Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to common questions. If you have a question that's not covered here, please contact us.

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What's my Classroom Code?

High school students have the option of creating Financial Basics accounts using a Classroom Code provided by their teacher, but codes are not required. The codes simply link your account with your classroom so that your assignments can be verified without having to print completion certificates.

College students and any high school students without a code can register by selecting their school.


Why do I have to take this course?

Any requirements related to Financial Basics are established by your teacher, college or university.

Many higher education institutions now understand that students are more successful if they can avoid unexpected financial challenges while in school. Studies have shown that financial problems are a leading cause of academic under performance, including withdrawal from school. Financial Basics aims to help students avoid financial stress by challenging potentially mistaken expectations about money, teaching the facts needed to successfully manage money (and debt) while in school, and providing personalized feedback on each student's financial knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

Why some students question why they are asked to participate in Financial Basics, the overwhelming majority of student are glad they did. Over 90% of students report significant learning gains, over 90% of students agree that they completed "a good course," and nearly five out of six students would recommend their course experience to a friend.


Why can't I log in?

Here are three steps that will help you figure out what's going on.

  1. First, most log in issues are due to forgotten passwords. Please use the Password Reset Tool to restore access to your account. If your email address is in our database, you'll receive an instant confirmation and your password will be emailed to you.

  2. Next, if the password tool can't find your email address, it's possible that there was a typo in your email address at registration or you used another email address. If you've tried any other email address you may have used, please contact us with your email address and the name of your sponsoring organization. We will correct any typos in your address and email you a confirmation when complete.

  3. Finally, please remember that you must register for Financial Basics before access is available.

How do I print a completion certificate?

"Print Certificate" links are available from your Courses page and from your Financial Basics home page. If you have your course completion code, you can print a certificate using the Course Verification Tool without logging in.


How do I raise my grade?

Many organizations set minimum passing grades for your Financial Basics experience. You can raise your grade by retaking missed quiz questions.

From your Courses page, scroll down to the course you're working on. If your grade is less than 100%, a "Re-take Quiz" link is available.


Is a completion certificate sent to my school?

Your school will be able to tell if you have completed your assignment through their control panel. So unless they specifically told you to print and submit a certificate, you shouldn't have to do anything else.

Where's the Course Verification Tool?

The Course Verification Tool is located at https://basics.financialliteracy101.org/verify.cfm.

The tool is intended for use by course instructors to verify your participation in the event they don't have access to Financial Basics's administrative control panel. You can always enter your course completion code if you need to quickly print a certificate without logging in to your account.


Why do you need my Student ID or other information?

Each organization using Financial Basics is given a range of options regarding what information to collect from participants, including Student ID and phone number. This information is not used by Financial Basics in any way.

Most schools that require a Student ID use it for marking an assignment as completed in their student management system. Phone numbers are useful when schools offer personalized counseling and would need to contact you by phone.

All information transmitted to Financial Basics is encrypted using industry-standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to protect your privacy.


What's my password?

For your security, your password is encrypted and is not available to any Financial Basics staff member or administrator.

If you have forgotten your password, please use the Password Reset tool. If your email address is in our database, we will email you a reset link.

If the password tool can't find your email address, it's possible that there was a typo in your email address at registration. If so, please contact us with your email address and the name of your sponsoring organization. We will correct the password and email you a confirmation when complete.


Have a problem not addressed here? Please contact us with a detailed description of your issue. For your security, please contact us using the same email address you use to sign in to Financial Basics.


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Did You Know?

Financial Basics is a free service offered by CFNC.org.

Any student or teacher in North Carolina is eligible to participate!