Senior Associate Director, Office of Financial Aid
Financially Savvy: First Steps in Financial Education
6 Modules
36 Hours
6 hrs per module (approx.)
About Financially Savvy: First Steps in Financial Education
Even if we’ve budgeted before, managing our money during college can feel like a change and require us to think differently about our finances. “Financially Savvy: First Steps in Financial Education” is a short course designed to help new University of Michigan students build essential financial management skills. Through interactive modules on budgeting, banking, credit, and campus financial resources, you’ll learn to make informed financial decisions and gain confidence in managing your money. By the end of the course, you’ll be empowered to take control of your finances and thrive personally and academically at U-M.
This course is designed for U-M Ann Arbor students and may reference materials unavailable at other U-M campuses.
Skills You'll Gain
- Budgeting
- Financial Literacy
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Financially Savvy: First Steps in Financial Education helps learners build confidence in personal finance by connecting daily financial choices to long-term life goals. This course emphasizes intentional decision-making, financial wellness, and practical habits that support individuals, families, and communities. Learners are guided through reflection, foundational knowledge, and applied learning to begin a lifelong journey toward financial effectiveness.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Budgeting Basics
- Personal Organizational Style
- Setting Financial Goals
- Developing a Budget
Module 2: Banking Essentials
- Bank Account Types
- Banks and Credit Unions, Comparison
- Managing Accounts
- Banking Hazards
Module 3: Credit Savvy
- Credit as a Measure of Character
- Credit Reports and Scores
- Building and maintaining a positive credit identity
Module 4: Savvy Financial Habits
- Common Financial Pitfalls
Module 5: Resources
- Financial Campus Resources
Grading Policy
Assessments are weighted by group. Knowledge Checks account for 40% of the final grade, and the Final Project accounts for 60%. Surveys and imported assignments do not affect the final grade.
Assistant Director of Financial Education and Engagement
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
