Programme

This course offers an integrated financial education program designed to develop the knowledge, decision-making skills, and practical tools needed for the informed management of personal finances. The curriculum begins with the principles of personal finance and behavioral finance, then delves into planning across various life stages, fundamental financial concepts, the workings of the financial system, key products and services, and relevant consumer protections. Particular emphasis is placed on the digitalization of finance, sustainability, gender gaps, and career guidance.

The program covers the following topics:
1. Personal finance, well-being, the lifecycle approach, and the classroom agreement
2. Decision-making, the cognitive system, and behavioral biases
3. Personal planning, budgeting, and emergency funds
4. Inflation, interest rates, compounding, net returns, and risk-return trade-offs
5. The financial system, supervisory authorities, and the role of CONSOB
6. Banking services, digital payments, credit, mortgages, and insurance
7. Markets, investment services, financial instruments, and disclosure documents
8. Scams, unauthorized activities, AI, deepfakes, "finfluencers," crypto-assets, and digital finance
9. Pensions, sustainability, intermediaries, complaints, the ACF (Financial Disputes Arbitrator), and consumer protections
10. Gender gaps, financial empowerment, the final project, and internship guidance

Reference Bibliography

The teaching materials include slides, worksheets, checklists, real-life case studies, simulated or anonymized documents, and institutional resources from the relevant authorities and bodies. The documentation is available in electronic format in the dedicated course areas on Moodle and MS Teams.

Attendance

Attendance is recommended but not mandatory.

Type of evaluation

Assessment of learning outcomes consists of an oral exam, the evaluation of a final project, and ongoing activities involving practical application, interaction, and discussion. Collectively, these methods are designed to verify knowledge of the topics covered, the ability to apply acquired knowledge and critically evaluate financial situations and decisions, as well as the appropriate use of the discipline's terminology.