Online Finance Courses: Best Classes for Modelling and Fundamentals

As per a recent study conducted by the Global E-Learning Institute, enrollment in online finance courses has surged by 75% in the last three years. This growth is driven by both individual learners seeking to enhance their financial skills and corporations investing in employee training.

From basic budgeting to advanced investment strategies, online finance courses cater to a wide range of skill levels. Top universities and financial institutions offer accredited courses, making quality education accessible to a global audience.

This demand is fueled by several factors, including the rise of fintech, increased regulatory complexities, and a general shift towards remote learning. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online education, with finance being a key area of interest.

Benefits of Finance online classes

In light of the rising consumer credit card debt, which saw an average balance of $5,910 in 2022 according to CardRates, the accessibility of these courses is crucial, allowing individuals from all backgrounds to gain the necessary skills to manage their finances more effectively. These advantages make online finance education an appealing choice for many, whether they are beginners looking to understand personal finance or professionals aiming to advance their careers. Finance online classes have become an increasingly attractive option for finance learners, and the benefits are wide-ranging:

Accessibility

Online finance courses are available to anyone with an internet connection. Whether you live in a metro city or a remote village, platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX, provide access to finance education.

Affordability

Websites like Udemy often offer courses at discounts, sometimes free or as low as $5, making quality education more affordable.

Wide Range of Options

Online platforms provide diverse course offerings, from basic personal finance to advanced corporate finance. edX has a variety of courses, from MicroMasters in Finance for professionals to beginner courses in personal finance.

Interactive and Engaging Content

Many online courses incorporate videos, quizzes, and interactive content to enhance the learning experience. Most online financial courses use video lectures and interactive exercises, making complex finance topics more digestible.

Networking Opportunities

Some platforms facilitate interaction with instructors and fellow students globally. For example, LinkedIn Learning enables students to connect with professionals worldwide, enhancing networking within the finance community.

Certifications

Completing online finance courses often leads to certificates from renowned institutions, adding value to your resume. For example, The Wharton School’s online finance courses offer certificates that are highly recognized in the industry.

The Rising Popularity and Demand for Online Finance Courses

​​In a 2020 survey, 28% of adults were cruising with only a week’s worth of financial cushion. Imagine losing your main source of income and having just one week to figure things out! And that’s not all: usually 25% could last a month, and 15% could make it three to six months. Similarly, in 2021, 60% of non-retirees felt like their retirement savings were like a bike off track.

This suggests, not only people who are looking to learn finance as a career but there are people who are keen to learn about finance as a parameter of literacy. For example, taxpayers can improve their financial literacy to avoid tax submission hassles, understand the economics and even improve their personal financial decision-making.

The result – A Whopping 350% Growth! – According to McKinsey, the demand for online finance courses has skyrocketed by 350% since 2015. According to Statista, the global e-learning market is expected to reach over $370 billion by 2026.

Key reasons for popularity:

• Starting at just $0 on platforms like Udemy (Free course section), and Coursera, online finance education is like getting a high-performance part for your bike at a fraction of the cost. The average cost of an online finance course ranges from $150 – $200.
• Busy schedule? No problem! Online learning is like having an adjustable clutch lever; you can fit it around your life. Perfect for working professionals who want to upskill without taking time off.
• Employers Love It Too! – A LinkedIn survey revealed that 62% of hiring managers consider online finance certifications as valuable as traditional degrees. It’s like upgrading your bike with the latest accessories; it just adds value!
• User’s Suggestions – “Online finance Classes have allowed me to double the savings and investment without quitting my job. The flexibility and affordability are unmatched!” says John, an MIT engineering graduate.

Popular Financial Course Categories

Whether you are trying to solve a personal finance problem or become an advanced guide to help clients manage their finances, the following are the major subject to drill into.

1. Income Taxes: With tax laws constantly evolving, understanding country-specific income taxation laws has become a priority for many. Online resources offer taxation guides, calculators, and expert advice to help individuals and businesses navigate the complex world of taxation.
2. Insurance: This subject can be further segregated into life, health, property, and auto insurance. Whether it’s life, health, or auto insurance, people are keen to understand their options and find the best coverage to suit their needs. Online platforms provide comparisons, reviews, and personalized quotes to simplify the decision-making process.
3. Mortgages: Buying a home is a significant financial decision, and understanding mortgages is crucial. From interest rates to repayment terms, advance EMI to arrears, APY to APR, online tools and articles demystify the mortgage process, empowering homebuyers to make informed choices.
4. Retirement Planning: With the fastest-growing senior population in states like Wyoming, retirement planning has become a hot topic.
5. Estate Planning: Ensuring that one’s assets are distributed according to their wishes requires careful estate planning.

Key Fundamentals of Financial Planning

1. Financial Goals

A good financial plan begins with defining both your big and small goals. These can be further categorized into short-term (next five years), medium-term (next five to 10 years), and long-term (10 or more years away) goals. Being specific with your goals, including the in-use currency figure and target date, makes it easier to measure progress.

2. Net Worth Statement

Understanding your net worth is essential. By listing all your assets and debts, you can calculate your net worth. Even if liabilities outweigh assets, especially when starting out, it’s a crucial baseline for planning.

3. Budget and Cash Flow Planning

Your budget is the practical aspect of your plan. It helps you to understand where your money is finally going and where you can cut back to meet your goals. Separating expenses into must-haves and nice-to-haves, and then using tools like budget calculators and interest calculators (in case of mortgages) can provide clarity.

4. Debt Management Plan

Not all debt is bad. While a mortgage can build equity, high-interest consumer debt like credit cards can be burdensome. Creating a plan to pay off high-interest debt quickly is vital.

5. Retirement Plan

Planning for retirement requires careful consideration of income needs, work-related expenses, mortgage status, children’s financial independence, and uncovered healthcare expenses. General rules like the 80% income-replacement may apply, but individual fine-tuning is necessary.

6. Emergency Funds

An emergency fund covering at least three to six months’ worth of essential living expenses provides a safety net for unexpected situations. Keeping this money in a highly liquid account ensures quick access.

7. Insurance Coverage

Insurance, including health, disability, auto, homeowners’, and life insurance, plays a vital role in protecting your financial downside. It’s essential to have adequate coverage without overpaying.

8. Estate Plan

Estate planning involves having a will, keeping beneficiaries up to date, and considering powers of attorney for financial and health care decisions. Working with professionals like estate attorneys or financial planners can be beneficial.

Selecting the Right Course for You

Here’s a handy guide to help you pick the right financial course that fits your needs like a glove:

1. Align with Your Goals and Interests – What’s your financial jam? Personal finance, investing, corporate finance? Identify what makes your financial heart tick, and you’ll be on the right track.
2. Match Your Learning Style – Are you a reader, a watcher, or a quiz-taker? Courses come in all flavors, so pick the one that suits your taste.
3. Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced – If you are learning for yourself or do not have prudence about financial terms, go with the beginner-level courses. These categorizations are usually attached as a category or tag with the course you will be taking. Before educating clients and managing their finances, you must be capable enough of taking an intermediate or advanced course.
4. Budget Wisely – From affordable to premium, there’s something for every wallet. Just remember, quality doesn’t always mean expensive.
5. Check the Instructor’s Street Cred – You wouldn’t take fashion advice from a clown, would you? Look for instructors with real-world experience and a solid reputation.
6. Read the Reviews – Get the inside scoop from those who’ve walked the path before you. Reviews can be your guiding star.
7. Requirements to Acquire – Always take a look at the minimum educational or professional requirements to avail and complete the course. Sometimes they require other relevant certifications or a mix of qualification to attain the certificate.

Additional Considerations:

• Course Duration: How long’s the journey?
• Format: Online, in-person, or a mix?
• Course Delivery: Self-paced or instructor-led?
• Content: What’s on the menu?
• Course Materials: What tools are in the box?
• Instructor: Who’s leading the way?
• Course Cost: What’s the price tag?

By following these tips, you’re not just choosing a course; you’re paving your path to financial success.

Best online finance courses

• Personal Finance for Everyone by EdX: Your gateway to budgeting, saving, investing, and credit. This introductory finance course will be a gateway into the world of finance and will examine multiple applications to apply to your everyday life. More info
• Personal finance by Khan Academy: A complete guide to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. In this course you will cover, Saving and budgeting, Interest and debt, Investments and retirement, Income and benefits, Housing, Renting vs. buying a home,  Housing, Mortgages, Buying vs. leasing a Car, Taxes, Paying for college and more.  More info
• Data Science for Investment Professionals by CFA Institute: The Data Science for Investment Professionals Certificate provides you with practical knowledge of machine learning fundamentals and how they are used in the investment process. The content is hands-on application-oriented and includes instructional videos, coding labs, and case studies from industry practitioners. More info
• Financial Modeling and Valuation by Wall Street Prep: A must for aspiring investment bankers and financial analysts. Wall Street Prep is the trusted training provider for the world’s top investment banks, private equity firms, Fortune 1000 companies and business schools. Their online training and instructor-led boot camps are direct adaptations of corporate training for those looking to break into finance. More info
• Finance & Quantitative Modeling for Analysts Specialization by Coursera: Create your own quantitative models, harness the power of spreadsheets to map and predict data, and read income and cash flow statements – all pivotal skills for any aspiring analyst. More info

Best Financial Modelling Course

Investopedia Academy’s Financial Modeling Course

A self-paced online course that covers financial modeling, Excel, and corporate finance. Suitable for those looking to build a strong foundation in financial analysis.

• Course: Comprehensive financial modeling, Excel, and corporate finance.
• Duration: Self-paced.
• Course Delivery: Self-paced.
• Content: Financial statements, forecasting, valuation, and Excel skills.
• Course Materials: Video lectures, Excel templates, quizzes.
• Course Cost: $199
• Link to Join: Investopedia Academy’s Financial Modeling Course

Coursera’s Wharton Business and Financial Modeling Specialization

A comprehensive instructor-led course by Wharton School faculty that focuses on business decisions, financial modeling, and spreadsheets. Ideal for those seeking an academic approach.

• Course: Business decisions, financial modeling, spreadsheets.
• Duration: 5 months (2 hours/week)
• Course Delivery: Instructor-led.
• Content: Decision-making, spreadsheets, quantitative modeling.
• Course Materials: Video lectures, readings, quizzes.
• Instructor: Wharton School faculty.
• Course Cost: Free (with paid certificate option)
• Link to Join: Wharton Business and Financial Modeling Specialization

Udemy’s Beginner to Pro in Excel: Financial Modeling and Valuation

Course to take you from beginner to pro in Excel, focusing on financial modeling and valuation. Great for those looking for hands-on experience.

• Course: Excel skills, financial modeling, valuation.
• Duration: 7.5 hours.
• Course Delivery: Self-paced.
• Content: Excel functions, financial modeling, valuation techniques.
• Course Materials: Video lectures, Excel templates.
• Instructor: 365 Careers.
• Course Cost: Varies (often discounted)
• Link to Join: Beginner to Pro in Excel: Financial Modeling and Valuation

CFA Institute Investment Foundations Program

A self-paced online course that covers investment tools, ethics, and finance. Suitable for those looking to understand the investment industry.

• Course: Investment tools, ethics, finance.
• Duration: 130 hours.
• Course Delivery: Self-paced.
• Content: Investment industry, tools, ethics.
• Course Materials: eBooks, sample exams.
• Course Cost: $250
• Link to Join: CFA Institute Investment Foundations Program

Wall Street Prep’s Premium Package

Focuses on financial modeling and Excel skills, taught by experienced industry professionals. Ideal for those aiming for a career in investment banking or financial analysis.

• Course: Financial modeling, Excel.
• Duration: Self-paced.
• Course Delivery: Self-paced.
• Content: Financial modeling, Excel skills.
• Course Materials: Video lectures, Excel templates.
• Instructor: Experienced industry professionals.
• Course Cost: $499.
• Link to Join: Wall Street Prep’s Premium Package

Best Certificate courses in Finance

CFA Certification (Chartered Financial Analyst)

The CFA certification is a globally recognized credential from the CFA Institute, indicating expert-level knowledge and experience in investment analysis. It’s considered one of the most respected credentials in the investment industry.

Duration

The CFA certification requires passing three levels of exams. The CFA Institute estimates that successful candidates spend about 300 hours studying for each level of the exam.

Content

The CFA exam comprises three parts:

• Level I: 180 multiple-choice questions covering professional standards, ethics, financial reporting, economics, fixed income, equity, derivatives, and portfolio management.
• Level II: Vignettes with 88 accompanying multiple-choice questions.
• Level III: Vignettes with accompanying multiple-choice and essay questions.

Course Cost

• Enrollment Fee: $450 (one-time)
• Exam Registration Fees: $700 (early birds) or $1,000 (standard) for each exam level
• Rescheduling Fee: $250
• Retake Fee: Same as registration fees for each level

You can find more information and register for the CFA Program on the CFA Institute’s official website.

• Professional Requirements: 4,000 hours of relevant professional experience.
• Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any field (or a combination of work experience and education).
• Maintenance: Charterholders must renew their membership yearly and are recommended to complete 20 hours of continuing education.

Financial Risk Manager Certification (FRM)

The Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Certification is a globally recognized credential for risk professionals offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). Here’s an overview of the FRM Certification based on the information from the official GARP website:

Content

Divided into FRM Part 1 and Part 2, covering basic and advanced risk management topics. The FRM Certification covers the ability to identify, analyze, and mitigate risk at a high level. It includes specialized areas and proves the candidate’s skill in risk management.

Candidates can download the comprehensive FRM handbook from the GARP website, which includes information about sitting for the Exam, earning the certification, and using the designation to further their career in risk.

Instructor

The preparation for the FRM exam can be done independently or with the help of GARP-approved exam prep providers.

Link to Join

You can find more information and register for the FRM Certification on the GARP’s official website.

Additional Insights

• Global Recognition: The FRM Certification is comparable to a Master’s degree in fourteen national and regional educational systems.
• Employment Benefits: FRM certified professionals are in demand by the world’s leading companies and banks, employed in more than 190 countries and territories worldwide.
• Professional Network: Join an exclusive global network of top risk managers, including professionals employed at top banks and consulting firms.

Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)

The CFS® designation was developed in 1988 and is the fourth-oldest designation in the U.S. It’s designed to fill a gap in the professional practice of certified financial planners. The course focuses on providing a strong working knowledge of various investment funds and sophisticated investment strategies used by top financial advisors.

Content: What’s on the menu?

The CFS® course covers the following key areas:

• Mutual funds, ETFs, and REITs
• Closed-end funds and similar investments
• Advanced fund analysis and selection
• Asset allocation and portfolio construction
• Risk management, taxes, and estate planning

Instructor

The website does not provide specific information about the instructors, but the course is offered by the Institute of Business & Finance (IBF), which likely has experienced professionals leading the course.

Link to Join

You can find more information and register for the CFS® certification on the Institute of Business & Finance’s official website.

Additional Insights

• Target Audience: The CFS® program is suitable for accountants, advisors, bankers, brokers, money managers, and planners.
• Market Advantage: The certification aims to provide an advantage in the marketplace by keeping professionals ahead of the needs and long-term interests of clients.

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

The CGFM® certification is a respected credential that recognizes the specialized knowledge and experience needed to be an effective government financial manager. It demonstrates competency in key areas of government financial management and distinguishes professionals in the field.

Content

The CGFM® certification covers the following key areas:

• Governmental accounting
• Auditing
• Financial reporting
• Internal controls
• Budgeting at the federal, state, and local levels

Link to Join

You can find more information and apply for the CGFM® certification on the AGA’s official website.

Requirements to Become a CGFM

• Ethics: Read and agree to abide by AGA’s Code of Ethics.
• Education: Have a bachelor’s degree in any subject area from an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Examinations: Pass three comprehensive CGFM® examinations.
• Experience: Have at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management.

Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA)

The Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA) is an advanced professional qualification and certification recognized internationally for individuals working in the finance and investment industry. The CIIA certification is designed to provide individuals with a superior standard of applied knowledge essential for working in domestic and international investment markets. It’s considered a passport for professionals seeking to work in any international financial position, and in many countries, it’s a legal requirement.

Link to Join

You can find more information and request details about the CIIA certification on the ACIIA’s official website.

Additional Insights

• Unique Advantage: The CIIA certification is recognized as a unique advantage by employers, enabling certified professionals to work in international financial positions.
• Global Presence: The certification is present all over the world, reflecting its international recognition and applicability.
• Ethical Conduct: ACIIA emphasizes principles of ethical conduct, reflecting the certification’s commitment to professional integrity.

Free Finance Courses with Paid Certificate

University of Cambridge: Foundations of Finance

“Foundations of Finance” provides a rigorous but straightforward introduction to key concepts of financial understanding. Using real-world case studies, practitioner interviews, and timely knowledge checks, students will integrate new knowledge and problem-solving skills with practical application. No prior knowledge is required or assumed.

Duration

The course spans 5 weeks, with an estimated 3–5 hours of study per week.

Content

The course covers various topics, including:

• Money and Capital
• Cash Flows and Cash Flow Forecasting
• Financial Reporting
• Interest and Return
• Risk and Risk Management

Online Finance Courses Material

The course materials include case studies, lessons, and exams, all available through the edX platform.

Instructor

The course tutor is Doug Williamson from the Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge.

Course Cost

The course is free to audit, with an optional upgrade available for $199 USD, which includes a shareable certificate upon completion and access to graded assignments and exams.

Link to Join

You can enroll in the “Foundations of Finance” course on the edX website.

Additional Insights

• Target Audience: The course is suitable for those who engage with financial specialists, are self-employed, considering a career in finance, or simply interested in the subject.
• Language: The course is offered in English, with English video transcripts.
• Associated Skills: Financial Management, Finance, Corporate Finance, Problem Solving.

Stanford University: Principles of Economics

The course covers both microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts, including the behavior of consumers and firms, markets for goods and services, policy choices, national production, employment, inflation, interest rates, long-run growth, short-term fluctuations, government regulation, monetary policy, and fiscal policy.

Duration

The course spans 10 weeks, with an estimated 5–10 hours of study per week.

Content

The course is divided into two parts:

• Part 1: Microeconomic analysis, including supply and demand models, competitive equilibrium, deviations from competition, labor markets, key economic policy issues, and financial and capital markets.
• Part 2: Macroeconomic concepts, including macro facts and measures, long-run macro, short-run macro, macro policy issues, and international economic issues.

Course Materials

The course materials include lessons, quizzes, and exams, all available through the edX platform. A strongly recommended textbook is “Principles of Economics, Version 9.0” by John B. Taylor and Akila Weerapana, available for purchase online.

Instructor

The course instructors are John Taylor, George P. Shultz Senior Fellow in Economics at the Hoover Institution, and Yiming He, PhD Candidate in Economics at Stanford University.

Course Cost

The course is free to audit, with a Verified Track available for $50 USD, which includes a shareable certificate upon completion and access to graded assignments and exams.

Link to Join

You can enroll in the “Principles of Economics” course on the edX website.

Additional Insights

• Language: The course is offered in English, with English video transcripts.
• Associated Skills: Economics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Monetary Policies.

Try It: Finance Fundamentals

The course provides industry insights, key financial concepts, and terminology. Through this course, participants will gain practical knowledge and will be challenged with an engaging final activity to test their understanding. No prior fintech experience is required.

Duration

The course spans 1 week, with an estimated 1–2 hours of study per week.

Content

The course focuses on the global economy’s digital transformation and the fintech industry’s need to adapt by automating the delivery and use of financial services. Before diving into the technical aspects, participants will be introduced to financial theory. The course will teach participants how to find important values on three types of financial statements:

• Income statement
• Balance sheet
• Cash flow statement

Additionally, participants will study five key financial ratios:

• Debt Ratio
• Current Ratio
• Return on Sales Ratio
• Asset Turnover Ratio
• Return on Equity Ratio

Course Cost

The course is free to audit. However, there’s an option to upgrade for a Verified Track at a cost, which provides full access to course materials, graded assignments, and a shareable certificate upon completion.

Link to Join

You can enroll in the “Try It: Finance Fundamentals” course on the edX website.

Additional Insights

• Target Audience: The course is ideal for professionals with minimal finance knowledge or those interested in entering the fintech industry.

Learning finance for beginners: Recommended Sources

Books

There are many great books available on finance. Some of the best books for beginners include:

• “Personal Finance for Dummies” by Eric Tyson
• “The Little Book of Common Sense Investing” by John Bogle
• “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
• “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki
• “The Automatic Millionaire” by David Bach

Articles

There are many great articles available online about finance. Some of the best websites for beginners include:

• Investopedia
• The Motley Fool
• Kiplinger
• Forbes
• The Balance

Free Learning Websites

There are many great websites that offer financial education. Some of the best websites for beginners include:

• YouTube
• Khan Academy
• Coursera
• EdX
• Udemy
• LinkedIn Learning

Building Online Finance Courses Platform Basics

In the modern era, where finance governs much of our daily lives, educating oneself in this field is paramount. Whether you’re an individual seeking to improve your financial literacy or an institution aiming to provide top-tier education, building a finance course platform can be a strategic endeavor. Let’s delve into the key components of constructing this platform.

VdoCipher – Choose the Right Provider for Videos

Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and intuitive user interfaces can help create a seamless learning experience. Since you will be dealing with video content, it is mandatory to implement CDN, Adaptive bitrate streaming, transcoding, encoding, DRM encryption to prevent piracy of your valuable content. All these aspects with custom player and easy integration gets covered with the use of secure video hosting provider like VdoCipher.

User-Friendly Design Principles

In finance, complexity is often the enemy of the investor. The same principle applies to the design of a financial course platform. Prioritize clean design, easy navigation, and interactive elements to facilitate the learning process.

Certification and Compliance

Partner with reputed financial bodies and adhere to the relevant legal regulations to ensure that your courses not only educate but also empower through recognized certification.

Ensuring Quality and Accreditation

Collaborate with industry experts, seasoned educators, and financial institutions to develop content that meets the highest standards. Accreditations from reputable financial associations add a layer of trust and credibility.

Adhering to Educational Standards

Align your course material with international financial educational standards. Such adherence not only elevates the quality of the content but also broadens its appeal to a global audience.

Marketing and Selling Your Course

Target your audience through social media, SEO optimization, partnerships with financial bodies, and compelling content marketing that speaks the language of finance.

Pricing and Payment Options

Offer various subscription models, discounts, and even free trials to cater to different segments of your audience.

Providing Support and Resources

Providing 24/7 support, rich resources, and personalized assistance can make this journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Creating an Online Community

Encourage discussions, debates, and collaborative projects to create a thriving online ecosystem.

Offering Additional Learning Tools

From interactive simulations to downloadable resources, supplementary learning tools can enhance understanding and retention of financial concepts.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Regularly solicit feedback from users and industry experts and strive for continuous improvement in all aspects of the platform.

Keeping the Course Up to Date

Regular updates, trend analysis, and current real-world scenarios will keep your content fresh and relevant.

Popular FAQs Around Online Finance Courses

Why are online finance courses becoming increasingly popular?

The demand for online finance courses has surged due to the rise of fintech, more complex regulations, and a shift towards remote learning, especially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What benefits do online finance classes offer?

They provide accessibility, affordability, a wide range of options, interactive content, networking opportunities, and valuable certifications from top institutions.

How can I select the right online finance course for me?

Consider aligning the course with your financial goals, learning style, skill level, budget, instructor credibility, and course reviews.

What are some recommended online finance courses and certifications?

Courses range from beginner-friendly topics like personal finance to specialized programs such as financial modeling, investment analysis, and certifications like CFA and FRM.