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

Using practical examples, actual stories from real investment advisers, and lists of great online resources, each lesson in this online class builds on the last to give you the clarity needed to understand investments. By the time you are done with this course, you will have found a few investments you can enjoy and you will be able to start investing right away with the assurance that you know what you're doing.

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  • 6
    Lessons
  • 8
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 12,891
    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:
4.45 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(4,361 votes)

Lesson 1: General Economic and Market Information

27 Points
We will begin with a general lesson on the economy. We will go over the four phases of an economic cycle and how inflation plays a role. We will then examine the stock market and go over the differences between exchanges and indexes, and the role of broke
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: What Mystifies Me...
  • Assessment: Lesson 1- Introduction to the Economy

Lesson 2: Building an Investment Portfolio

25 Points
In this lesson we will go over your financial and investment portfolios and what should be included. The two types of investment along with the risk/reward ratio will also be discussed.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2- Building an Investment Portfolio

Lesson 3: Common and Preferred Stocks

55 Points
In this lesson topics are covered that will help you understand stocks, which stocks to buy, when to sell, and how to make money on the stocks you decide to buy. Dividends, the market price, leading indicators and coincident indicators are also presented
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3- Common and Preferred Stocks

Lesson 4: Bond and Other Fixed Income Securities Information

30 Points
In this lesson we will go over Bonds and the benefits of other fixed income securities.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4- Understanding Bonds

Lesson 5: Mutual Funds

15 Points
In this lesson we will focus on mutual funds covering topics that will include: how to invest in mutual funds, why invest in mutual funds, how to make money with mutual funds, and strategies/ tips for success.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5- Mutual Funds

Lesson 6: Other Investments

215 Points
In this lesson we will focus on the Commodities Market and other types of investments. Topics covered will include the commodities Market vs. stock market, futures, options, and how to make money with other types of investments.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Lesson discussions: How would you rate this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 6- Other Investments
  • Assessment: Final Exam
367
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe the general economy.
  • Describe how to build an investment portfolio.
  • Compare and contrast common and preferred stocks.
  • Summarize bond and other fixed income securities information.
  • Describe the pros and cons of investing in mutual funds.
  • Describe other, more risky investment 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: 4.45 / 5 Stars (4,361 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: June 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
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.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: John Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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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.