Financial Literacy

Cash Course

Financial literacy is an essential life skill for the 21st century.  Increase your financial knowledge with Case Course.

Want to make the most of your money?  View these short videos on topics that will help!

Making the most of your money!

Who gets aid?

Financial Wellness

• A solid financial foundation can lead to a lifetime of financial success.  Kentucky Community and Technical College System encourages students to take an interest in personal finances, budgeting, saving, identify theft, credit scores, managing debt and much more. 
• We encourage you to attend and participate in all financial literacy activities offered on campus.  These events are free and will provide information on budgets, banking, credit cards, credit reports and much more.

Manage Your Money

• Open both a checking account and savings account to establish a relationship with a bank.  Establishing a savings account will protect you financially and your money can grow.

Create a Budget

• Establish a budget that records your money both incoming and outgoing.  Avoid spending what you do not have and monitor what you do spend.

Prioritise Your Debt

• Paying all your debts on time will help you establish and maintain a good credit history, so it's important to make debt repayment a priority expense in your budget.

Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

• Prevention of identity theft will depend on your actions with personal information such as your name, address and social security number.  Keep your information safe.

Understand Credit Reports

• A credit report is a collection of information about you and your credit history.  Your credit report has a score that will inform creditors if it is safe to lend money to you.

Student Loan Debt

• Make absolute sure that you borrow only what is needed for your college expenses.  You want to maximize and exhaust scholarship, grant and work opportunities before considering a student loan.

Beware Of Credit Cards

• Credit cards are considered loans or advanced money that you will have to repay with interest.  Select the card with the lowest interest rate.

Plan Your Future

• Although retirement seems far off, start saving as soon as possible.  Save for your short-term needs too.  Try to save at least six months' worth of expenses in a savings account, so that you'll have funds in an emergency.

FAFSA Overview

• Check out this video to learn how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gives you access to grants, loans and work-study jobs that can help fund your education.  Visit StudentAid.gov to learn more.

FAFSA Overview Video

More information about federal student aid

OTHER LINKS:

Practical Money Skills for Life

• Tools, resources and tips from the Kentucky governor's office to help you improve your financial future by gaining a better understanding of a broad range of personal finance topics. 

KHEAA

• The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) website contains instructional videos on financial literacy and is dedicated to instructing students on how to control their finances.  You can also download their financial flyer (pdf).

• It's Money Baby!

AmericaSaves.org

• The AmericaSaves website provides free financial tools, savings services, advice and resources that help Americans from every income level take the steps needed to take charge of their finances and manage money more effectively. 

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

• As the nation's largest financial counseling organization, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website provides information about financial counseling to consumers all across America. 

USA Funds Life Skills Student Guide 

• USA Funds offers a free student guide and online learning programs that offer advice for managing your time and money wisely while on campus and after graduation.   

U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission

• MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education.  Whether you are planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401k, the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you do it better.  Throughout the site, you will find important information from 20 federal agencies government wide. 

Get Rich Slowly

• Get Rich Slowly was recently named the most inspired financial blog by Money magazine and is devoted to personal finance.  The author shares stories about debt elimination, saving money, and practical investing.  Readers will also find links to personal finance tools, articles, book reviews, and software. 

Feed the Pigs

• Free financial information and tools to empower 25 to 34 year olds to take charge of personal finances and live within their means.  You will find fun tools, quizzes, tips, and resources.  This site is sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). 

American Savings Education Council

• The Emmy Telly award-winning Choose to Save^® national public education and outreach program is dedicated to raising awareness about the need to plan and save for long-term personal financial security.  This site is co-sponsored by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and the American Savings Education Council.  

Bankrate Website

• Bankrate.com provides free rate information to consumers on more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used automobile loans, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees.  In addition to rate data, Bankrate publishes original and objective personal finance stories to help consumers make informed financial decisions. 

CNN's Money 101

• A step by step guide to gaining control over your financial life. 

Smart About Money.org

• Get quick tips on budgeting, reducing debt, and setting financial goals.  The site is sponsored by the National Endowment for Financial Education^® (NEFE^®), an independent, nonprofit foundation committed to education Americans on a broad range of financial topics and empowering them to make positive and sound decisions to reach their financial goals.