About the course
Want to gain nsight into how the financial services industry operates and how you can transact business with knowledge and confidence? Our free course Managing My Financial Journey is just for you.
We've collated a range of free content for you to take your learning further on this crucial subject.
Whether you're taking this free course on FutureLearn or would like to view a variety of related content on OpenLearn, we've gathered a range of academic articles, videos, podcasts and relevant free courses to support your learning and give you a wider perspective on this fascinating subject.
Preparation
Before you start this course you may want to brush up on your Maths, English or Study Skills with our range of free courses.
Become an OU student of Finance
The Open University offers a range of degree courses and modules in Business and Finance as well as a MSc in Finance.
To find out more about our range of short courses starting from £160 visit our short courses page.
Not ready for that step? Take a look at our free OpenLearn courses on this subject.
Before the course starts
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Take your learning further with our free resources
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The financial markets context
How do financial markets match providers with users, and how efficiently does the market determine prices? Can investors rely on notoriously volatile stock markets to function efficiently? It can be difficult to determine whether successful investments are a matter of skill or luck. In this free course, The financial markets context, you will interrogate whether markets can function efficiently, and what factors might militate against this. You will also learn the importance of the Efficient Markets Hypothesis.
Learn moreThe financial markets contextLevel: 3 Advanced
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The financial crash: Could it happen again?
Surely the financial collapse of 2008 will be the crash to end all crashes... right? Alan Shipman isn't so sure.
Read nowThe financial crash: Could it happen again?Level: 1 Introductory
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The banking crisis: cause and effect
Autumn 2008 witnessed a global financial crisis with governments worldwide taking emergency action to prevent a collapse of the banking system. The aftermath of the worst financial crisis since the 1930s saw economic activity slump. In the UK, higher unemployment, falling house prices and a sharp increase in government debt proved to be the alarming legacy of the near implosion of the banking system. This fascinating insight into the downfall of the global financial markets gives us a clear understanding of where it all went wrong. This material forms part of The Open University course DB234 Personal investment in an uncertain world
Listen nowThe banking crisis: cause and effectLevel: 1 Introductory
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The hidden cost of home ownership
Bricks and mortar - are they really the best place to stash your money? Or are there downsides to using your nest as your nest-egg?
Read nowThe hidden cost of home ownershipLevel: 1 Introductory
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Investment risk
Risk, in a financial context, is a synonym for uncertainty. This free course will allow those with some background knowledge of the area to explore investment risk. You will examine how and why investors are risk-averse and look at the risk factors involved in making a decision to invest.
Learn moreInvestment riskLevel: 3 Advanced
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Risk will return
Is it too much to expect that the new financial system will be fundamentally less accident-prone than the old?
Read nowRisk will returnLevel: 1 Introductory
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Have we got Wonga wrong? A defence of payday loans
The case against payday lenders has been made solidly over the last few years, and some have tried to clean up their businesses. Christopher Mallon believes we shouldn't overlook the valuable role they can play in helping some people budget.
Read nowHave we got Wonga wrong? A defence of payday loans -
Over-sold, over-priced?
Faced with burgeoning debts, millions of borrowers have taken out payment protection insurance (PPI) to provide the upkeep of payments on loans, mortgages and other commitments in the event of accident, sickness or unemployment. But just how much protection do the policies provide?
Read nowOver-sold, over-priced?Level: 1 Introductory
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How much is that mortgage in the window?
As the credit crunch continues to hit borrowers, Martin Upton asks "How much is that mortgage in the window?"
Read nowHow much is that mortgage in the window?Level: 1 Introductory
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The pensions timebomb
Over the last three decades major events, scandals and regulations have shocked the pension system. Have the public lost faith in occupational and private pensions? Should the state pension be enough to see us through our old age? And with the non-working to working ratio continuing to rapidly increase, who will pay? We hear from those that were directly affected by the scandals of the 90's and the collapse in private pensions since - and from the experts whose job it is to help us make provisions for old age. This material forms part of The Open University course DB234 Personal investment in an uncertain world
Listen nowThe pensions timebombLevel: 1 Introductory
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Hints on how to invest
Some hints and tips on investment from Janette Rutterford.
Read nowHints on how to investLevel: 1 Introductory
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Equity finance
Private equity, venture capital, stock exchange listing: all are methods of raising equity finance. This free course looks at the processes used and the markets available across the world for raising such finance, as well as looking into the reasons why some companies choose cross-listing on stock exchanges.
Learn moreEquity financeLevel: 3 Advanced
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Estimating the cost of equity
This free course, Estimating the cost of equity, looks at how to estimate the cost of equity using the dividend valuation model (DVM) and the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), and how to evaluate the use of the DVM and the CAPM from a financial and strategic perspective. It then explores the implications regarding selection of the inputs to the DVM and CAPM and assesses the implications of using the beta measure in the CAPM.
Learn moreEstimating the cost of equityLevel: 3 Advanced
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The new politics of banking
From ‘light touch’ to ‘durable’: we look at the new politics of banking
Read nowThe new politics of bankingLevel: 1 Introductory
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Understanding and managing risk
This free course, Understanding and managing risk, provides an introduction to financial risk management. The processes of risk identification, risk measurement and risk management are explored. The course then goes on to examine reputational risk and operational risk. It concludes with an examination of the subject of behavioural finance and what this can contribute to our understanding of risk taking and risk management.
Learn moreUnderstanding and managing riskLevel: 3 Advanced
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How was the recession for you?
Bankers, lawyers, accountants and estate agents did OK, so did those reliant on the state pension, but most of the rest of us didn’t, reports Dick Skellington.
Read nowHow was the recession for you? -
Managing my investments
Gain the skills to manage your investments: analyse portfolio risk and plan your pension, with this free online course.
Learn moreManaging my investmentsLevel: 1 Introductory
Preparation for study
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Succeed with maths – Part 1
If you feel that maths is a mystery that you want to unravel then this short course is for you.
Read moreSucceed with maths – Part 1 -
Essay and report writing skills
Writing reports and assignments can be a daunting prospect. Learn how to interpret questions and how to plan, structure and write your assignment or report. This free course, Essay and report writing skills, is designed to help you develop the skills you need to write effectively for academic purposes.
Learn moreEssay and report writing skillsLevel: 1 Introductory
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Reading and note taking – preparation for study
Reading and note taking are two essential study skills. How do you read? This free course, Reading and note taking preparation for study, will introduce you to different techniques to help you to alter the way you read according to the type of material you are studying. You will also learn the techniques behind successful note taking and how to apply them to your own notes.
Learn moreReading and note taking – preparation for studyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Badges come to OpenLearn
Using our free courses and want to show others what you've learned? We've got great news for you...
Read nowBadges come to OpenLearn
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