Learning Management System Based.
Our platform utilizes an advanced Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver comprehensive financial education through accessible, flexible, and interactive courses, allowing students to track progress, manage schedules, and learn at their own pace with high-quality content designed for maximum retention and understanding.
Earn Badges and Certificates.
As you progress through iKnowFi Academy, you can earn shareable badges and certificates that recognize your mastery of financial concepts, motivating continuous learning and building a verifiable portfolio of skills that enhance educational and career opportunities.
Administrative Tracking of Student Performance.
Educators and parents can monitor student progress in real-time with iKnowFi Academy, accessing detailed insights into achievements and areas for improvement, enabling administrators to ensure the curriculum meets educational goals and make informed decisions to enhance outcomes.
Explore the iKnowFi Academy Curriculum.
The iKnowFi Academy curriculum consists of ten comprehensive units, each containing multiple modules on related topics. A quiz at the end of each unit assesses your knowledge. For more details on each unit, click the "Learn More" links below.
Managing Your Money
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| It's Your Money | Learn the basics of personal finance, the value of money management, and how to start taking control of your financial destiny. |
| Banking Basics | Gain insight into how banks operate, the importance of FDIC insurance, and how to navigate the banking system to support your financial needs and goals. |
| Establishing a Banking Relationship | Learn to choose the right bank for your needs and how to cultivate relationships that will aid in your financial journey. |
| Managing Your Accounts | Understand the importance of reconciling your accounts, setting up alerts, and using digital banking tools to keep a close eye on your finances, ensuring you're always in control of your money. |
| Unit Quiz | This is an opportunity to assess your grasp of the principles that underpin sound financial management and identify areas for further study. |
Financial Building Blocks
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| Income | Explore the importance of diversifying income streams and the impact of taxes, benefits, and deductions on your take-home pay. |
| Expenses | Gain insights into fixed versus variable costs, the necessity of discretionary spending, and techniques for minimizing unnecessary outlays. |
| Budgeting and Planning | Discover the tools and methods for effective financial planning, from envelope systems to digital apps, and learn the discipline of adhering to a budget for long-term prosperity. |
| Unit Quiz | This quiz covers key aspects of income, expenses, and the art of budgeting and planning. |
The Importance of Saving
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| Saving Basics | Lay the groundwork for understanding why saving is essential, how to start even with limited funds, and the discipline required to continue. |
| Where to Put Your Savings | Explore the various options available for storing savings, from high-yield savings accounts to certificates of deposit and money market funds. |
| Building an Emergency Fund | Learn about the importance of having readily accessible funds set aside for unforeseen expenses. |
| Saving to Reach Your Goals | Learn to create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) savings goals, the tactics for reaching them, and how to stay motivated throughout your savings journey. |
| Unit Quiz | Evaluate your comprehension of savings basics, understanding different savings options, building an emergency fund, and setting and achieving savings goals. |
Establishing Credit
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| Credit Reporting | Unravel the intricacies of credit reporting, a critical component that shapes your financial reputation. Learn about the three major credit bureaus, the information that goes into your credit report, and how it's used to calculate your creditworthiness. |
| Your Credit Score | Understand how to leverage good credit habits to boost your score and how it affects your ability to borrow, rent, and even some employment opportunities. |
| Understanding Your Credit Report | Explore the different components of your credit report, and how to read and interpret each section. |
| Building a Credit History | Learn the best practices for establishing and maintaining a credit history that will appeal to lenders, insurers, and employers. |
| Unit Quiz | Test your knowledge of credit reporting, credit scores, credit reports, and building a credit history. |
Borrowing Money
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| Loan Basics | Delve into the foundational elements of borrowing with a thorough exploration of loan basics. This section will educate you on the different types of loans, from personal to auto, and home loans. |
| The Cost of Borrowing | Understand the cost of borrowing by examining interest rates, origination fees, and other hidden charges. Learn to calculate the total cost of a loan over its lifetime. |
| Applying for a Loan | Applying for a loan can be as critical as the loan itself. This section takes you through each step, from preparing your application to understanding the lender's approval criteria. |
| Other Considerations | Learn the broader implications of borrowing, such as the impact on your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and overall financial planning. |
| Unit Quiz | Evaluate your knowledge and skills in navigating the complexities of loans and borrowing, ensuring you are well-prepared for responsible financial decisions. |
Managing Your Debt
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| How Debt Works | Discover how interest rates, loan terms, and borrowing habits can impact your financial health. |
| Reducing Your Debt | Learn to prioritize debts, negotiate with creditors, and create a personalized repayment plan. |
| Debt Collection | Gain insights on how to respond to collection efforts, dispute inaccuracies, and understand the potential consequences of unresolved debts, empowering you with the confidence to navigate this challenging aspect of personal finance. |
| Student Loan Debt | Find guidance on managing student debt in a way that supports your educational goals and long-term financial well-being. |
| Medical Debt | Learn strategies for negotiating medical bills, exploring assistance programs, and protecting yourself from the long-term credit impacts of medical debt. |
| Unit Quiz | Assess your proficiency in handling debt and to identify areas where you may need further focus or improvement. |
Using Credit Cards
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| How Credit Cards Work | Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate credit limits, understand the benefits and pitfalls of card usage, and how prudent management can enhance your financial flexibility and credit standing |
| Managing Credit Cards | Learn strategies to use credit cards wisely, avoid excessive debt, and capitalize on rewards programs. |
| The World of Credit Cards | Gain insight into selecting a credit card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals. |
| Unit Quiz | Assess your understanding of how credit cards work, effective management of credit card usage, and the vast world of credit card options. |
Your Financial Future
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| An Introduction to Assets | Learn to classify different types of assets, understand their value, and strategize how to acquire and manage them to enhance your financial stability and create lasting wealth. |
| Investing in Your Education | Gain insight into evaluating the costs and benefits of various educational paths, financing options, and the impact on your career trajectory. Empower yourself with the knowledge that higher learning is not just about acquiring skills but also about boosting your financial prospects. |
| Investing Basics | Understand the stock market to various investment vehicles like bonds and mutual funds. Learn about risk assessment, the importance of diversification, and the role of time in investment strategies. |
| Saving for Retirement | Begin to craft a roadmap for a comfortable retirement by educating yourself on retirement savings accounts, pension plans, and the power of starting early. |
| Unit Quiz | Test your knowledge on understanding assets, the value of investing in education, strategies for building wealth and net worth, the fundamentals of investing, and planning for retirement. |
Making Housing Decisions
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| Renting | Arm yourself with valuable tips for selecting the right rental property, negotiating terms, and managing a healthy landlord-tenant relationship, ensuring your renting experience is both enjoyable and legally sound. |
| Home Ownership | Learn about the responsibilities of homeownership, including maintenance, property taxes, and insurance, paving the way for a successful investment in your future. |
| Mortgages | Explore the various mortgage types, terms, and rates, as well as the qualifications needed to secure a mortgage. Understand how to compare offers, the implications of interest rates on your payments, and the long-term impact on your financial planning. |
| Home Equity and Refinancing | Learn how to use your home's value to your advantage while avoiding common pitfalls that homeowners face. |
| Unit Quiz | Measure your knowledge on the nuances of renting, the intricacies of homeownership, understanding mortgages, and the strategic use of home equity and refinancing. |
Financial Preparation and Recovery
| Module Name | Module Description |
|---|---|
| Protecting Your Identity | Understand the implications of identity theft, and arm yourself with preventative measures and actionable steps to take should your identity be compromised, ensuring your financial integrity remains intact. |
| Protecting Your Assets | Gain insight into the nuances of risk management and learn how to create a fortified defense for your hard-earned assets against potential threats. |
| Managing Your Tax Burden | Discover how smart decisions can lead to significant savings and a more robust financial portfolio. |
| Preparing for Disaster | Equip yourself with the knowledge to maintain financial stability in the face of adversity. |
| Making a Financial Recovery | Learn to develop a blueprint for bouncing back from financial hardships. Whether recovering from debt, rebuilding credit, or replenishing savings, learn the principles of financial recovery. |
| Unit Quiz | Gauge your preparedness for facing and overcoming financial challenges, ensuring you're equipped to maintain and restore your financial health under various circumstances. |