Beginner’s Guide to Learning Finance: Where to Start and How to Succeed
So you want to learn about finance but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry — whether you're aiming to get a handle on your personal budget, dive into the world of investing, or understand macroeconomic trends, a wealth of information is at your fingertips. Best of all, many resources are free and designed for beginners.
Key Takeaways
-
A vast range of free and paid educational tools are available for anyone curious about finance.
-
Platforms like YouTube and podcast directories host tons of accessible financial content.
-
Books such as The Richest Man in Babylon offer timeless financial wisdom.
-
Top universities offer free online finance courses — no degree required.
-
Subscriptions to finance publications and professional certifications can deepen your knowledge.
1. Watch, Listen, or Read Your Way to Financial Smarts
YouTube
Start your financial learning journey on YouTube. The platform is home to channels that cover:
-
Personal finance basics (budgeting, debt management)
-
Investing tutorials (stocks, ETFs, mutual funds)
-
Financial news analysis
-
Economic breakdowns and more
Top Channels to Explore:
-
Graham Stephan (real estate and personal finance)
-
Andrei Jikh (investing and passive income)
-
The Financial Diet (budgeting and lifestyle finance)
-
Minority Mindset (entrepreneurship and money tips)
Tip: Be critical of the sources — not all YouTube creators are certified experts.
Podcasts
Podcasts are perfect for learning on the go. Whether you’re driving, working out, or cleaning up, you can absorb financial knowledge effortlessly.
Recommended Podcasts:
-
Planet Money (by NPR)
-
BiggerPockets Money Podcast
-
The Dave Ramsey Show
-
So Money with Farnoosh Torabi
2. Explore Free Online Courses and Tools
Many top universities and financial institutions offer free courses that cover topics from basic budgeting to advanced portfolio management.
Where to Learn:
-
Coursera (University of Illinois, Yale, University of Michigan, etc.)
-
edX (MIT, Harvard — many free audit options)
-
Khan Academy (especially good for high school and early college-level learners)
-
CFA Institute (investing, ethics, professional development)
3. Read the Classics and New Releases
Books offer timeless lessons in finance. If you prefer a structured approach to learning, start here.
Beginner Books:
-
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
-
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
-
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez
-
I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Intermediate to Advanced:
-
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
-
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits by Philip Fisher
-
Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis
-
Principles: Life & Work by Ray Dalio
Libraries and bookstores are excellent (and often overlooked) places to find these titles.
4. Stay Current with Financial News
To stay sharp and informed, follow trustworthy financial news sources. A subscription to a major publication can provide you with market analysis, economic forecasts, and breaking news.
Recommended Publications:
-
The Wall Street Journal
-
Barron’s
-
Financial Times
-
Bloomberg
5. Learn From Financial Professionals and Communities
Talk to Experts
If you have access to a certified financial advisor, even one conversation can be enlightening. They can explain financial principles tailored to your specific goals.
Join Communities
Join Reddit threads like r/personalfinance or finance-focused Discord servers. Platforms like Quora, Stack Exchange, or Facebook groups also provide communities where beginners can ask questions and share advice.
Bonus Tip: Track Your Own Progress
As you learn, begin applying what you know. Start budgeting with apps like YNAB or Mint, or try paper budgeting. Track your investments with Personal Capital, Fidelity, or Morningstar tools. Nothing solidifies knowledge like experience.
Final Thoughts
Finance is a lifelong learning journey. The more you engage with the material—whether it’s through books, podcasts, videos, or real-world practice—the more confident and empowered you’ll become. Start small, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your future self will thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment