Personal Finance

Financial Literacy Overview

This topic guide has two purposes; first, to raise awareness for individuals’ roles in their own personal finance; second, to assist BC students and staff in locating accurate and valuable resources within the collection to make financial decisions

Disclaimer

This resource guide includes general financial literacy information and BC resources. It is not meant to be taken as personal finance advice or a substitute for personal finance education.

What is financial literacy?

Financial literacy: "possessing the financial knowledge, behaviors, systems, team, and plan to confidently take effective action that best fulfills an individual's personal, family, and global community goals." (National Financial Educators Council)

Need Help?

Learn more about financial literacy through BC's Successful Start website, events, and peer money mentor program.

If there is a specific finance topic you want to learn more about, the BC library catalog, Overdrive, newspapers, and electronic journals are a good place to start your search.

Websites

Goodwill Community Foundation Global’s Money Basics Tutorial
This non-profit offers a 15-part free tutorial addressing budgeting, credit and debt, banking, retirement and investment, and practical applications.
Khan Academy’s Financial Literacy Course
A 12-unit course which covers budgeting and saving, consumer credit, loans and debt, investments and retirement, and taxes and tax forms, among others.
Khan Academy’s Personal Finance Course
A 10-unit course which covers financial literacy subjects and practical applications, such as housing, car expenses, and paying for college.
Investopedia
Investopedia's finance-focused content goes through the experts of its Financial Review Board, its Anti-Bias Review Board, and its team of fact checkers.
TIAA’s Personal Finance 101
A collection of articles on a variety of personal finance topics and common finance questions.

Books

A Critically Compassionate Approach to Financial Literacy by Thomas A. Lucey; Mary Frances Agnello; James Duke Laney
ISBN: 9789463001298
Publication Date: 2015-01-01
This book explores the practical and emotional meaning of financial literacy and how it is linked to self-awareness and community.
Economics for Life: Real-World Financial Literacy by Donald T. Wargo
ISBN: 9781439919842
Publication Date: 2023-03-14
This book focuses on providing college students with the financial information necessary to manage debt and create long-term financial plans.
The Student's Guide to Financial Literacy by Robert E. Lawless
ISBN: 9780313377198
Publication Date: 2010-03-11
A general introduction to financial literacy topics for college students.

Journals

Consumer Reports
Reviews published by an independent, nonprofit organization which aim to provide consumers with accurate information about a variety of products.
The Economist
A British newspaper which focuses on business, world events, and politics.
Forbes
An American magazine which focuses on business, science & technology, and lifestyle.
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
A long-running personal finance magazine which prioritizes providing unbiased financial advice for a variety of topics using concise, easy to understand explanations.
The Wall Street Journal
A well-regarded business and economics newspaper, which BC students can access for free. WSJ also runs the Money Challenge, a six-week program where subscribers are sent weekly personal finance email prompts.

LinkedIn Learning Videos

Financial Basics Everyone Should Know
This course by Professor of Finance Michael McDonald covers financial basics like banking, savings, investments, and retirement.
Managing Your Personal Finances
This course by financial advisor Jane Barratt introduces beginning personal finance concepts and answers practical finance questions.
Shifting Your Mindset for Financial Agility
This course by wealth and wellness coach Leah Davis challenges learners to reconsider their role in their personal finances and how they react to financial stress.