Online Class: Investing 101 — Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds

Through real-world lessons and success stories, this course turns you into a savvy investor capable of navigating stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and alternative investments. With insights into economic forces and market mechanisms, you can confidently craft a portfolio that aligns with your financial goals.

$95.00
no certificate
- OR -
$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 6
    Lessons
  • 12
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 13,256
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 4
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.4
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Unlocking your financial potential doesn't have to feel like unraveling a mystery. The stock market might seem intimidating with its ups, downs, and ever-evolving complexities, but here's the reality: with the right knowledge, you can confidently navigate this world and make it work for you. Imagine having the tools, strategies, and insights that put you in control, knowing when to strike and when to hold back-empowered to grow your wealth and secure your financial future. This is exactly what our course offers, and it's designed to turn you into the savvy investor you've always wanted to be.

Whether you're looking to protect your hard-earned savings or accelerate your growth, the stock market has endless opportunities. But without the right guidance, it can feel like you're wandering through a maze. That's why we've created this course-not to hand you vague tips or gimmicks, but to arm you with the same principles used by the world's most successful investors.

Now, why should you invest at all? Well, history speaks for itself. Since its inception, the S&P 500 has delivered average annual returns of 10-12%. While nothing in the stock market is guaranteed, these numbers show the tremendous potential that smart investing can offer. Imagine what you could do with the right strategy, a solid plan, and the knowledge to put them into action.

In this course, you'll get everything you need to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling empowered. You'll not only learn about the stock market, but you'll master it-on your terms. We break everything down into easy-to-understand, real-world lessons that bring the stock market to life.

The Journey You'll Embark On:

First, you'll dive into the heartbeat of the market: how economies work. What drives a bull market? What causes a recession? You'll analyze real-world events, like the 2008 financial crisis, so you can see exactly how markets react and recover. Understanding these big-picture forces will give you a major advantage, helping you predict, plan, and act accordingly.

Then, you'll learn the art of building a balanced investment portfolio-tailored specifically to your financial goals. Meet Jane, a 30-year-old professional who took what she learned in this course and built a rock-solid portfolio, balancing her short-term goals with long-term growth. You'll see how she did it, and more importantly, how you can too.

You'll then step into the exciting world of stocks. What's the difference between common and preferred stocks, and why does it matter? You'll break down real examples, like why tech giants such as Apple remain hot picks, while also discovering the hidden perks of preferred stocks offered by financial institutions like Wells Fargo. By the end of this lesson, you'll be equipped to choose stocks with confidence, knowing exactly how to maximize your returns.

But investing is more than just stocks. You'll also gain deep insights into bonds and fixed-income securities, powerful tools for stabilizing your portfolio. You'll explore how U.S. Treasury Bonds performed during economic downturns and why they're a go-to safety net for investors.

And what about mutual funds? These can simplify your investment approach and provide steady growth. You'll learn why the Vanguard 500 Index Fund has been a favorite for decades, and more importantly, how to select mutual funds that work for you, not the other way around.

Lastly, you'll explore the thrilling world of alternative investments-from real estate to commodities to ETFs. This isn't just theory; you'll dive into real-life success stories and strategies that work in today's market. By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of not just one investment path, but a full arsenal of options, ready to craft the perfect portfolio for your future.

Why Should You Trust Us?

We provide you with more than just lessons; we offer a transformation. With our curated online resources, real-world examples, and actionable insights, you'll have everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. This course is designed to make sure you walk away with not just knowledge, but the confidence to put that knowledge into action.

As Warren Buffett once said, "The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient." With the right tools and understanding, you don't have to be impatient. You can let your wealth grow, steadily and surely, with strategies you've honed in this course.

So ask yourself: are you ready to stop guessing and start investing wisely? Are you ready to take control of your financial future and turn your ambitions into reality? The journey starts here. Join us, and step confidently into your role as a master of the stock market. Your future self will thank you.

Course Motivation

Are you ready to stop feeling uncertain about your financial future and finally take control of your investments? Imagine confidently making decisions in the stock market, knowing you're on solid ground, while others are making costly mistakes. This course is your gateway to that kind of financial empowerment-it's not just about learning the stock market, it's about transforming your financial journey.

Too many people dive into investing without the right knowledge, only to regret it later. But you don't have to be one of them. In this course, we don't promise "fool-proof" gimmicks or get-rich-quick schemes. We deliver something far more valuable: the real, time-tested principles that lead to long-term success. And by the end of it, you'll have everything you need to make smart, well-informed decisions and avoid the traps that trip up so many would-be investors.

Here's the truth: no one can guarantee success in the stock market, but what you can guarantee is that with the right foundation, you'll be equipped to navigate the ups and downs. This course walks you through exactly how the economy works, how the stock market fits into it, and most importantly, how to build a resilient portfolio that can weather any storm.

You'll get hands-on lessons in understanding economic cycles, knowing when to buy and sell, and how to evaluate your investment choices with confidence. In today's financial world, where the stakes are higher than ever, having this knowledge is no longer optional-it's essential. Who better to trust with your hard-earned money than yourself, equipped with the right skills?

Here's what you'll master:

  • Economic Insights: Uncover the four phases of the economic cycle and how inflation impacts your investments. This isn't dry theory; it's a roadmap to making informed decisions at every market turn.

  • Building a Winning Portfolio: Learn the art of constructing a robust financial portfolio. You'll understand the difference between high-risk and low-risk investments, and how to balance them to meet your financial goals.

  • Stock Mastery: Learn how to choose the right stocks, when to sell, and how to maximize your returns. We'll demystify common and preferred stocks, dividends, and even leading market indicators-everything you need to know to make your stock strategy bulletproof.

  • Bonds & Fixed-Income Investments: Not every investment is high-risk. Dive into the world of bonds and fixed-income securities to add stability to your portfolio.

  • Mutual Funds Simplified: Mutual funds can be a great investment option, and you'll learn exactly why. From strategies to insider tips, you'll walk away knowing how to make mutual funds work for you.

  • Commodities & Alternative Investments: Expand your horizons beyond stocks and bonds. Gain a solid understanding of the commodities market, futures, options, and other alternative investments.

By the time you finish this course, you'll not only understand the stock market-you'll own your financial future. You'll be able to confidently manage your investments and safeguard your assets. This isn't just education, it's empowerment. The next step toward financial freedom is right here. Don't miss out on the opportunity to secure your future-take control now!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(4,408 votes)
  • Lesson 1. Understanding Economic Cycles and Market Trends

    Investing is a lifelong learning journey that prepares you to make informed decisions but doesn't guarantee immediate success, as exemplified by the tech boom's collapse in 2000. This course aims to equip you with market fundamentals, enabling you to make sound investment choices amid market volatility.
  • Lesson 2. Investment Portfolios: A Planner's Guide

    Investment portfolios should include ownership and loanership investments, mutual funds, and ETFs to balance potential high returns and risks. Diversification helps mitigate risks, as exemplified by scenarios like the 2008 financial crisis.
  • Lesson 3. Navigating Investment Choices: A Deep Dive into Stock Types

    Investing wisely involves recognizing and avoiding false promises from those claiming foolproof profit systems, and instead leaning on reliable investment advice. Beginners can effectively enter the market by starting with blue-chip stocks and diversifying across sectors for a stable portfolio.
  • Lesson 4. Mastering Bonds for Financial Security and Growth

    This guide delves into bonds as a tool for achieving financial stability, stressing their predictability and reduced risk. With strategies like laddering and careful selection based on bond ratings, investors can enhance returns while mitigating risk.
  • Lesson 5. Understanding and Profiting from Mutual Funds

    Mutual funds are professionally managed investment baskets that pool resources from multiple investors to ensure diversified and stable returns, appealing to both new and experienced investors. They offer varying exposure, from global markets to specific sectors, allowing tailored investment strategies.
  • Lesson 6. Alternative Investments Unveiled

    Expanding investment horizons beyond traditional assets, you can explore diverse opportunities like futures, options, real estate, and hedge funds, each with its unique risks and rewards. Understanding these complex investments is crucial to minimizing risk while maximizing potential returns.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define and explain the four phases of the economic cycle: growth, peak, contraction, and trough, using historical examples to illustrate each phase.
  • Define the four phases of the economic cycle and provide examples of each phase based on historical events.
  • Identify and analyze trends in the stock market by examining factors that influence market dynamics, including economic indicators, company performance, and global events.
  • Define key components of a diversified investment portfolio and explain their roles in achieving financial goals.
  • Identify different types of investment strategies and assess their suitability based on personal risk tolerance and financial objectives.
  • Describe the key differences between common and preferred stocks, including aspects of ownership, voting rights, dividends, and investment risks.
  • Identify and explain the functions of bid, ask, and last prices in stock trading and how they affect buying and selling decisions.
  • Define key characteristics and functions of bonds and fixed income securities, including their role in providing stability and predictable income in investment portfolios.
  • Demonstrate the capability to create and evaluate a bond ladder strategy, illustrating its benefits for mitigating inflation risk and optimizing income returns over time.
  • Describe how mutual funds provide diversification and professional management to minimize investment risks and enhance returns.
  • Identify different types of mutual funds and their investment strategies to match specific investor goals and risk tolerances.
  • Define the concept of futures and describe how futures contracts can hedge against price volatility in commodity trading.
  • Identify the risks and benefits of using options as an investment strategy and demonstrate understanding by analyzing potential scenarios using call and put options.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Investing 101: Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds
Course Number: 8900061
Lessons Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars (4,408 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: June 2024
CEU Value: 0.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: John Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$120
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

Student Testimonials

  • "The course is put together in an easy-to-understand format. The subject is complicated so simplifying it while providing important basic knowledge is important. Well done." -- Jessica R.
  • "This course was super helpful and put me down a path of financial freedom. I learned so much from this course and happy that I took it!" -- Scott H.
  • "Instructor has abundant knowledge on this subject and would like to thank him for sharing his knowledge." -- Aganalakshmi N.
  • "One of the best courses I have taken. Great work here." -- Mickey B.
  • "Excellent content easy to follow and understand, for a beginner." -- Alexandria M.
  • "Great course, great instructor." -- Lydia S.
  • "The instructor was very helpful." -- Christopher H.
  • "Actually the entire course was quite informative, I learnt quite a lot." -- Christopher H.
  • "A very comprehensive introductory course." -- Joe C.
  • "In general the organization of topics was very helpful." -- Joe C.