How money works in the United States, explained from the beginning
A free video course made in Cleveland, Ohio
26 short lessons that start with opening a bank account and end with a retirement plan. Each one has a worksheet you can print or fill in on your phone.
Who it is for.Families who are new to the U.S. financial system, first-generation students, and anyone who was never taught this at home. You do not need to know anything before you start.
What it costs.Nothing. There is no account to create and nothing to buy. We do not sell financial products or earn commissions.
How families find it.Through local libraries, immigrant services organizations and law firms that share the lessons with the people they serve. Partner names: to be added
Languages.English only for now. Spanish and Arabic versions are in progress.
Where to start
Watch the introduction first. It explains how the three modules fit together and how to use the worksheets. Then go to the first lesson, Banks vs Credit Unions, which covers the choice most people make without knowing they had one.
If you only need one topic, such as reading a pay stub or filing taxes, you can start there. Nothing depends on watching the lessons in order.
The course
- Financial HardwareModule 1, 8 lessonsBanks and credit unions, checking and savings accounts, emergency funds, reading a pay stub, budgeting, tracking subscriptions, and avoiding bank fees.
- Rules of the GameModule 2, 8 lessonsHow credit and credit scores work, building credit safely, loans and paying off debt, payday loans and other debt traps, taxes, insurance, and protecting yourself from fraud.
- Growth EngineModule 3, 8 lessonsInvesting, index funds, retirement accounts like the 401(k) and Roth IRA, employer benefits, and putting it all together into a plan for the next 12 months.
From families who used it
This made investing feel understandable for the first time.
As someone new to the system here, this helped me feel more confident.
Using it in a class or program
Schools, libraries, faith groups and community programs can use any lesson or worksheet for free, in person or online. We ask two things: tell us where you are using it, so we can improve it, and do not resell it or present it as your own. The details are in Information and Policies.