Financial Wellness & Literacy

Program Overview

The Financial Wellness Initiative is a comprehensive program designed to help students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed financial decisions throughout college and beyond. Through a combination of academic coursework, interactive workshops, webinars, guest speakers, and personalized coaching, the initiative provides practical, real-world financial education that supports long-term financial well-being.

A core component of the initiative is FIN 218: Personal Finance, a 10-week, four-credit course offered each term (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer). The course provides a structured foundation in personal finance while connecting students to the broader resources and opportunities available through the Financial Wellness Initiative.

What You'll Learn

Through hands-on exercises and real-world applications, you'll build the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions by learning how to:

• Build a Strong Financial Foundation: Develop practical skills in budgeting, saving, credit management, debt repayment, and emergency planning.
• Invest for the Future: Learn the fundamentals of investing, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and low-cost index funds, with an emphasis on long-term investing strategies and the S&P 500.
• Plan for Retirement: Understand the differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs and receive step-by-step guidance on opening and funding an account, as permitted by U.S. law and regulations.
• Create Lifelong Financial Habits: Harness the power of compound growth and continuous investing to build long-term financial confidence and work toward financial independence.
   

Initiative Benefits

As part of the Financial Wellness Initiative, students have access to free resources that extend learning beyond the classroom, including:

• Interactive Workshops & Webinars on personal finance and financial well-being.
• One-on-One Coaching to help students build healthy financial habits and achieve their goals.
• Industry Connections through guest speakers, alumni mentors, and finance professionals.
• Investment Guidance on low-cost investing strategies and retirement accounts, with resources tailored for both domestic and international students.

Who Should Participate?

The Financial Wellness Initiative is open to students of all majors and class levels. Whether you're managing college expenses, preparing for your first career, or beginning your long-term financial journey, the initiative provides practical tools to support your success.

Ready to Get Started?

The best way to begin is by enrolling in FIN 218: Personal Finance, the cornerstone course of the Financial Wellness Initiative.

Course Code: FIN 218

Registration: Open through PSU Banweb.

Questions? Contact The School of Business Academic Advising Office at sbadvising@pdx.edu.

Read More on the Initiative.