VACA Financial Literacy Course
A clear, beginner‑friendly program that teaches real‑life money skills: budgeting, saving, credit, investing, insurance, taxes, careers, and more. Learn with an instructor, practice on your own, and finish with a certificate.
Saturdays • 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
8-week course – Starting date Nov 15, 2025
Videos • Articles • Activities • Quizzes
Free for ages 15–22How the Course Works
We meet in person every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You’ll also use an easy online platform with short videos, quick readings, and hands‑on exercises. Each unit ends with a short quiz, and the course finishes with a final mastery challenge. An instructor supports you throughout the eight weeks while you learn at your own pace during the week.
Course Units
Unit 1
Welcome to Financial Literacy
Introduction to the course and how smart money habits can level up your life with practical steps.
Unit 2
Budgeting & Saving
- Build a budget (50‑30‑20 rule)
- Reduce everyday expenses
- Create a savings plan
Unit 3
Consumer Credit
- What a credit score is and how it’s calculated
- Using credit cards responsibly
- Choosing payment methods
Unit 4
Financial Goals
- Money personality & charitable giving
- Setting SMART goals
- Short-, medium-, and long‑term goals
- Understanding net worth
Unit 5
Loans & Debt
- Borrowing money basics
- Types of loans
- Key terms (APR, fees, length)
- Managing debt
- Bankruptcy overview
Unit 6
Insurance
- Risk and insurance terminology
- Health, disability & long‑term care
- Life insurance
- Property and car insurance
- Supplemental insurance & warranties
- Estate planning basics
Unit 7
Investments & Retirement
- Saving vs. investing
- Risk and return of different options
- Planning for retirement
Unit 8
Scams & Fraud
- Protect your personal information
- Common scams and red flags
- Consumer protection agencies
Unit 9
Careers & Education
- Education and earnings
- College, post‑secondary education & training
- Costs of programs
- Choosing where to go
Unit 10
Taxes & Tax Forms
- What taxes are and types of income
- Key forms: W‑2, 1099, 1098
Unit 11
Employment
- Understanding your pay
- Compensation beyond pay (benefits)
- Non‑typical pay structures
- Hiring forms & documents
- Reading a paycheck
Unit 12
Banking
- Banking & financial institutions
- Types of accounts
- Tracking & reconciling
- Rules and agencies
- Interest from savings to investing
- Inflation
Unit 13
Car Buying
- Car buying experience
- Car loans
- Owning vs. leasing
- Extra costs of ownership
Unit 14
Housing
- Renting vs. homeownership
- Finding your next home
- Lease agreements
- Mortgages
Unit 15
Financial Health & Review
Review and prep for the final: saving & budgeting, interest & debt, investing & retirement, pay & benefits, taxes, housing, car buying, and paying for college.
Quizzes, Final & Certificate
Each unit ends with a short quiz to lock in the learning. To earn the certificate, complete a 45‑minute final exam aligned with the Khan Academy Standard Knowledge Test.
Recommended By
Capital One, Bank of America, Kearny Bank, Walmart, and other leading organizations.
Ready to Enroll?
It’s free for ages 15–22. Sessions run every Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., for 8 weeks.