Best Online Courses for Learning About Finance

If you’re looking to master your finances, boost your career, or simply make smarter money decisions, learning about finance can be a game changer. And luckily, we live in an era where knowledge is just a click away. From managing personal finances to understanding global markets, there’s a wealth of online finance courses that can help you reach your goals. In this article, you’ll discover some of the best online courses for learning about finance—courses that are suitable whether you’re just starting out or are ready to dive deep into complex topics. Let’s get started!

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Why Learn About Finance?

Before diving into specific courses, it’s essential to understand why learning about finance matters. Finance affects almost every aspect of our lives. From buying your first car or home, investing in stocks, planning for retirement, to even making informed business decisions—having a solid understanding of finance is invaluable. Financial literacy can also mean peace of mind, as you can navigate the complexities of loans, savings, budgeting, and investing with confidence.

No matter where you are in your financial journey, an online course can guide you to achieve your personal and professional goals. So, let’s explore the top online finance courses that will make you a financial whiz in no time.

1. The Complete Financial Analyst Course 2023 (Udemy)

Udemy is home to an impressive library of finance-related courses, and “The Complete Financial Analyst Course 2023” stands out. This course is perfect if you want to gain practical financial skills, from basic Excel usage to financial modeling. The instructor takes you step-by-step through industry-standard practices, making it easy for you to follow along, regardless of your prior experience.

This course is packed with downloadable resources and quizzes that keep your learning interactive. Many students appreciate the hands-on examples and real-life case studies. If you’re aiming for a career in finance, this course can give you a strong start and it’s also much more affordable than traditional options.

Product Recommendation: If you’re considering taking notes while you study, you might want to check out the Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook on Amazon. With plenty of positive reviews, this reusable notebook allows you to jot down your thoughts and later upload them to the cloud—making your finance study notes accessible anytime.

2. Financial Markets by Yale University (Coursera)

Are you interested in understanding the dynamics of the stock market and global finance? If yes, then “Financial Markets” by Yale University on Coursera might be the right course for you. Taught by Professor Robert Shiller, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, this course provides insights into how markets work, risk management, and the behavior of investors.

Professor Shiller’s teaching style is accessible, and he shares examples that bring the theoretical aspects of finance to life. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to understand finance on a macro scale and improve their financial literacy. Plus, Coursera offers the option to audit the course for free if you’re not interested in receiving a certificate.

Product Recommendation: As you dive into this course, a Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator will be invaluable. It’s a best-seller on Amazon and perfect for practicing the calculations discussed in the course.

3. Introduction to Corporate Finance (edX)

If you’re interested in corporate finance, “Introduction to Corporate Finance” on edX, offered by the University of Michigan, is an excellent starting point. It covers the fundamentals of valuation, capital budgeting, and financial decision-making. The course is designed for beginners and will help you understand the basics of how corporations finance their activities and investments.

This course is part of a series in Michigan’s Finance Specialization, so if you find it helpful, you can continue learning more advanced topics. One of the great things about edX is that you can access course materials for free and only pay if you want a certificate.

Product Recommendation: Since the course involves a lot of financial calculations, having a good HP 10bII+ Financial Calculator can make things much easier for you. It’s a highly-rated product on Amazon and great for any finance course.

4. Personal Finance 101: Everything You Need to Know (Skillshare)

If you want to get your personal finances in order, the “Personal Finance 101” course on Skillshare is a solid choice. This course takes a broad approach, covering topics like budgeting, managing debt, saving, and investing. The bite-sized lessons make it easy to fit into your schedule, and it’s a great starting point if you want to get a solid overview of personal finance without getting overwhelmed.

One of the best things about Skillshare is its community aspect—you can participate in discussions, share your thoughts, and learn from others who are on the same journey. This course is also designed to help you take immediate action on your finances, with downloadable worksheets and templates to work with.

Product Recommendation: Want to keep track of your spending and savings goals? Consider the Clever Fox Budget Planner, available on Amazon. It’s a popular budgeting planner that makes it easy to visualize your financial progress.

5. Investment Management (Coursera by the University of Geneva)

For those of you who are interested in growing your wealth, the “Investment Management” course by the University of Geneva on Coursera can help. This course explains the fundamentals of investing, including how to evaluate stocks, bonds, and other securities. You’ll learn key concepts about risk and return, portfolio diversification, and asset allocation.

If you want to become proficient in understanding how investments work and start making educated decisions, this course is for you. The course is well-structured, and it offers a certificate at completion if you’re looking to showcase your new skills.

Product Recommendation: If you want to read further about investing, consider picking up “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham. It’s a classic investing book, highly rated, and available on Amazon. The insights in the book will reinforce much of what you’ll learn in the course.

6. The Complete Guide to Stock Trading (Udemy)

If you’re eager to dive into the world of stocks, “The Complete Guide to Stock Trading” on Udemy can help you start off on the right foot. This course covers everything from the basics of stock trading to more advanced strategies. You’ll learn how to evaluate stocks, understand trading platforms, and execute trades effectively.

The instructor has a clear teaching style, and there’s a focus on real-world application, which means you’ll be equipped to start trading on your own with confidence. For the price, it’s a worthwhile investment in your future as a potential trader.

Product Recommendation: To get the most out of this course, consider buying a monitor stand for a dual-screen setup. This can make it much easier to keep an eye on live market data and manage your trades. The HUANUO Dual Monitor Stand on Amazon is popular and highly rated for this purpose.

7. Finance for Non-Finance Professionals (Coursera by Rice University)

Are you working in a role that isn’t directly tied to finance, but you need to understand financial reports or make budget decisions? Then “Finance for Non-Finance Professionals” on Coursera by Rice University could be exactly what you need. This course demystifies financial statements and helps you interpret key financial metrics, empowering you to make more informed decisions.

This course is particularly useful for managers and business owners who need a solid understanding of financial concepts to be more effective in their roles. With easy-to-understand lectures and practical examples, it helps you connect the dots between finance and everyday business operations.

Product Recommendation: A whiteboard is an excellent tool to have if you’re trying to visualize financial concepts or break down complex problems. The VIZ-PRO Magnetic Dry Erase Board on Amazon is a highly-rated option, perfect for keeping notes visible while you study.

8. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies (Udemy)

Cryptocurrency is here to stay, and if you want to understand what all the hype is about, “Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies” on Udemy is a great way to start. This course covers the basics of digital currencies, how blockchain technology works, and how you can start investing in cryptocurrencies.

This course is ideal if you’re curious about Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins, but don’t know where to begin. By the end of the course, you’ll understand how to buy, sell, and store digital currencies safely.

Product Recommendation: To keep your cryptocurrency safe, it’s recommended to store it in a hardware wallet. The Ledger Nano S is a highly-rated hardware wallet available on Amazon that keeps your cryptocurrency secure from hackers.

9. Financial Literacy: Personal Finance Essentials (FutureLearn)

For those who want to make smarter financial decisions and build a better future, FutureLearn’s “Financial Literacy: Personal Finance Essentials” is a great course. It covers budgeting, managing income, debt, savings, and even planning for your retirement.

This course is ideal for anyone wanting a basic but comprehensive overview of managing their personal finances. The course structure is simple, and it provides you with actionable tips that can be immediately implemented into your financial habits.

Product Recommendation: If you prefer managing your finances digitally, consider YNAB (You Need A Budget), a highly-rated finance app that makes budgeting intuitive. You can find subscriptions available via Amazon as well.

10. Wall Street Prep’s Premium Package (Wall Street Prep)

If you are considering a career in investment banking or private equity, then Wall Street Prep’s Premium Package is worth considering. Although it’s a bit pricier compared to other courses on this list, it is widely recognized by top finance employers and provides deep insights into Excel modeling, valuation, and financial analysis.

The self-paced format allows you to learn at your convenience, and it includes several courses covering core topics like financial statement modeling, valuation, mergers & acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts.

Product Recommendation: Since you’ll be working a lot with Excel, consider getting a Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse, which is well-suited for Excel heavy tasks and has received glowing reviews on Amazon for improving productivity.

Wrapping Up

No matter where you are in your financial journey, there’s an online course that’s perfect for you. Whether you want to manage your personal finances better, break into the world of stock trading, understand corporate finance, or explore the latest trends in cryptocurrency, the courses mentioned above will give you a solid foundation.

Take the leap into the world of finance—the knowledge you gain today can create a future where you feel confident about your money decisions. And remember, investing in learning is one of the best investments you can make. So grab a notebook, pick a course, and get started today!

Is there a particular course that caught your eye, or do you need help figuring out where to start? Feel free to drop a question or share your thoughts!