The online Personal Financial Planning program’s curriculum for better money management is unique because it teaches the psychological aspects of money management in addition to the practical mechanics of day-to-day living and spending. You will learn the necessary skills that will help you survive our spend, spend, spend society. This interactive online program includes assessments that you can do now and in the years to come to help you evaluate your money management progress. You will learn the step-by-step process for better money management in addition to a Fast-track approach which will be a quick reminder for you for the rest of your life.

The online course was developed by Gary Tagtmeier, CPA and founder of Financial Awareness Institute. Over the last 26 years, Gary has presented financial education seminars to thousands of people from major corporations, unions, government agencies and the U. S. Military across the country, and in Germany. Now you can benefit from Gary’s extensive financial education training experience at your own pace and in the convenience of your own home.

You will be able to interact one-on-one with the instructor, Gary Tagtmeier, and receive individualized feedback on your assignments. Gary’s extensive financial experiences and insights will give you the specific steps and direction you need to put a solid financial plan in place that will give you financial rewards for the rest of your life.

Upon registering, you are given an initial six months to complete the program. Should you need more time, you may request a 6-month extension at no additional charge.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Personal Financial Planning program students will be able to:
• Assess how they manage their money on a day-to-day basis with a unique 20 question assessment and personal psychological survey.
• Complete a personal budget and balance sheet, the two most important financial tools that everyone needs, on a regular basis.
• Deal with any crisis situations that might affect ones ability to effectively manage their finances.
• Identify ways to cut expenses and find extra money to save for financial goals.
• Work out a payment plan with creditors and know what to say if they are behind on bills.
• Determine their personal values, goals, and dreams based upon the psychological issues that are important to the student.
• Know how to save the money needed to accomplish short, medium and long term personal financial goals, such as buying a home, saving for college education, paying off credit card bills and whatever else the student may want to accomplish.

I. The Bottom Line
a. How are finances being managed now?
b. Financial planning defined

II. Building Better Foundations
a. Why do some of us waste money and others not?
b. Identify areas for improvement
c. Suggestions for changing your attitude about spending and saving

III. Where Are You Now?
a. Adding up your debts, income, assets, and regular living expenses
b. Determining extra cash flow

IV. Think Twice: Situations Requiring a Clear Head
a. Tips for Crisis or Surprise Situations
b. Eliminate crisis situations
c. Making positive improvements to your financial life

V. Immediate Actions
a. Cutting expenses and finding extra dollars
b. Other ways to generate extra money
c. Doing regular budgeting
d. Working out a payment plan
e. Consumer cautions
f. Creditors
g. Credit agencies
h. Loan consolidations

VI. Determining Values, Goals, and Dreams
a. Examining general values, beliefs, and goals
b. Determining financial goals

VII. Next Steps
a. Projecting and minimizing the costs of goals
b. Finding and committing the dollars
c. Making your money work for you vs. you working for money
d. Doing it, staying on top of things, and celebrating!