Financial Literacy for Adults

Studies paint a grim picture of financial literacy. Although the focus is often on kids, it turns out adults need money management, too. From paying bills to saving for the future — adults constantly make decisions that require the skills and knowledge gained from financial literacy. But who has the time or energy to continue education as an adult?

So opt for online financial literacy resources.

Educational materials are available online as articles, downloadables, and courses — accessible anywhere, anytime. Many are instructed by leading educators and experts. And they cover a variety of topics within personal finance — from debt to retirement.

When it comes to financial literacy, you’re never done learning — no matter your age. Here are 10 free online financial literacy courses suitable for adults.

No. 1: Alison

What it offers

• Quizzes
• Videos

What it is

Alison is an education platform offering over 1,500 free online courses. The courses are divided into nine categories, including finance within business. There are three types of courses across the categories: certificate courses, diploma courses, and learning paths. Each type differs in duration and focus — from one-off subjects to professional development courses. The platform’s financial literacy courses teach users how to save money, pay off debt, and plan retirement. Learn the fundamentals and then apply the skills to your daily life.

No. 2: Better Money Habits

What it offers

• Articles
• Quizzes
• Videos

What it is

Better Money Habits is a partnership between Bank of America and Khan Academy. The online platform provides free, accessible financial education to simplify money management. Topics are featured prominently on the homepage, including taxes, debt, home ownership, and retirement. Click through each category to find a wealth of information, from video lessons to self-assessments.

No. 3: Coursera

What it offers

• Readings
• Quizzes
• Videos

What it is

Coursera is a free elearning platform featuring hundreds of personal finance topics. Build skills taught by lecturers at top universities and experts from leading companies. Start with the course “Personal and Family Financial Planning” offered by the University of Florida. It addresses financial management skills to build healthy habits. Create a free account to audit courses. If you’re interested in earning a certificate or accessing graded assignments, you’ll need to sign up for the paid version.

No. 4: edX

What it offers

• Discussions
• Quizzes
• Videos

What it is

Access thousands of free online courses through edX. The digital platform hosts university-level courses across a range of disciplines. One popular edX financial fundamentals course is taught by an instructor at Wellesley College. It teaches users how to become well-informed consumers by incorporating smart money decisions into their daily lives. What are you waiting for? Create a free edX account right now.

No. 5: Khan Academy

What it offers

• Articles
• Videos

What it is

Khan Academy is a well-known platform offering personalized learning materials to empower every type of learner. Courses feature instructional videos, practical exercises, and real-world applications. The best part? It’s entirely free. Start browsing the platform’s extensive catalog. Whether you’re interested in learning about hedge funds or the home-buying process, Khan Academy has you covered.

No. 6: myWorth Academy

What it offers

• Courses
• Downloads

What it is

The online platform myWorth Academy aims to increase financial wellness. Hurry and sign up for its free workshop covering COVID-19 finances. “Dealing with Financial Impact of the Pandemic” is for people currently experiencing financial hardship or worried about becoming affected. The workshop includes tactics to secure your financial future while battling uncertainty. It also provides resources custom to your financial situation.

No. 7: OppU

What it offers

• Articles
• Quizzes
• Videos
• Worksheets

What it is

That’s us! OppU is the financial education platform of OppLoans. We offer a free, standards-aligned curriculum based on the core principles of personal finance. Four modules guide you through the video lessons: spending, budgeting and saving, credit, and debt and loans. Create an account to track your progress. Interested in further learning? OppU also publishes informative articles and interactive downloadables.

No 8: Skillshare

What it offers

• Courses
• Projects

What it is

Skillshare is an eLearning community with a unique view of online courses. Traditional online courses offer lecture-style videos. Skillshare commits to learning through genuine interaction. For this reason, a majority of courses culminate in the completion of a project. Ready to whip your finances into shape? Join the popular course “The Core Four of Personal Finance.” In it, you’ll learn how to begin organizing your finances. Create an account — all you need is an email — to access the free classes. Interested in Skillshare’s premium catalog of more than 20,000 classes? New members can receive two months of the premium subscription for free.

No. 9: Smart About Money

What it offers

• Articles
• Calculators
• Courses

What it is

Smart About Money (SAM) is a program created by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). NEFE is committed to empowering Americans to take control of their financial decisions and goals. SAM is a free, unbiased digital resource that offers courses, articles, and financial tools. The eight courses cover topics including earning, health care costs, and building an emergency fund. Feel confident managing your money through anything life throws your way.

No. 10: Udemy

What it offers

• Courses

What it is

Udemy is an online platform used by professionals and students. It offers several personal finance courses available for free. The free course “Personal Finance 101” is highly rated and promises to teach everything you need to know about money management. If you find an instructor or topic you enjoy, you can try one of the paid courses worry-free thanks to Udemy’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

Bottom line

Ready to take control of your money? Start with these courses — free and available anywhere you have a computer!