[MUSIC] In our culture, we are obsessed with keeping score. In games and in sports, keeping score is what motivates us to strive for excellence. And in school, in college, students obsess about their test scores. We even keep score on social media with likes and views. But there is one common way for all of us to keep score, and that way is with money. Money is a measure that we all understand. But if there's one lesson, if there's one thought that I want you to keep in mind as we conclude the five courses of Finance for Everyone. It is that money and the processes that move it are not just for keeping score, they are the tools for making a difference. And whether this is at a global, national or local level in every type of organization, in every institution or corporation, and of course, in the day to day lives of individual people and families. Understanding finance is a powerful life changing, future defining tool, that can be used to create the kind of world you want for yourself and for your community. And that is precisely what we have tried to show in this specialization. The principles, processes, and the practices that make up the financial system, are crucial for the development of prosperous lives, thriving businesses, and the evolution of inclusive and just societies that are rich with opportunity. Without finance, fewer people would own their own homes. Without finance, fewer people would enjoy secure retirements. Without finance fewer people would be employed, fewer ideas would flourish, fewer businesses would grow. And without finance fewer entrepreneurs would take risks. We would have no cars, we would have no smart phones, we would have no diagnostic imaging, and fewer medical treatments. And without finance, governments would be less able to support the public good by funding education, or healthcare, infrastructure, research, environmental protection, and emergency aid. In short, almost everything we take for granted about the human condition in the 21st century, it is made possible, at least in part, by the workings of our financial system. That means that, the better you understand the system, the more successfully you can interpret and navigate our world. This is why I've emphasized throughout this specialization that while finance is certainly about the circulation and exchange of money, it's also fundamentally about people. And the lives that they lead. And so, understanding how finance works is vital. Not only for helping us to make the most out of our economic circumstances. But for helping us become industrious, compassionate, and socially aware global citizens. By committing ourselves to learning how financial decisions are made, how financial markets operate. How value is created and destroyed, and how debt can deliver both benefit and peril. You have prepared yourselves to apply your knowledge in ways that can benefit you, your family, and the wider community you inhabit and serve. Now that you have also completed the capstone project, you have proven to me and more importantly, to yourselves, that you have the ability to use the knowledge to make a difference. So it is time to do exactly that. And for this specialization, we have reached the end of our time together, which means it's now up to you to make good on your potential. I have every confidence in each and every one of you. And while our specialization ends, our connection with each other will certainly not. Please continue to share ideas and updates through the finance for everyone social media channels. And stay connected with your fellow learners and with the finance for everyone community. A great benefit of open online learning is the chance to forge meaningful ties with the peers around the world. So I do urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity. And from my own perspective it has been an absolute pleasure to share the experience with such a diverse and enthusiastic group of learners from across the globe. I sincerely hope that your experience in this specialization is just the start of your continued engagement with the sorts of questions, problems and issues, we've explored together. Please accept my sincere congratulations on your investment in your yourselves and on your dedication to learning about the crucial aspects of our society. I wish you all the best as you use what you have learned here to make a positive difference in your day to day life. And in the lives you care most about. I'm thank you very much for joining me in Finance for Everyone.
