Once you've established a saving mindset, the next question is where to put your money — and the answer isn't one-size-fits-all. This module walks you through the most widely used savings vehicles available to individuals and families, helping you understand not just how each one works, but when and why each one makes sense. From traditional savings accounts and certificates of deposit to the long-term tax advantages of a Roth IRA and the steady, low-risk appeal of U.S. savings bonds, you'll come away with a clear picture of the options at your disposal and how to use them strategically. The module also addresses an important but often overlooked dimension of financial planning: building and protecting assets for minors. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or guardian thinking about a child's financial future, custodial and beneficiary accounts offer powerful ways to transfer and grow assets responsibly. Understanding how these accounts work — and which type is appropriate for your situation — is a meaningful step toward setting the next generation up for success. 💡 Tip for Success: With four distinct savings tools covered in this module, it can be tempting to try to absorb everything at once. Instead, consider which are most relevant to your current situation and focus there first. Depth of understanding on a couple of tools you'll actually use now is far more valuable than a surface-level familiarity with all of them.

Building wealth takes time, discipline, and smart decision-making — and it can be undermined in an instant by financial fraud or identity theft. These are not rare, isolated events. They happen every day, to people of all ages and income levels, and the tactics used by fraudsters are growing more sophisticated by the year. This module confronts that reality head-on, equipping you with the knowledge to recognize the warning signs of common financial frauds and the strategies to protect yourself from them. From phishing scams and identity theft to investment fraud and predatory schemes, awareness is your first and most powerful line of defense. Understanding how these frauds work, and what makes people vulnerable to them, transforms you from a potential target into an informed, prepared consumer. 💡 Tip for Success: As you work through this module, think about the people in your life — a parent, a grandparent, a friend — who might be particularly vulnerable to financial fraud. The knowledge you gain here isn't just valuable for you; it's something worth sharing with the people you care about.

Summative assessment for the course