This course explores household assets (investments and property) and liabilities (debts) and examines how these should be managed. Finance Fundamentals: Managing the Household Balance Sheet starts by looking at borrowing and debts. We get to grips with the factors that drive interest levels.We look at the differences between ‘good’ debts and ‘bad’ debts and at the way lenders credit score those seeking to borrow money.

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We then move on to examine the array of investments that people can hold – including savings accounts, bonds, shares and holdings in funds. We look at the determinants of investment returns and at the historical evidence about which are the best investments. We also look at how investments are taxed.

Housing is the next topic. We look at the costs of buying and selling property and at the rationale for owning property and the risks involved. This involves understanding the mortgage products that are used to buy property.

The course finishes at examining one very crucial investment: the investment in our pension fund to support use in retirement. We examine how occupational or personal pensions are needed to top up the pension provided by the state and at how to determine how much income you will need in retirement. We also look at the impact of the recent reforms to pensions in the UK.

The facilitated 4-week course is up-to-date and uses an array of audio-visual assets to help you through the subject matter.

Finance Skills

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Course Auditing

FutureLearn

The Open University

Martin Upton