Welcome Message

Hello and welcome to the course! My name is Kevin, and I’m both the author of the textbook we’ll be using and your instructor for this class. I’m excited to guide you through this journey, and I want to start by sharing a bit about myself to help you feel comfortable and connected.

My professional path began in Silicon Valley, where I worked as a software engineer and quickly moved into leadership roles, managing global teams and launching innovative products. After years of experience in startups and corporations, I decided to pursue an MBA at the University of Oxford, which broadened my horizons and gave me a global perspective on business and finance.

Over the years, I’ve explored entrepreneurial ventures, including a thriving Airbnb business and house flipping projects. These days, I’m focused on helping Americans find their dream homes in Mexico, assisting them with purchasing and remodeling properties to create vacation homes or permanent residences. I’m also working on developing boutique hotels in Mexico, blending my love for travel and design with my entrepreneurial spirit.

Speaking of travel, it’s one of my greatest passions. I’ve visited over 80 countries, from hiking in Norway and Argentina to relaxing on the stunning beaches of the Maldives. I’ve had the privilege of earning elite status with airlines, hotels, and credit cards, which has taught me how to travel luxuriously without overspending. I’m always happy to share tips on earning rewards, getting upgrades, and making the most of travel perks, so don’t hesitate to ask!

But the most meaningful part of my life now is being a father. I have two wonderful toddlers, Luana and Ono, who are my new inspiration and the motivation behind this book. Their curiosity and energy remind me to keep learning and growing every day. I’m dedicating this book to them in the hope that it will inspire others to embrace knowledge and opportunities with the same joy and enthusiasm.

I’d also like to express my gratitude to Professor Jose Nava at Foothill College, whose encouragement and support inspired me to write this book. His guidance has been invaluable, and I hope to bring the same level of dedication and support to you throughout this course.

This course and textbook are designed to make finance relatable and practical, helping you connect concepts to real-world applications. Whether you’re here to enhance your personal finances, work toward career goals, or simply explore the subject, I’m here to help every step of the way.

Let’s make this quarter both productive and enjoyable, and I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you!

Purpose of This Course and Textbook

This textbook and course were designed with three key goals in mind:

• Make Finance Personal and Honest
  • Money is tied to stress, family, freedom, fear, and opportunity. We won’t shy away from that. You’ll learn how to make financial decisions that reflect your values, not just what a textbook says is “right.”
• Make Knowledge Affordable
  • This is a 100% free and open textbook. You don’t need to buy anything. Every reading, video, and quiz is designed to be clear, helpful, and respectful of your time and budget.
• Make Learning Practical
  • This isn’t a math class. It’s a life class. We’ll talk about budgeting, credit cards, loans, rent, insurance, taxes, and saving for the future—things you’ll face no matter what career path you take.

Course Overview

This course will walk you through twelve chapters of personal finance topics, each designed to give you insight and control over different areas of your financial life.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• • Chapter 1: Financial Goals & Planning

    Create meaningful goals and learn how to make a plan that supports your life.

  • Chapter 2: Behavioral Finance

    Learn how psychology, emotions, and habits affect your money decisions.

  • Chapter 3: Budgeting & Spending Plans

    Build a realistic, flexible budget that actually works for you—not against you.

  • Chapter 4: Financial Statements for Individuals

    Understand your personal balance sheet, net worth, and cash flow.

  • Chapter 5: Credit and Debt

    Demystify credit scores, cards, and loans—and learn how to use them wisely.

  • Chapter 6: Saving and Emergency Funds

    Prepare for the unexpected while building habits that support long-term goals.

  • Chapter 7: Taxes

    Learn how to read a paycheck, file taxes, and avoid common filing mistakes.

  • Chapter 8: Insurance

    Explore how insurance protects your health, family, and finances.

  • Chapter 9: Investing Basics

    Understand stocks, bonds, and mutual funds—even if you’ve never invested before.

  • Chapter 10: Retirement Planning & Life Stages

    Think long-term about saving for the future—even if retirement feels far away.

  • Chapter 11: Financial Life Events

    Prepare for big milestones like marriage, kids, divorce, buying a home, or changing jobs.

  • Chapter 12 (Bonus): AI and the Future of Finance

    Explore how tools like ChatGPT can help you make smarter financial decisions and save time.

Alignment with the Quarter

• • 12-Week Format: Each chapter will be covered in order over the first 11 weeks, with the final week (Week 12) reserved for an exam or project that ties all concepts together.
  • 6-Week Format: Each week will cover two chapters in order, doubling the load but maintaining the same emphasis and flow.

Student Takeaways

By the end of this course, you will:

• • Feel more confident managing your own money, no matter your income level.

  • Understand how your personal values shape your financial decisions.

  • Be equipped to handle emergencies, reduce debt, and build savings.

  • Know how to talk about money with partners, family, or employers.

  • Leave with a clear action plan—not just for this class, but for your life.

Learning Objectives

You’ll walk away with the ability to:

• • Create personal and family financial goals and plans

  • Analyze how money impacts stress, relationships, and wellbeing

  • Build and maintain a household budget

  • Apply time value of money to life events (like loans, savings, retirement)

  • Understand taxes, paychecks, and withholdings

  • Track net worth and financial progress using basic statements

  • Compare insurance, credit, and investment options

  • Design a personal financial plan that evolves as your life does

With these objectives in mind, the textbook and course materials are designed to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed—not just in this class, but in applying finance to your future goals.

Student Expectations

This class is for everyone—whether you love math or hate it, whether you’ve had savings for years or live paycheck to paycheck. The key to success? Consistency and curiosity.

Here’s how to do well:

• • Build a Weekly Habit
    Set aside time each week to check in. The work is manageable—but only if you don’t fall behind.
  • Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
    Money stress comes from surprises. So does class stress. Give yourself time to absorb and reflect.
  • Make It Personal
    This class is about your money. Apply lessons to your life. Run the numbers. Ask the questions that matter to you.
  • Talk to Your Classmates
    Finance affects everyone—but not in the same way. Learn from each other. Be respectful. You’ll grow faster that way.
  • Ask for Help
    There’s no shame in not knowing. We’re all figuring things out—including me. Reach out, post questions, and let’s learn together.

Final Thought

You don’t need to be perfect to succeed in this course—or in life.

You just need to show up, stay curious, and be willing to change.

Let’s do this together.