Everyone starts somewhere, and learning how money works is one of the most valuable life skills you can develop. Before you can confidently manage your finances, it’s important to understand the basics, from creating a budget and opening your first bank account to understanding bills, banking, and different ways to pay for everyday purchases.
The guides below will introduce the core financial concepts you’ll use throughout your life. Don’t worry if some of these topics are completely new to you. Take them one step at a time, build your understanding as you go, and you’ll create a strong foundation for making smart financial decisions.
Understanding Income vs. Expenses
Creating Your First Budget
Opening Your First Bank Account
Understanding Debit Cards, Credit Cards, and Cash
How Checking and Savings Accounts Work
Online Banking and Mobile Banking Basics
How to Write and Deposit Checks
Understanding Bank Fees and How to Avoid Them
Continue Your Journey!
Want to build your financial knowledge?
Alison is an online learning platform offering free courses across a wide range of practical and professional subjects. Alison’s free Financial Literacy course provides beginner-friendly guidance on everyday money topics including bank accounts, checking and savings, credit cards, budgeting, managing debt, insurance, short-term savings, and planning for retirement.
Explore Alison’s Financial Literacy course →
Want to take your money skills a step further?
Alison’s free Practical Lessons on Personal Finance course builds on everyday financial basics with practical guidance on budgeting, spending, saving, financial planning, insurance, and investing to help you make more confident decisions with your money.
Explore Alison’s Practical Lessons on Personal Finance course →
