Essentials of Personal Finance

This course introduces students to the fundamental knowledge and practical skills needed to make informed financial decisions in an increasingly complex and digital global economy. The course equips students with a solid understanding of budgeting, saving, investing, debt management and risk assessment, while emphasizing how economic forces such as inflation, interest rates, scarcity and market dynamics shape individual financial choices. Students explore the growing role of FinTech, digital payments and online security, learning how to navigate financial technologies safely and responsibly. Through real-world applications, case studies, money diaries and data-driven analysis, students develop the ability to interpret financial information, assess investment options and critically evaluate personal and global economic trends. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to build responsible financial plans, protect themselves from financial risks and connect personal finance decisions to broader economic and technological developments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge and Attitudes: Students will engage in inquiry and knowledge about economic sciences and demonstrate an appreciation of diverse perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of different aspects like personal finance issues, the financial environment that companies and businesses operate in and finally corporate financial issues. This includes:
   • Understanding Core Financial Concepts: including budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and risk assessment to make informed personal and professional financial decisions
   • Understanding how economic forces (e.g. supply and demand and scarcity of resources) are affecting the world we are living in and affecting us also as individuals.
   • Evaluating the Role of Digital Economies and FinTech: in shaping financial systems, with a focus on cryptocurrency, digital transactions, and emerging financial technologies.
   • Assessing Financial Risks and Security Measures: by identifying online fraud, scams, identity theft, and cybersecurity threats related to personal finance and digital transactions.
2. Critical Thinking: By analyzing financial and economic information, evaluating the impact of various economic factors, and assessing financial decisions in both personal and global contexts.
3. Quantitative Reasoning: To interpret financial statements, assess investment options, analyze inflation and interest rate trends, and make data-driven financial decisions.
4. Oral Communication: By presenting financial and economic concepts clearly, engaging in discussions on economic trends, and explaining financial decision-making strategies.
5. Written Communication: By delivering clear and well-structured financial analyses and personal financial plans.
6. Integrative Thinking by connecting financial literacy concepts with broader economic, social, and technological developments, fostering a holistic approach to financial decision-making. 
7. Critical Reading involves interpreting and analyzing financial reports, economic policies, and scholarly articles on financial and economic issues. 
8. Teamwork by collaborating on financial case studies, group projects, and discussions to evaluate economic issues and propose financial solutions.

Duration and Location

• July 26 - August 13, 2026
• Application Deadline: One week before the course starts
• Sessions will run daily from 9 am - 3 pm
• AUC New Cairo campus
• Fridays and Saturdays off
   

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Fees

• $1,000 (price includes field trips) - This amount is equivalent to half the price of a regular undergraduate course.
• 10% discount offered for siblings.
• Egyptian students can pay the equivalent amount in Egyptian pounds.

Current AUC Equivalent

This course is one of the core courses, from among which students of all majors may select. 

Note: Program requirements may change by the time the student applies to AUC. If this course is no longer a requirement for the major, it will be counted as an elective course.

Course Transfer

• Upon taking this course, you will receive a certificate of completion from AUC.
• The course is equivalent to 3 credit hours. Only students who pass the course will be able to transfer these 3 credits when they enroll at AUC. In case of transferring the course to other universities, their transfer assessments will apply. 

Requirements

• An English writing sample (at least 750 words): essay or reflection.
• A copy of your report card for the past two years of school.
• A recommendation letter from a high-school teacher within the past academic year, if available.

Transportation 

The AUC Bus Service is available for an extra fee. Details on the schedule will be shared before the program’s start date.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at the University Residences in case needed. 

About the Instructors

Moataz El-Helaly

Moataz El-Helaly is an associate professor in the Department of Accounting at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo (AUC). He earned his PhD in accounting from Aston University in the UK. He is an associate fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and holds professional certifications from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in International Financial Reporting and Data Analytics. El-Helaly teaches accounting and data analytics courses in addition to personal finance, which is part of the AUC core curriculum.

AUC Refund Policy

A 100% refund of the program fees will be granted if the request is submitted at least two weeks before the course start date, or if the request is due to one of the following reasons:

• Course cancellation
• Medical withdrawal
• Visa denial

A 75% refund will be granted if the request is submitted within the last two weeks before the course start date.

No refund will be issued if the request is submitted after the end of the last working day (4 pm) and before classes begin, including the weekend prior to the course start date, or after the course has begun.