Rising living costs, increased debt, an uncertain job market, and an increasingly complex personal economy have made financial stress and anxiety a significant problem affecting both people's daily lives and mental health. To provide tools for managing economic challenges and promoting well-being, the University of Skövde is launching the summer course Financial anxiety and financial well-being.
You’re standing by the coffee shelf, reaching for your usual pack, but your hand stops mid-air. €8.50! Wasn’t it €6.50 last year? Prices are creeping up, almost unnoticed. You glance at your mobile balance. The electricity bill—ouch. Damn. That dinner on Friday, the jacket you bought in the spring sunshine—it all felt right at the time, but now they’re just numbers draining your account. At the self-checkout, the next thought hits: Will there even be a holiday this year?
But what if you could feel more confident in your financial decisions? What if you had the tools to manage that nagging worry every time the bills come in?
A course on taking control in an uncertain world
That’s exactly what the University of Skövde’s new summer course aims to help you with. The course, which is offered entirely online, is designed to provide insights into how finance and psychology are interconnected—and how you can take control of your finances in a world that feels more unpredictable than ever.
The course is led by Jalal Ahamed, Docent in Business Administration and an expert in financial well-being. The course was inspired by a growing demand for structured education in this area, particularly in Europe, where the subject is still relatively unexplored compared to other parts of the world.
"The financial crises of the past two decades have impacted individuals and societies globally, leading to increased interest in financial literacy and economic well-being. In today’s uncertain economic climate, it is more important than ever to understand how to manage financial stress and make well-informed decisions," says Jalal Ahamed.
Jalal Ahamed hopes that the University of Skövde will be able to contribute to increased economic security.
A course that pays off in more ways than one
The course is designed to be accessible to a wide audience and requires no prior knowledge of economics, psychology, or finance. It is aimed at anyone looking to understand and improve their financial situation, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and those experiencing financial anxiety.
"While the course may be particularly relevant for younger generations managing student loans and an uncertain job market, financial well-being is something that concerns everyone. Regardless of age or background, participants will gain valuable insights into making better financial decisions," he explains.
Boosting financial confidence
The course provides both theoretical and some practical knowledge about personal finance and how to handle financial stress. The focus is on understanding how these factors affect an individual’s financial well-being.
"Financial knowledge alone is not enough for people to make sound financial decisions. Confidence in financial matters and an understanding of how our behaviour influences our finances are also crucial. That’s why the course includes both theory and practical elements aimed at strengthening financial confidence," says Jalal Ahamed.
Impacts on a societal level
In addition to providing participants with a solid theoretical foundation in personal finance, Jalal Ahamed hopes the course will inspire further interest in the field.
"My goal is for the course to spark curiosity and encourage participants to deepen their knowledge, either through continued studies or self-learning. Financial literacy not only affects individuals’ personal finances but also plays a significant role in economic stability at a societal level."
With this new course, the University of Skövde aims to contribute to greater financial security and well-being for more people in an increasingly uncertain world.
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