Unit 1: Fundamentals of finance
Unit 2: Budget management
Unit 3: Saving and financing options
Unit 4: Ethical finance
Aim & Competences
Key concepts, background information, relevant theories
Exercises, self-reflection & practical resources to promote inclusive e-learning
Frequently used words of the module
Advice, ideas and proposals on relevant issues
This module aims to:
Understand key financial concepts such as managing bank accounts, payment methods, fees and tax regulations.
Knowledge: Analysing bank statements and construct budgets effectively
Skill: Understanding the process of opening a business account
Attitude: Being proactive when discussing financial management.
Establish a budget for your business
Knowledge: Understanding the different cost items involved in running a business
Skill: Anticipate expenditure and plan investments as effectively as possible
Attitude: Learning to manage with care
Analyse savings and financing options to make informed financial decisions tailored to individual needs and goals.
Knowledge: acquire comprehensive understanding of savings and financing options.
Skill: Analyse savings and financing options
Attitude: proactive and empowered attitude to financial management
Understand ethical finance and develop the ability to integrate its components into financial decision-making.
Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the principles of ethical finance
Skill: Skills to analyse the ethical implications of financial scenarios
Attitude: Ethical responsibility and integrity, prioritising ethical considerations in financial decision-making
Having a business bank account is crucial for managing your finances effectively. It helps you keep track of expenses, handle invoicing, and file taxes more efficiently. Plus, unlike a personal bank account, a business account offers protections such as limited personal financial liability and merchant protection for your customers. It can also help you build business credit, which is important for future borrowing.
In addition to bank accounts, another fundamental aspect of finance is the diverse array of payment methods available. From traditional forms like cash to modern innovations such as mobile payments, understanding the nuances of each method is integral to effective financial management. Let’s explore some of the most common means of payment:
This classic form of payment involves physical currency, providing immediate and anonymous transactions. However, it lacks the electronic tracking capabilities of digital methods and may pose security risks.
Debit cards provide direct access to funds from your bank account, offering a convenient and secure way to make everyday purchases and withdraw cash. They enable ATM transactions and payments at shops, serving as a versatile financial tool. Linked to your bank account, debit cards allow you to access only the available balance, ensuring responsible spending. With each transaction, the purchase amount or cash withdrawal is instantly deducted from your account. Debit cards are commonly used for daily expenses, ATM withdrawals, and online payments, making them essential for managing day-to-day finances efficiently and effectively.
Credit cards are like having a ready-to-use loan from a bank. They let you buy things or take out cash, even if you do not have enough money in your bank account. You can spend up to a certain limit set by the bank, based on your financial situation. Instead of taking money directly from your account, the bank pays for your purchases, and you pay the bank back later. Every month, you need to pay at least a minimum amount of what you owe. If you pay off everything you owe, you won’t have to pay any extra fees. But if you only pay the minimum, you’ll have to pay extra fees called interest on the remaining balance. These fees can add up fast, so it’s important to be careful. Credit cards come with other benefits too, like fraud protection and rewards programs. But they can also lead to debt if you’re not careful with your spending. It’s essential to use them responsibly and only borrow what you can afford to pay back.
A bank transfer is a way to electronically move money from one bank account to another. It’s like sending money from your account to someone else’s without using cash or checks. This method is commonly used for various financial transactions in business, such as paying suppliers, receiving payments from customers, or transferring funds between different accounts. Bank transfers are favored for their speed, security, and convenience. They offer a reliable way to make large payments or transactions without the need for physical cash. Moreover, bank transfers leave a clear electronic trail, making them a transparent and traceable method of financial exchange.
Direct debit is a convenient way to pay bills or invoices automatically. When you set up a direct debit, you give permission to a company or service provider to withdraw money directly from your bank account to pay for things like utilities or subscriptions. This means you don’t have to remember to make payments manually each month, saving you time and hassle. While direct debit offers convenience and ensures that your bills are paid on time, it’s essential to keep an eye on your bank account to avoid overdrafts or unauthorized charges. Make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the payments and regularly check your bank statements to ensure that everything looks correct.
Mobile payment is a convenient way to pay for goods or services using a smartphone or tablet instead of cash or physical cards. This technology allows you to securely make transactions through mobile wallets, banking apps, or contactless methods. Popular mobile wallet apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay store your card details securely and enable you to tap your device on a card reader to make payments at checkout. Simply link your credit or debit card information to the mobile wallet application on your device to get started with mobile payments.
Having a business bank account offers many advantages, but it’s important to note that it also comes with fees. These bank fees are charges imposed by banks for various services and transactions. Here are some of these fees:
Banks charge this fee to cover the expenses of managing your account. It is usually taken out of your account balance each month.
Using ATMs within your bank’s network usually doesn’t cost extra. However, if you use an ATM from another bank or a third-party provider outside of your bank’s network, you can expect to be charged a fee.
Spending more money than what’s available in your account may result in an overdraft fee if the bank covers the shortfall. This fee can be significant, so it’s crucial to monitor your account balance closely to prevent it. Overdrawing your account can happen easily, but signing up for direct deposit ensures that money is regularly and automatically deposited into your account. This helps maintain a minimum balance and prevents overdrafts.
When you use your debit or credit card abroad or in a foreign currency, you may be charged a foreign transaction fee, usually a percentage of your purchase amount. This fee applies to transactions made outside your card’s currency or designated region. A foreign transaction encompasses any financial transaction conducted in a currency different from your own, including purchases made overseas, ATM withdrawals in another country, or online transactions in a foreign currency.
It is a fee that banks charge for performing a wire transfer. A wire transfer is a method of electronic funds transfer from one person or entity to another. It allows money to be sent quickly and securely from one bank account to another, often across different banks or even across international borders. The wire transfer fee covers the costs associated with processing and facilitating the transfer of funds between accounts.
Company tax, or corporation tax, is the tax paid by various entities like businesses, clubs, co-operatives, and informal groups on their earnings. Each country sets its own rules for this tax, and these rules may differ from one country to another.
For further details on business tax regulations in your country, click here.
A range of tools to strengthen your understanding of finance basics. From a Harvard Business School article simplifying the financial dynamics of business to the Your Juno mobile app encouraging financial literacy among women, resources cater to a variety of learning needs. Dive into a corporate finance course at www.europe.study for a solid foundation and visit the European Commission’s “Financial Literacy” section for comprehensive information. Finally, “The Ultimate Guide to Financial Literacy for Adults” offers a holistic approach to personal finance, banking and investing, ensuring you’re equipped for financial success.
This article from Harvard Business school provides a clear and easy to understand overview of the necessary knowledge you need to understand financial dynamics within a company.
https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/how-to-read-financial-statements
Created to improve women’s financial knowledge, Your Juno is a mobile app and an environment where they can network and exchange ideas. Customers learn from certified experts, as well as through individual courses, quizzes and action-oriented lists that they can use directly in their everyday lives.
This comprehensive corporate finance course, offered by www.europe.study, is an ideal starting point for learners wishing to understand financial principles. Covering essential topics such as net present value (NPV) and interest calculations, the course features engaging lectures and practical exercises.
https://www.europe.study/finance/378-fundamentals-of-finance
The Ultimate Guide to Financial Literacy for Adults is a comprehensive resource that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve financial security. Encompassing essential topics such as personal finance basics, banking, credit cards, budgeting and investing, the guide provides readers with practical ideas and strategies.
https://www.investopedia.com/guide-to-financial-literacy-4800530
The Financial Literacy section of European Commission website is a key resource for promoting financial literacy in Europe. Through informative sections and resources (videos, seminars, etc.), it raises visitors’ awareness of key financial concepts and EU initiatives in this field.
https://finance.ec.europa.eu/consumer-finance-and-payments/financial-literacy_en#resources
Example: If the direct costs of producing 120 cakes are €100 and the indirect costs are €200, the production cost will be : (100€ + 200€)/120 = 2,5 €
Examples: raw materials, direct labour, components/spare parts, packaging etc.
Example: Internet and telephone subscriptions, insurance, rent, postage and advertising, social networks subscriptions etc.
Once you have calculated the cost price, you will need to calculate the margin you need to make to generate a profit and set the price of your good/service according to the following formula:
Selling price = cost price – margin – VAT
To calculate the margin to be made, apply the formula:
Margin = Selling price – Cost price – VAT
For example, VAT in France is 20% but may vary depending on the product. To find out more, click here.
Beware of indirect charges that you might forget, such as corporation tax or interest on a loan!
In France, corporation tax is governed by Article 219 of the General Tax Code. It is calculated as follows (for more information, click here)
Once you have made your list of expenses, you can enter them in a spreadsheet in the expense’s column, following the classification in force in the country in which the company is established.
In France, this is the general chart of accounts, which defines all the accounting standards applied.
The aim here is to be as exhaustive as possible to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
In a parallel column, you can indicate the expected income for the year. List fixed and variable revenues as exhaustively as possible.
This formalised document is called a provisional budget.
This document may be updated regularly.
What are fixed costs? Fixed or indirect costs do not relate to the production process or the provision of the service but are involved in the running of the business. They include overheads such as internet and telephone subscriptions, insurance, rent, postage and advertising. The salaries of “non-productive” staff (such as accountants, sales staff or the company director) also fall into this category. These costs must be paid even if there is no production, and they do not vary with the quantities produced, which is why they are called “fixed”.
What are variable costs? A company’s variable costs are costs that fluctuate according to the level of business activity. They are important to take into account when drawing up a budget and making financial decisions, as they represent a significant proportion of a company’s total costs and can have a direct impact on its profitability. For instance, it can be raw materials, sales commissions, transport and delivery costs, workforce allocated to the production etc.
The last useful tool in budget planning is the break-even point. It is a way of determining the number of sales that need to be achieved to start making money. The break-even point determines the number of sales (turnover) needed to cover all expenses
Break-even = Variable costs + fixed costs
Example: If you have fixed costs of €2,500 per month and variable costs of €250 per month, your break-even point will be €2,750 per month.
We’re going to introduce you to 5 tools that can make it easier for entrepreneurs to create and manage a budget. Three of them are practical tools that entrepreneurs can add to their favourites, and which will help them manage their finances on a regular basis. The last two tools are articles that give advice or describe step-by-step procedures to help and support entrepreneurs in managing their budget.
This simulator is designed for very small businesses: it takes account of reduced corporation tax rates. It will help you to obtain a tax simulation.
Indy is an accounting, billing, balance sheet and tax return software package with an easy-to-use free version.
This simulator will enable you to calculate prices before and after tax.
https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/simulateur/calcul/convertisseurPrixHTouTTC
This article provides 7 practical tips and advices to avoid bad surprises when it comes to budget management.
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8323-small-business-budget.html
This article from Harvard Business school provides 4 clear steps to settle a budget for an organization: from settling goals to foresee surplus or deficit. It is the perfect transition for our next unit!
https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/how-to-prepare-a-budget-for-an-organization
Crowdfunding platform: online platforms that facilitate the process of raising funds from many people, typically via the internet. These platforms provide a space where individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other organisations can create fundraising campaigns and solicit contributions from a wide audience, often including friends, family, supporters, and the general public.
The advantages of equity crowdfunding platforms are:
Flexibility of access to funding
Validating the product in the market
Interaction with the community
In this section, we’ll focus on articles you can read to go further, as there are few relevant tools on this subject. The tools that do exist focus more on personal finances than on the financial health of companies.
An online platform dedicated to mastering the art of saving, covering essential topics such as saving basics, choosing savings options and growing your money, to give you the knowledge and strategies you need to achieve financial success.
https://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/en/learn/saving.html
In this episode entitled “Saving Money”, from the Money Love Podcast, hosted by Paige Pritchard – a certified life coach – who takes a look at the mental barriers to successful saving, explores the different types of savings funds and their importance, and shares her top three tips for making saving fun, effortless, and a top priority in your life.
A tool providing information on regional, national and specific calls for projects and funding providers for the creative and cultural sectors.
A wide range of online courses from top universities and companies, covering topics like emotional intelligence, negotiation, and public speaking
A comprehensive guide to financial success in Europe. Ranging from traditional bank loans to innovative crowdfunding platforms, this article explores the various financing options available to entrepreneurs.
Guide to Financing your Business in Europe
Ethical finance is commonly used to describe finance which takes into account not only financial returns but also environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. This reflects an increasing recognition of the importance and value attributed by investors, both institutional and retail, to delivering measurable positive environmental and social impact on a sustainable basis (Lexology, 2018).
Why is it so important ? It has a key role to play in promoting the transition to a carbon-neutral and sustainable Europe. Supporting projects that prioritise resource efficiency, healthy ecosystems and the promotion of the circular economy, it helps to reduce waste production, promote recycling and reuse, and protect ecosystems. Incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment analysis and reporting, it enables investors to make informed decisions and holds companies accountable for their environmental impact. (The European Environment Agency, 2023)
Essential Components of Ethical Finance : Openness and Clarity: Ethical finance emphasises transparency by advocating for companies to openly disclose financial information. This transparency enables stakeholders to make well-informed decisions. For instance, when a company shares data on its carbon emissions, it demonstrates a commitment to transparency.
What are the benefits of ethical finance? (Experian, 2023)
Getting started in sustainable finance : The first step on the road to sustainable finance success is to familiarise yourself with the quantitative and qualitative data contained in your company’s ESG (environmental, social and governance) score. Once you and your company have mastered this ESG data, it becomes easier to identify areas for improvement. This knowledge enables you to formulate targeted objectives aimed at improving efficiency in these specific areas, making your company a more attractive investment option from a financial point of view. Once you have put in place strategies to analyse and strengthen your ESG score, your company can explore avenues such as government funds or investors who prioritise sustainable initiatives. This commitment strengthens your company’s environmental, economic and social impact. In short, sustainable finance is not as daunting or complex to achieve as it may seem. Progressive steps can be taken to gradually shape and implement your sustainable finance strategy.
Different concepts such as social finance, ethical finance, socially responsible investment and micro-credit should not be confused, even if they have similarities or overlaps. Ethical finance encompasses a variety of nuances. Sometimes it is used restrictively, referring to exclusionary funds that exclude certain sectors or companies on ethical grounds such as child labor or tobacco. At other times, it is used more broadly, including both solidarity finance and exclusionary funds. Socially responsible investment (SRI) is a more global concept than solidarity finance, as it integrates social, ethical and environmental concerns. Finally, solidarity finance differs from micro-credit in both its objective (collective rather than individual financing) and its function (strengthening the social capital of beneficiaries rather than correcting the shortcomings of the traditional banking system). In short, ethical finance, once the moral criteria have been removed, can be likened to sustainable finance, defined as taking into account extra-financial criteria: Environmental, Social and Governance.
Definition of ethical banking: Ethical banking, also known as responsible or sustainable banking, is a financial approach aimed at aligning ethical, social, and environmental principles with banking practices. In essence, ethical banking involves providing financial products that generate social value and adhere to ethical standards. Its core philosophy revolves around supporting initiatives that have collective social benefits beyond mere financial gains. These banks prioritise funding projects and businesses that promote sustainable development, social equity, gender equality, human rights, and environmental conservation. They strive to prioritise people’s well-being while considering the ecological impact of their operations. Furthermore, ethical banks gather savings and investment capital to finance enterprises, projects, and organisations in need of resources, thereby contributing to enhancing individuals’ quality of life and preserving the environment.
Our 5 different tools on ethical finance include resources from FEBEA – The European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks and Financiers, as well as a series of FINANCE4GOOD podcasts on different themes. Learning programs can also be a valuable tool for those wishing to move towards ethical finance.
The European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks and Financiers gathers 33 financial institutions from 15 countries in Europe, with the aim of developing and promoting Ethical Finance principles.
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Informative videos and additional useful information on sustainable finance produced by the European Commission
https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/videos-sustainable-finance_en
A mini-series of podcasts on sustainable and ethical finance entitled “Finance for Good”. It is brought to you by FEBEA in coordination with Social Economy Europe and its podcast series “Social Economy Talks”. 4 episodes have already been produced
FEBEA PODCAST: FINANCE4GOOD!
A rewarding ethical finance app that aligns your principles with your finances while offering cash back benefits.
Tool DescriptionFinancial Literacy for Inclusion (FLY) is an Erasmus+ project that aims to create financial literacy among low-skilled adults by engaging them in learning about finance through programs for a wide audience, mainly adults.
the amount of money that is available for, required for, or assigned to a particular purpose.
a usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood
stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and refers to the three key factors for measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment
the system that includes the circulation of money, the granting of credit, the making of investments, and the provision of banking facilitie
a charge for borrowed money generally a percentage of the amount borrowed
a gain or recurrent benefit usually measured in money that derives from capital or labor
money lent at interest
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.