Welcome to the first lesson of ElektraFi University! In this video, we’re kicking off Module 1: Personal Finance Fundamentals with an essential introduction to personal finance: what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts your daily life.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

✅ Why financial literacy is a life skill, not just a nice-to-have
✅ How personal finance affects everything from everyday spending to long-term goals
✅ The basics of financial empowerment—so you can take control of your money, not the other way around

Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to sharpen your money skills, this course is designed to make personal finance approachable, practical, and personalized to you.

📚 This is the first step in building a strong financial foundation—get ready to make smart, confident decisions with your money.

Before you can take control of your money, you need to know exactly where it’s coming from—and where it’s going.

In this lesson, we’re breaking down how to track and categorize your income and expenses, so you can start building a clear picture of your financial life.💡

What you’ll learn in this lesson:

✅ The difference between gross income and net (after-tax) income
✅ How to identify and categorize fixed vs. variable expenses
✅ The difference between discretionary vs. non-discretionary spending
✅ Why awareness is the first step toward financial confidence

By the end of this video, you’ll have a solid understanding of your cash flow—and a clearer path to building a budget that actually works.

📚 This is where financial clarity begins. Understanding your income and expenses sets the foundation for smarter budgeting and long-term success.

Now that you know where your money is going, it’s time to give it a job!

In this lesson, we’re diving into the art of budgeting—how to build a budget that works for you, not against you.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

✅ What a budget really is (hint: it’s not just about cutting back)
✅ The 3 key steps to starting your budget from scratch
✅ How to prioritize your spending based on your unique goals
✅ Tools and tips to make budgeting easier and less overwhelming

Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about intention. It gives you the power to spend confidently, save strategically, and build the future you want.

📚 Whether you're using a spreadsheet, a budgeting app, or ElektraFi’s built-in tools, this lesson will help you start making your money work for you.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to budgeting—so how do you find a system that actually works for you?

In this lesson, we’re exploring some of the most popular budgeting methods, including the easy-to-follow 50/30/20 rule.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

How the 50/30/20 rule helps you balance needs, wants, and savings
What zero-based budgeting is—and who it’s best for
The envelope method and how it helps curb overspending
Why the best budgeting method is the one you’ll stick to

Whether you’re looking for structure or flexibility, this lesson will help you find a method that fits your lifestyle and your financial goals.

📚 Budgeting isn’t one-size-fits-all. This is your chance to explore different frameworks, experiment, and build a system that makes budgeting feel natural.

Living paycheck to paycheck can feel like a never-ending cycle—but it doesn’t have to be your reality.

In this lesson, we’ll show you practical, achievable steps to break free from financial stress and start building long-term stability.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

✅ Why so many people are stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle
✅ How to audit your finances and spot spending “leaks”
✅ Simple ways to cut unnecessary expenses without sacrificing everything
✅ How to build an emergency fund—even with limited income
✅ Where to turn for support, guidance, and income-boosting strategies

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. No matter where you’re starting from, you can take small, powerful steps toward a more secure financial future.

📚 Financial freedom starts with awareness and action. Let this lesson be your first move toward peace of mind.

Your financial needs evolve as your life does—and your money strategy should evolve too.

In this final lesson of Module 1, we’re diving into how to plan your finances through life’s major milestones, from your 20s to retirement.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

✅ What to prioritize financially in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond
✅ How risk tolerance changes over timeWhen to focus on debt repayment, investing, and retirement planning
✅ Why there’s no “perfect timeline”—just the one that works for you
✅ No matter where you are right now, it’s never too early—or too late—to make smart money moves.

This lesson will help you understand what matters most at each phase of life so you can make informed, confident financial decisions.

📚 Think of this as your long-term strategy playbook. Financial wellness is a journey—and you're right on track.