Written By: Mason Ferguson
Are you curious about financial literacy and want to learn more? Are you looking for a
platform to teach you financial literacy basics? Well, you are in luck! The Office of Financial Aid and Emory
Financial Literacy is proudly offering free access for Emory University students to the newly updated CashCourse!
Previously, we posted a walkthrough of CashCourse, but since then the platform has
changed and been updated. This blog will walk you through the new CashCourse interface
and the updated tools it provides. If you are looking for a platform to build a budget,
resources for managing a budget, or simply trying to learn more about financial literacy,
then you are in the right place.
Home Page: The Start of Learning
When you log in, you will automatically enter the Home Page where four different modules
are displayed:
- Continue Learning
- Build Your Budget
- Explore Tools & Resources
- View Your Progress
These four modules are the gateways which will equip you with all the knowledge and tools
you will need to take on all the financial troubles life throws your way!
Continue Learning: Building Knowledge Step by Step
The first module you will see is Continue Learning. This section is filled with interactive
courses that cover a wide range of financial literacy topics. From credit basics and student
loans to insurance, investing, and taxes, each course is designed to help you learn at your
own pace. The courses include short lessons, hypothetical scenarios, and quizzes that
make learning both practical and hands-on. You can select topics that fit your goals or
follow a suggested learning path to gradually build your financial knowledge. Feel free to
read over all the topics and start with what you are most interested in!
Build Your Budget: Take Control of Your Money
The second module, Build Your Budget, is one of the most useful sections CashCourse
offers. Here, you can create a personalized budget that reflects your income, expenses,
and savings goals using the Budget Wizard tool. The platform breaks budget building into
clear steps, making it easy for first time users to follow along and be successful. It first asks
you about your income and then about various expenses such as food, housing,
transportation, etc. At the end, you can see exactly where your money is going and
reallocate funds based on your financial goals.
Whether you are planning for tuition, rent, or everyday spending, this feature helps you
visualize your financial picture. You can also update your budget as things change, which makes it easy to stay on track throughout the semester.
Explore Tools & Resources: Extra Help When You Need It
Next is Explore Tools & Resources tab. This section is like a financial literacy library at your
fingertips. You will find worksheets, blogs, and guides that tackle common financial
questions. It is divided into three subsections: Knowledge Base, Worksheets, and Budget
Wizard.
- Knowledge Base: This area provides expert-written articles that cover a wide variety
of topics. These range from earning and investing to credit & debt. One of my favorite
articles is Managing Risks. It explains ten ways to protect yourself from potential
security threats and how to recognize risks if they appear. - Worksheets: This tab offers a collection of downloadable worksheets. They are
especially helpful for individuals who prefer to visualize finances and information on
paper. There are worksheets for creating budgets, prioritizing and paying off debts,
and even planning for insurance - Budget Wizard: The final tab offers another way to access the Budget Wizard tool,
making it easy to revisit and refine your budget whenever you need.
This section makes it simple to see all that CashCourse provides and gives you direct
access to the financial tools you need most.
View Your Progress: Keep Yourself Motivated
Finally, there is View Your Progress. This section is focused on tracking your learning
journey. As you complete courses, quizzes, and budgeting exercises, your
accomplishments will add up. A visual reminder of your progress can be very motivating
and shows you how much knowledge you have gained. It is an excellent way to hold
yourself accountable and celebrate milestones along the way
Why Use CashCourse?
CashCourse is more than a website. It is a free, interactive platform created specifically for
students and designed by a nonprofit whose main mission is to teach financial literacy, not
sell you products. Whether you are making your first budget, preparing for student loan
repayment, or simply wanting to feel more confident about money, CashCourse provides
tools that are clear, accessible, and practical.
If you have not logged in yet, now is the perfect time to explore the new CashCourse. With
its updated design and easy-to-use features, it has never been simpler to take charge of
your financial future. Email Emory Financial Literacy if you are interested in a code to start an account!
financialliteracy@emory.edu