I'm sure many of you have reminded your children that money does not grow on trees. I remember my mother telling me that many times during my early childhood. I believe some adults live their lives as if they still believe (or hope) money grows on trees. They definitely do not live within or below their means and continue to have "money troubles" all their lives. In other words, they will continue to have a low financial literacy.

This course is designed to help increase your financial literacy and decrease your anxiety about retirement planning. Everyone should be familiar with basic financial terms, definitions, concepts and strategies. My goal is to raise your financial literacy and understanding to a level where you feel comfortable becoming active in planning and managing your own retirement and future.

At a minimum, I want you to walk away with the confidence to keep expanding your financial literacy by reading articles on the web (see Web Resources section) and books about retirement planning. I want everyone to take charge and be more active in their personal retirement planning. And finally, I want everyone to pass along these financial terms, definitions, concepts and strategies to your children, family members and friends. Who knows, maybe we can make a difference and help others become financial free in the future!