities 5 minutes
Common Stock 4 minutes
Preferred Stock 3 minutes
Bonds 3 minutes
Bond Features 3 minutes
Mutual Fund Pricing 3 minutes
What is the Purpose of Investing 6 minutes
Heuristics and Investment Management 6 minutes
Cognitive Biases 8 minutes
Economic Concepts for Investing 4 minutes
Global Economic Concepts 1 minute
Yield Curves 2 minutes
Credit Spreads 2 minutes
Interest Rates 4 minutes
Introduction to Markets 2 minutes
Brokers, Dealers & Market Makers 7 minutes
Module 1 Wrap-Up 1 minute

3 readings Total 55 minutes

Syllabus 20 minutes
Updating Your Profile 10 minutes
The Stock Market and Investment: Is the Market a Sideshow? – Harvard University 25 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Orientation Quiz 30 minutes
Module 1 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Getting to Know Your Classmates 10 minutes

In this module, you'll delve into various types of portfolio risks, such as beta and standard deviation, and learn to manage them effectively. You'll also explore different types of returns, including arithmetic, geometric, and dollar-weighted, and understand their implications on your investments. Additionally, we'll introduce you to various savings accounts, including IRAs and 529 plans, and provide insights into asset allocation strategies to optimize your investment portfolio. Let's get started on this exciting journey to mastering advanced financial concepts!

What's included

13 videos3 readings1 assignment

13 videos Total 58 minutes

Module 2 Overview 1 minute
Understanding IRAs 7 minutes
529 Plans 5 minutes
Asset Classes, You Can’t Pick a Winning Horse 4 minutes
Time Horizon 4 minutes
Arithmetic Mean 2 minutes
Geometric Mean 5 minutes
Dollar Weighted Returns 6 minutes
Systematic and Unsystematic Risks 6 minutes
Risk Management Fundamentals 6 minutes
Beta 3 minutes
Standard Deviation 7 minutes
Module 2 Wrap-Up 1 minute

3 readings Total 55 minutes

Beginners' Guide to Asset Allocation, Diversification, and Rebalancing 25 minutes
Risk Control in Asset Management: Motives and Concepts 20 minutes
The New Science of Asset Allocation: Risk Management in a Multi-Asset World 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 2 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes

This module will guide you through the intricacies of portfolio diversification, demonstrating risk and return outcomes with a two-asset portfolio and expanding to multi-asset portfolios. You'll learn to build an efficient frontier using indifference curves and explore practical risk tools for investing across various asset classes. Get ready to enhance your understanding of portfolio management and optimize your investment strategies!

What's included

9 videos3 readings1 assignment

9 videos Total 43 minutes

Module 3 Overview 1 minute
The Magic of Diversification 8 minutes
Basics of Correlation 6 minutes
Graphing Risk: Indifference Curves 7 minutes
Expanding the Portfolio Universe 4 minutes
Buckets 4 minutes
Bucket Draw 6 minutes
Bad Buckets 5 minutes
Module 3 Wrap-Up 1 minute

3 readings Total 70 minutes

Exploring Portfolio Diversification for Investments for Reducing Risk and Maximizing Returns 20 minutes
A Return-Diversification Approach to Portfolio Selection 25 minutes
Portfolio Diversification Benefits Before and During the Times of Financial Turmoil 25 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 3 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes

In Module 4 you'll learn to apply time value of money techniques to enhance your savings and explore key wealth milestones for investors at various life stages. From understanding basic TVM concepts to planning for financial health in your 50s, you'll gain valuable insights to help you build and manage wealth effectively over time. Let's embark on this journey to secure your financial future! At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!

What's included

15 videos5 readings2 assignments

15 videos Total 98 minutes

Module 4 Overview 1 minute
Time Value of Money: Basic Concepts 15 minutes
Time Value of Money: Future Value of a Single Sum 5 minutes
Time Value of Money: Present Value 5 minutes
Time Value of Money: Introducing Payments 13 minutes
Time Value of Money: Solving for Number of Periods and Interest Rates 9 minutes
Time Value of Money: Fun with Future Value 7 minutes
Time Value of Money: Fun with Present Value 5 minutes
Time Value of Money: Inflation 12 minutes
Building Wealth in your 20s 4 minutes
How much should I have saved at 30 7 minutes
Financial check-up in your 40s 4 minutes
Financial health in your 50s 7 minutes
Module 4 Wrap-Up 1 minute
Course Summary 1 minute

5 readings Total 80 minutes

Time Value of Money (TVM)" – Harvard Business School Online 20 minutes
Impact of Time Value of Money 20 minutes
Taking Advantage of The Time Value of Money 20 minutes
Congratulations! 10 minutes
Getting Your Course Certificate 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 120 minutes

Module 4 | Knowledge Check 30 minutes
Final Assessment 90 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Dr. Craig Lemoine

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

11 Courses 8,821 learners

Offered by

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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Frequently asked questions

Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.