PERSONAL FINANCE FOR SELF-RELIANCE
Introduction to the Course
Purpose
This program is a part of the Self-Reliance Services program published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The purpose of the Self Reliance Services program is to help people learn and put into practice principles of faith, education, hard work, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. This program focuses specifically on how to better control your personal and family finances. In twelve chapters, you will learn how to eliminate debt, protect against financial hardship, and invest in the future.
You can learn this course on your own, but you are encouraged to participate in a local self-reliance group. A self-reliance group functions like a council. Participants help each other and are accountable to each other. Group facilitators invite interaction, encourage participation, show training videos, and help self-reliance groups follow the process as outlined in related materials.
To learn more about the program and how you can find your local self-reliance group, please visit the Church's Self-Reliance Services website.
Lesson Manual
Click here for the free online manual for this course.
Videos
The video for each section can be found in its respective chapter.
Becoming a Wise and Faithful Steward
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Self-Reliance Is a Principle of Salvation
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Become a Wise and Faithful Steward
2. Counsel with the Lord about Your Finances
3. Track Your Income and Expenses
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Becoming a Wise and Faithful Steward" (PDF)
Video
Becoming Unified in our Approach to Finances
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Exercise Faith in Jesus Christ
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Work and Take Responsibility
2. Work Together to Manage Money
3. Hold Regular Family Councils
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Becoming Unified in our Approach to Finances" (PDF)
Video
Paying Tithes and Offerings
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Repent and Be Obedient
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Change Your Approach to Managing Money
2. Pay Tithes and Offerings
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Paying Tithes and Offerings" (PDF)
Video
Creating a Budget
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Live a Balanced Life
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Build a Budget
2. Balance a Budget
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Creating a Budget" (PDF)
Video
Sticking to a Budget
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Solve Problems
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Set Realistic, Motivating Financial Goals
2. Find and Use a Budgeting System
3. Hold Yourself Accountable
4. Seek the Lord’s Help, and Keep Trying
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Sticking to a Budget" (PDF)
Video
Protecting Your Family From Hardship
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Use Time Wisely
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Protect Your Family from Hardship
2. Build a One-Month Emergency Fund
3. Acquire Adequate Insurance
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Protecting Your Family from Hardship" (PDF).
Video
There is no video for this chapter.
Understanding Debt
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Show Integrity
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Understand Debt
2. Understand Your Debt Realities
3. Desire to Get Out of Debt
4. Overcome the “Natural Man”
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Understanding Debt" (PDF).
Video
There is no video for this chapter.
Getting Out of Debt
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Work: Take Responsibility and Persevere
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Stop Incurring Debt
2. Pay Off Your Debts
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Getting Out of Debt" (PDF).
Video
There is no video for this chapter.
Managing Financial Crises
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Communicate: Petition and Listen
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Learn to Manage Financial Crises
2. Increase Your Emergency Preparations
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Managing Financial Crises" (PDF).
Video
There is no video for this chapter.
Investing for the Future (Part 1)
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Seek Learning: Resolve Where You Are Going and How to Get There
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Save Money
2. Consider Home Ownership
3. Seek Education
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Investing for the Future (Part 1)" (PDF).
Video
There is no video for this chapter.
Investing for the Future (Part 2)
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Become One, Serve Together
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Set a Retirement Goal
2. Understand Compound Interest
3. Understand the Relationship between Risk and Return
4. Consider Potential Investments
5. Research Potential Retirement Accounts
6. Begin Saving for Retirement as Soon as Possible
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Investing for the Future (Part 2)" (PDF).
Video
There is no video for this chapter.
Continue to Give and Bless Others
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this section, you should be able to understand the following:
Foundational Principle:
1. Receive Temple Ordinances
Financial Principles and Skills:
1. Share the Principle of Self-Reliance with Your Family and Friends
2. Press Forward with Faith
Chapter Reading
Please read the chapter on "Continue to Give and to Bless Others" (PDF).
Video
There is no video for this chapter.