> Create a budget with tools to increase spending awareness going forward

> Organize your accounts and financial life

> Understand where to start when it comes to investing—how much, where, and how to invest

• Weekly course objectives and action plans to keep you focused

• Worksheets and checklists each week to help you execute and stay organized

• Budget and net worth spreadsheets that you can use for years to come

• Instructional videos walking you through the course material

• Essential need-to-know personal finance education

• Our best tips and best practices from almost a decade of advising hundreds of people to smartly manage their money

ESSENTIALS is designed primarily for young professionals. However, the personal finance foundations taught in this course will benefit anyone who is ready to start fresh and learn how to better manage their financial life. 

This course is for people with questions about:

• How to set actionable and achievable financial goals

• How to use your money to achieve your goals

• How to develop and stick to a budget

• How to organize your accounts and manage your financial world

• How to tackle debt

• How much you should be saving

• How to prudently invest your money

• What insurance policies you need

In nearly a decade of working as a financial planner in New York City, I’ve walked alongside hundreds of people and helped them navigate the art and science of managing their money and dreams. This course distills into one package the essential answers to the most common questions and needs I’ve seen over the years.

I’ve been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and other publications, with a focus on elevating financial literacy in our communities and the behavioral side of money.

I am a fee-only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a CPA, and the founder of Ford Financial Solutions, LLC in New York City. I specialize in working with young professionals and couples navigating the many life transitions that occur in their 20s and 30s.

Read Julie’s full bio here.

PART 1: Creating a Net Worth Statement

• Determine your net worth.

• Learn the essentials of credit reports and scores.

PART 2: Money & Your Values

• Understand what influences your financial decisions.

• Establish your guiding values regarding money.

PART 3: SETTING Goals

• Set financial goals.

• Learn the top three foundational goals to prioritize.

• Learn how to balance savings and debt.

PART 4: CreatE a BUDGET

• Learn the essentials of budgeting.

• Create a budget.

PART 5: Spending Awareness & getting Specific with Goals

• Learn to use Mint to track your budget.

• Learn to adjust your spending and savings to achieve your goals.

PART 6: account Organization & setting habits

• Organize your bank and investment accounts.

• Establish healthy money habits.

BONUS MATERIAL

• BONUS 1: Must-Have Insurance Policies

• BONUS 2: Student Loans 101

• BONUS 3: Investing 101

• BONUS 4: Life Insurance 101

Do you offer refunds?

Absolutely. We will offer a full refund to individuals who complete the entire course and are not satisfied. Please provide us with your completed checklists, worksheets, and spreadsheets (within 2 weeks of completing the course) and share your feedback, and we’ll be happy to offer a full refund.

How much time should I budget each week?

We recommend budgeting 30-60 minutes for each module. You will receive two modules per week so about 1 or 2 hours of work a week in total, though it will vary week by week. We suggest finding a consistent day and time of the week where you can sit down and dive into the content. The course will last about 3 weeks if you stick to our recommended timing.

What if I have questions during the course?

Email hello@fordfinancialsolutions.com with any technical or content-related questions at any time during the course. We will answer any clarifying questions about the content, though we will not be able to address questions about your unique situation. At the end of the course, you can engage Julie or Tony for a one-on-one planning session at a discounted rate to tie up loose ends and answer any lingering questions about how the content applies to your unique situation.

How is the class delivered?

The course content is delivered through email and tutorial videos. You will receive two modules a week with specific assignments in each email with any spreadsheets, worksheets, checklists, and education content attached to the email.

What if I need help after I complete the course?

For those who complete the course and all course materials—checklists, worksheets, spreadsheets—you may engage Julie or Tony for a one-on-one planning session at a discounted rate. Prior to the call, they will review your course work and questions and will come prepared to provide immediate recommendations and guidance unique to your situation.

How long do I have access to the materials?

All content is delivered by email, so just save the emails and you’ll always be able to reference the material in the future. You will have access to course videos for 12 months.