Financial planning courses can help you learn budgeting techniques, investment strategies, retirement planning, and risk management. You can build skills in analyzing financial statements, creating cash flow projections, and assessing insurance needs. Many courses introduce tools like financial calculators, portfolio management software, and budgeting apps, that support implementing your planning strategies effectively.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Financial Planning, Investments, Budgeting, Risk Management, Goal Setting, Cash Management, Finance, Smart Goals, Insurance, Financial Management, Credit Risk
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Indian School of Business
Skills you'll gain: Financial Planning, Tax Planning, Wealth Management, Income Tax, Insurance, General Finance, Financial Management, Investments, Financial Market, Loans, Budgeting, Risk Management, Goal Setting
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Florida
Skills you'll gain: Financial Planning, Risk Management, Tax Management, Financial Statements, Investments, Cash Management, Insurance, Income Tax, Financial Management, Credit Risk, Budgeting, Portfolio Management
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Corporate Finance Institute
Skills you'll gain: Wealth Management, Financial Services, Consultative Approaches, Financial Planning, Investment Management, Compensation Management, Risk Management Framework, Asset Management, Market Intelligence, Client Services
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Risk Modeling, Risk Management, Business Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Portfolio Management, Forecasting, Regression Analysis, Financial Modeling, Statistical Modeling, Risk Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Investment Management, Financial Statements, Data Modeling, Quantitative Research, Microsoft Excel
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Cash Flow Forecasting, Financial Forecasting, Cash Flows, Financial Analysis, Business Planning, Financial Statements, Entrepreneurship, Financial Planning, Financial Management, Business Strategy, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Planning
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

London Business School
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Analysis, Financial Statements, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Financial Modeling, Income Statement, Return On Investment, Accounting, Investments, Cash Flows, Asset Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Financial Accounting, Variance Analysis, Financial Analysis, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Performance Measurement, Management Accounting, Return On Investment, Revenue Forecasting, Financial Management, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Cost Management, Financial Data, Budgeting, Finance, Accounting, Business Valuation
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Sustainability Reporting, Financial Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Budgeting, Cost Benefit Analysis, Risk Management, Income Statement, Cost Estimation, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Financial Forecasting, Financial Management, Cash Flows, Financial Market
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Return On Investment, Risk Management, Balance Sheet, Accounts Receivable, Business Risk Management, Credit Risk, Income Statement, Financial Acumen, Risk Mitigation, Operational Risk, Resource Allocation, Proposal Development, Capital Budgeting, Cash Flows, Financial Analysis, Strategic Decision-Making, Operational Efficiency, Stakeholder Communications
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Financial Analysis, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting, Business Metrics, Performance Analysis, Performance Measurement, Cash Flows, Business Acumen
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Harvard Business Review
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Management, Budgeting, Financial Data, Financial Analysis, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Performance Analysis, Resource Allocation, Variance Analysis, Cost Benefit Analysis, Return On Investment, Investments, Cash Flows
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Financial planning is the process of setting, planning, and achieving financial goals. It involves evaluating your current financial situation, identifying your financial objectives, and creating a roadmap to reach those goals. This process is crucial because it helps individuals and organizations make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. Effective financial planning can lead to greater financial security, reduced stress, and the ability to achieve long-term aspirations, such as buying a home or funding education.
A career in financial planning can lead to various job opportunities, including financial planner, investment advisor, wealth manager, and financial analyst. These roles involve helping clients manage their finances, develop investment strategies, and plan for retirement. Additionally, positions such as financial consultant or insurance agent also fall under the umbrella of financial planning. Each of these roles requires a strong understanding of financial principles and the ability to communicate effectively with clients about their financial needs.
To succeed in financial planning, you need a blend of technical and interpersonal skills. Key skills include financial analysis, budgeting, investment knowledge, and risk management. Additionally, strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building relationships with clients and understanding their financial goals. Familiarity with financial software and tools, as well as a solid understanding of tax laws and regulations, can also enhance your effectiveness in this field.
There are several online courses available for those interested in financial planning. Notable options include Fundamentals of Financial Planning, with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women and Financial Planning for Young Adults. These courses cover essential topics and provide practical insights into financial planning strategies, making them suitable for both beginners and those looking to enhance their skills.
Yes. You can start learning financial planning on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in financial planning, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn financial planning, start by exploring online courses that cover foundational topics. Engage with interactive materials, participate in discussions, and apply what you learn through practical exercises. Additionally, consider seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in the field. Networking with others interested in financial planning can also provide valuable insights and support as you progress in your learning journey.
Typical topics covered in financial planning courses include budgeting, investment strategies, retirement planning, tax planning, and risk management. Courses may also address estate planning and the use of financial tools and software. Understanding these topics will equip you with the knowledge needed to create comprehensive financial plans that align with individual or organizational goals.
For training and upskilling employees in financial planning, courses like Introduction to Financial Planning and Wealth Management and Financial Planning are excellent choices. These programs provide a solid foundation in financial principles and practical applications, making them suitable for workforce development in this critical area.