How to Learn Finance Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning finance is no different.Finance is the management and study of money. It deals with borrowing, saving, budgeting, lending, forecasting, and investing, among many other uses. If you’ve always wanted to learn finance, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your options are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that suits your lifestyle and needs best. 

What is Finance?

In its most basic definition, finance is the management of money. Finance includes investing, lending, budgeting, borrowing, saving, forecasting, and studying money. There are multiple areas of finance, including personal, corporate, and public finance. 

Personal finance deals with keeping your debt down, budgeting, growing your assets, and increasing cash flow, among others. The three main types of corporate finance are capital budgeting, capital structure, and dividend policy. Among the significant concerns of public finance are the budgeting process and an entity’s revenue source. 

Read more about what finance is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Finance?

At its root, finance deals with managing money. This includes investing, saving, budgeting, forecasting, borrowing, and lending. Here are three solid career paths to follow with a firm understanding of finance.

• Accountant - This lucrative field is ideal for anyone with a love of numbers, though it is not necessary to be successful. Within a company, an accountant often creates, interprets, and analyzes a wide range of financial statements. Company accountants and management come together as partners to create budgets. Finally, accountants handle the tax matters of a company, including filing returns and planning out tax liabilities.

• Business Development Officer - Companies hire Business Development Officers to develop and execute strategies that lead to increased sales and higher profits. These officers also seek out business opportunities and secure the best business deals. They are responsible for negotiating deals and meeting with potential investors.

• Financial Data Analyst - These professionals analyze data to assist financial institutions in making better business decisions. Among their numerous responsibilities is compiling information from different divisions of a company. These analysts also look for ways to improve the company's current methods of data collection.

Live Online Finance Training

Virtual training is a popular alternative to in-person courses for many reasons. The online format allows students flexibility in where they choose to learn that in-person training does not. You can take classes from the comfort of your couch, or anywhere you prefer. This virtual learning route is especially attractive for those looking to avoid a classroom commute and people residing in areas that do not have in-person options. A few drawbacks to this learning style are that some students find a home environment too distracting to learn, and they feel they need in-person interaction to thrive. 

If you find online learning fits your learning style, Noble Desktop and other course providers offer numerous live online finance classes. A number of these courses provide in-person and online instruction options. Many of the Noble Desktop courses take place at its Madison Avenue campus in New York City, though you can also take these courses online from wherever you choose.

• Financial Analyst Training Program - Noble Desktop’s Financial Analysis Training Program is a seven-day bootcamp where knowledge of finance or accounting is helpful but not required. In this bootcamp, you'll learn core Excel skills, Advanced Excel for financial modeling, and corporate finance. 

• Financial Modeling Bootcamp - Noble's Financial Modeling Bootcamp is an intensive financial modeling class where you'll learn finance and accounting concepts and skills. During the class, your Excel skills will grow from beginner to advanced. For this course, prior financial knowledge helps, but it is not required. Please see the full course listing for details on prerequisites or their equivalent.

• Python for Finance Bootcamp - This bootcamp by Noble Desktop is designed for Risk Managers, Portfolio Managers, Financial Analysts, other finance professionals, and anyone looking to start a career in finance technology and data analysis. You will learn the major Python financial libraries to gather and manipulate financial data. You will also learn to apply statistical measures like linear regression to financial uses such as stock prices. Please see the complete course listing for information on prerequisites.

Another finance-related course to consider is Noble Desktop’s FinTech Bootcamp. 

On-Demand Finance Classes

Today, everyone is living hectic lives. If your personal and professional responsibilities are currently too much to set aside enough time to learn a new skill set, then an on-demand or self-paced finance training option could be the right fit for you. Whenever the time is right, you can access these courses on demand, giving you the freedom to learn as much or as little as you prefer during each session. 

Offerings are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. While free courses are available, others are offered at a low rate, making them much more affordable than other learning routes. Since these courses are self-paced without a live instructor, they best fit students who can self-motivate. 

Some students may find the need for an instructor to provide feedback or accountability. For others who can only carve out time here and there or are looking for a budget-friendly option to start learning finance, these on-demand classes are an excellent alternative to real-time courses.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

If you need more time before jumping in and committing to an entire course but are still looking for an overview of the subject, you can start learning about finance for free online. Check out Noble Desktop's YouTube page to expand your skill set and gain valuable insights.

Other course providers with free online finance classes include Udemy and New York Institute of Finance through edX. You'll learn how to understand an estate plan, the cost of capital, and corporate funding alternatives, to name a few.

Read about more free finance videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

When deciding which finance training format best suits your learning style, it's important to study and compare the different methods.

The most engaging and interactive training methods are live online and in-person classes. Both formats are taught by expert live instructors. You can ask these instructors questions in real time and receive immediate feedback. Additionally, you will receive guidance about building your portfolio and have the chance to interact with peers also interested in learning finance.

Live in-person training offers additional benefits. Being face-to-face with other students allows for better networking opportunities, and the computer labs where you learn have the most up-to-date software. Many students find this style to be the most beneficial.

Now more than ever, live online training is a highly sought-after learning avenue for students. People appreciate the lack of a commute to class and the ability to learn from wherever they choose. For many, learning from the comfort of home is appealing and incredibly effective in how they absorb new information. 

Usually the most affordable option, on-demand learning is a great way to begin studying the basics of finance. While this option is more budget-friendly, you won't receive many of the benefits of live instruction. 

6 Tips to Succeed When Learning Finance Online

There is much to consider when deciding between learning finance online or in person. While fully remote training offers several unique advantages like learning from the comfort of your own home, time saved due to no commute, and money saved on gas and lack of vehicle wear and tear, there are downsides—specifically, the lack of in-person engagement with your peers and instructors. 

Even if online learning checks all your unique boxes, implementing a system that sets you up for success is still a good idea. Here are six tips to help you succeed and get the most out of online learning. 

1. Create a home training environment optimized for learning. Everyone learns differently online, but using a smartphone instead of a laptop or desktop computer is not the best route. If sitting on your couch with your laptop works for you and you're not distracted by family or the temptation to flip on the television, this space may be ideal. On the other hand, if you're easily distracted, setting up a dedicated learning space will allow you to focus and use your time to dial in on your lessons.

2. Once you receive your course syllabus, schedule time to complete your assignments. Creating a schedule will get you in the habit of completing your work as it's due; this way, you will stay caught up. Online learning from home is a lot like having a remote job. Time management is essential, and you'll need to avoid distractions like your loved ones and electronics. Make a plan, stick to it, and you'll succeed.

3. Stay organized. Just as you organize your schedule to complete your assignments on time, organize your notes in a way that works best for you. Popular options are organizing them visually, by topic, or chronologically.

4. Take advantage of your enrollment to network with your peers. Sure, if you're learning online, you won't have the chance to interact with them in person, but virtual interactions can form relationships that last and benefit you in your future job search and career. One idea is to assemble a small study group that meets online. Use the time to benefit from your peers' insights and to build relationships.

5. Set time aside to study by yourself. While networking and working with a study group is highly beneficial, so is learning on your own. Studying deeply and solving problems this way will give you confidence that will benefit you instantly and during your career. If you have any questions about the lesson, ask your instructor or one of your peers.

6. Reward yourself. Taking online classes on top of your already busy life is no small thing. Making sure you get enough rest, eat right, and reward yourself with self-care can motivate you to keep going and reduce any stress you may feel from day-to-day life. 

Key Takeaways

• Finance is the management and study of money, including aspects like:
• Borrowing
• Saving
• Budgeting
• Lending 
• Forecasting
• Investing
• Learning online provides various resources:
• Free tutorials
• Seminars
• Live Online Training
• Tips to be successful with online learning:
• Create a home learning environment
• Create a schedule
• Stay Organized
• Network with peers
• Set aside study time
• Reward Yourself

Learn Finance with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Some believe the only way to learn finance, whether for a career or personal benefit, is through a lengthy, time-consuming degree program. Luckily, there are many alternatives. Many people feel the bootcamp or certificate training model is the superior path.

As a premier provider of online education, Noble Desktop provides multiple ways to learn finance. They offer numerous thoughtful educational options to expand your finance skill set quickly, whether you're new to the field, already working in finance, or in a position that requires a deep understanding of it. Here are some of Noble Desktop's most popular programs.

• FinTech Bootcamp - Taught by expert instructors, this extensive FinTech bootcamp is intended for beginners. You can complete this course in four weeks full-time or four months part-time. Among the topics covered are the fundamentals of Python, data structures, and how to use SQL to query databases.

• Python for Finance Bootcamp - This 18-hour detailed Python for Finance Bootcamp is designed for Risk Managers, Financial Analysts, Portfolio Managers, and those seeking a career in finance technology and data analysis. Students will learn the major Python financial libraries, how to analyze financial statements from the SEC website, and how to apply statistical measures.
  
  
• Financial Analyst Training Program - While some knowledge of accounting and finance is helpful for this seven-day Financial Analyst Training Program, it is not necessary nor required. If you're looking to carve out a career path at a top financial firm, this bootcamp is the most effective and affordable course to learn these skills.

Other Noble Desktop courses to consider are the Premiere Pro Bootcamp, Video Editing Certificate, and Premiere Pro classes and bootcamps.