Financial Literacy Bootcamp
Workshop Hosted By:
Washington State University
TRIO Student Support Services
Scheduled: Jan 24th, & 31st, Feb 7th & 14th, Feb 28th
TBD PM - TBD PM Pacific (Each Day)

This comprehensive workshop series is designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the world of personal finance.
From avoiding common financial pitfalls in college to building and maintaining great credit, this course covers topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and creating income through employment or freelance work.
With practical insights and strategies, students will gain the confidence to make informed financial decisions, setting a strong foundation for their future financial success.
What You’ll Learn:
Financial Pitfalls to Avoid While in College
Creating Income via Employment or Freelance Work
Optimal Budgeting and Saving
Investing for the Future
How to Build and Maintain Great Credit
ABOUT IRIS READING

IRIS is the largest and most trusted provider of speed-reading and memory training. Our workshops have been taught worldwide to more than 1 Million+ students, professionals and lifelong learners.
IRIS classes have been hosted by hundreds of colleges and universities, including Harvard, Stanford and the University of Chicago. Our courses have also been customized for executives at organizations that include NASA, Google, LinkedIn, Fidelity Investments, Northern Trust, among many other Fortune 500 companies.
WORKSHOP AGENDA:
Session 1 – Financial Pitfalls to Avoid While In College
I. Introduction to the module
- Importance of financial awareness for college students
- Common financial pitfalls faced by students
II. Managing student loans and debt
- Understanding different types of student loans
- Borrowing responsibly and avoiding excessive debt
- Repayment options and strategies
III. Budgeting and spending wisely
- Tracking expenses and creating a budget
- Identifying wants vs. needs
- Strategies for reducing expenses
IV. Avoiding credit card traps
- Understanding credit card terms and fees
- Responsible credit card usage
- Building credit while in college
V. Resources and support for financial difficulties
- Campus resources for financial assistance
- Scholarships, grants, and part-time jobs
- Seeking professional financial advice when needed
Session 2 – Creating Income via Employment or Freelance Work
I. Introduction to the module
- The value of earning income while in college
- Different employment and freelance opportunities for students
II. Finding and securing part-time jobs
- Exploring on-campus employment options
- Off-campus job search strategies
- Interview tips and resume writing
III. Building a successful freelance career
- Identifying marketable skills and talents
- Creating a portfolio and online presence
- Pricing strategies and negotiating contracts
IV. Balancing work and academics
- Time management techniques
- Establishing boundaries and setting priorities
- Leveraging work experience for future career prospects
V. Entrepreneurship and starting a business
- Generating business ideas
- Understanding startup costs and funding options
- Navigating legal requirements and regulations
Session 3 – Optimal Budgeting & Saving
I. Introduction to the module
- Importance of budgeting and saving for financial stability
- The power of compound interest
II. Creating a personal budget
- Determining income sources
- Categorizing expenses and setting financial goals
- Tracking and adjusting the budget
III. Strategies for reducing expenses
- Cutting back on non-essential spending
- Saving on housing and transportation costs
- Meal planning and smart shopping
IV. Building an emergency fund
- Setting savings targets and priorities
- Choosing the right savings account
- Strategies for consistent saving
V. Long-term financial goals and investments
- Retirement planning for students
- Exploring investment options
- Understanding risk and return
Session 4 – Investing for the Future
I. Introduction to the module
- The importance of investing for long-term financial goals
- Basic investment concepts and terminology
II. Types of investment vehicles
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
- Real estate and property investment
- Investing in index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
III. Creating an investment portfolio
- Asset allocation strategies
- Diversification and risk management
- Regular portfolio evaluation and rebalancing
IV. Tax-efficient investing
- Understanding tax implications of investments
- Utilizing tax-advantaged accounts
- Tax-loss harvesting and other strategies
V. Investment research and resources
- Conducting fundamental and technical analysis
- Evaluating investment opportunities and risks
- Utilizing financial tools and platforms
Session 5 – How to Build and Maintain Great Credit
I. Introduction to the module
- The importance of credit in personal finance
- Benefits of having good credit
II. Understanding credit scores and reports
- Components of a credit score
- Obtaining and interpreting credit reports
- Monitoring and disputing inaccuracies
III. Building credit as a student
- Establishing a credit history
- Responsible credit card usage
- Alternative credit-building strategies
IV. Strategies for improving and maintaining good credit
- Paying bills on time and managing debt
- Keeping credit utilization low
- Lengthening credit history and managing credit inquiries
V. Credit protection and identity theft prevention
- Safeguarding personal information
- Recognizing and reporting identity theft
- Strategies for recovering from credit fraud
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“I must thank you for a superb workshop. The students are excited about what they got out of the day, not only reading faster but the memory techniques & other study skills. We definitely want to do the same workshop next year with our entering medical students.”
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UNLV Medical School
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Northern Trust Asset Management
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Florida Atlantic University
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Social Security Advisory Board


