The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

This series covers basic investing information and strategies. Fundamental topics covered include planning your financial goals, budgeting, managing diversification and risk, and options for retirement savings. Organization of finances is covered in detail, including analyzing net worth, putting aside emergency funds, and proper record keeping. An in-depth examination of investment options, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, is provided. The series concludes with a thorough discussion of planning for the future with solid investment strategies, retirement planning, and insurance coverage.

The Basics Time: 3.0 hour(s) Summary: This course explains to users how to get a general picture of their personal financial situations and begin the process of investing. Objectives: * Calculate compounded interest. * Make plans for financial goals. * Use 401(k) and IRA plans to their maximum benefit. * Balance diversification and risk. * Make budget plans for investment funds. Topics: * Making Realistic Plans * Maximizing Small Savings * Managing Risk * Diversification * Starting Out Slowly * Checking Up on Yourself * Tightening the Budget Belt Organizing Time: 3.0 hour(s) Summary: This course explains to users how to determine their financial situations and make plans for investment funds. Objectives: * Examine net worth. * Select records for storage. * Maintain and use cash reserves. * Set financial goals. * Get more information about investments. Topics: * Looking at Net Worth * Learning from Net Worth * Keeping Cash * Making Cash Reserves Work * Setting Financial Goals * Learning More Stocks Time: 4.0 hour(s) Summary: This course explains how to choose and invest in stocks. Objectives: * Explain the benefits of buying stocks. * Describe the major stock markets. * Distinguish between the types of stocks available. * Choose stock candidates. * Decipher a stock listing. * Research stock candidates. * Trade stocks. Topics: * Introducing Stocks * Learning the Types of Stocks * Getting Started * Choosing Candidates * Reading the Stock Pages * Researching Online and Using Value Line * Trading Stocks Bonds Time: 3.0 hour(s) Summary: This course explains how to choose and invest in bonds. Each type of bond (U.S. Treasuries, U.S. government agency bonds, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds) is explained and the unique advantages and disadvantages are described. Objectives: * Distinguish between types of bonds (U.S. Treasuries, U.S. government agency bonds, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds). * Determine the taxable equivalent yield for U.S. Treasuries and municipal bonds. * Explain any risk factors associated with different types of bonds. * Explain reasons for using municipal bonds in an investment portfolio. * Describe high-grade and high-yield corporate bonds and how they fit into a portfolio. * Explain the effects of rising interest rates on different types of bonds. * Research and purchase different bond types. Topics: * Introducing Bonds * U.S. Bonds * Municipal Bonds * Corporate Bonds * Researching and Buying Bonds Mutual Funds Time: 5.0 hour(s) Summary: This course explains to users how to choose and invest in mutual funds. Objectives: * Distinguish between types of funds. * Analyze mutual funds. * Choose mutual funds. * Buy and sell shares in mutual funds. Topics: * Introducing Mutual Funds * Stock Funds * Bond Funds * Analyzing Mutual Funds * Fund Evaluations and Online Research * Choosing a Mutual Fund * Reviewing Fund Investing Planning Time: 4.0 hour(s) Summary: This course explains how to prepare for the future with solid investing strategies, retirement planning and insurance coverage. Objectives: * Invest for retirement. * Use IRA and 401(k) accounts. * Choose a life insurance policy. * Choose disability insurance. Topics: * Planning for Retirement * Using IRAs * Using 401(k) Plans * Life Insurance * Disability Insurance