How to Learn Finance: 5 Effective Learning Methods You Need to Know

After deciding to learn finance, the next thing to decide is how you want to learn. You have several options available to you to decide between.

Class types include: in-person, live online, on-demand, free resources, or certification or certificate programs. Choosing to receive certification in finance can show any future employer that you are a master in your given area. Any of these options can prepare you for one of the many career options in the financial industry. 

Enroll in In-Person Finance Classes

In-person finance classes provide the ideal learning environment for those who learn best in active and social settings. During classes, students can interact with one another throughout the course to learn from one another, and students can work 1-on-1 with the instructor to better understand financial concepts. Students can ask real-time questions about any tools or strategies brought up during class. A large part of the financial industry is working with others; in-person courses allow students to make and develop connections that can follow them into their careers. 

While everyone deals with finance in some way daily, not everyone has access to the same in-person financial courses. You will most commonly find finance courses in New York, Los Angeles, and other large cities. Some cities will focus more on stock market courses, while others will only provide personal finance classes. However, various institutions open campuses nationally and internationally for students ready to take the next step in their finance careers.

Attend Live Online Finance Classes

For some areas that may lack financial courses, professional-based courses or students who don't have the time to fit an in-person course into their schedule, there are other options to choose from. One option is live online classes. Like in-person classes, live virtual classes allow students to fully interact with their instructor and peers. The main difference is that students will attend the classes over teleconferencing software, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Students can rely on virtual tools to ask real-time questions and participate in discussions. Students can attend the course wherever they are most comfortable, like in their home or office. 

Opting to take live online classes can eliminate the commute across town, making it easier for busy professionals to still receive training. Or, it can help save some money by using the space and equipment you already own.

Sign up for On-Demand Online Finance Classes

The modern world is hectic. Take an on-demand or self-paced course if you cannot dedicate enough time to learning a new skill set due to your personal or professional commitments. You can access these courses at any time on demand, so you can learn as much or as little as you like. 

Several classes are offered for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students. Some courses are free, while others are offered cheaply, making them far more affordable than other learning methods. Since these courses are self-paced and do not require a live instructor, they are best suited to self-motivated learners. 

Instructors may be necessary to provide feedback or accountability for some students. These on-demand training classes are a great option for those who can only get time here and there or are looking for a budget-friendly option to start learning finance.

Watch Free Finance Tutorials 

Before even jumping into a course, you may want to decide which area of finance you want to enter. One way to do this is by finding free finance resources online. YouTube provides thousands of videos on financial concepts, from financial modeling to investments. These resources allow you to learn in your spare time or while working. You can listen to the video or podcast when it is most convenient. 

You can pause, rewind, and rewatch the content as often as you like without worrying about losing access to it. With platforms like YouTube, you can access it whenever and wherever you want, unless the original poster removes the video. 

However, with free resources, you will have to dig through various videos, podcasts, or articles before you find one that fits you. You also run the risk that you will be learning outdated information. The information constantly changes in financial fields like investing, and you will want to learn the most current information possible.

Explore Finance Certificates & Certification

Some financial courses go more in-depth into specific strategies or topics than others. Some of these courses will provide students with certificates of completion. These certificates will show that the student can work with those strategies, programs, or tools. Professionals applying to jobs with these certificates can show the employer that they are more qualified for a position or qualify for higher pay or a title change. 

Another way to distinguish yourself from others within the financial industry is to receive certification. To receive certification, one must have a set amount of schooling and experience and pass an exam. There are several different certifications one can pursue in the financial industry, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA). Each of these certifications has its own set of requirements to receive.