Lack of financial knowledge is not only an economic consideration, but also a social concern garnering greater attention from school administrators, governmental agencies and policymakers. This concern highlights the fact that widespread gaps in levels of financial literacy exist, and at risk are those who are least familiar with complex savings and investment vehicles, and with financial planning concepts and their long-term benefits. Today’s complex financial services market offers investors an endless array of products and services to meet individual financial needs, and the degree of choice requires the knowledge to evaluate the options, and the ability to identify those that best suit individual needs and circumstances. This book collates a wealth of expertise and insight, and aims to provide a new generation a higher understanding of the various investment products and services in the marketplace, and to increase the likelihood of attaining a secure financial future. In addition, the material will educate those interested in increasing their aptitude about financial choices, and will assist in gaining a greater understanding of the benefits of saving through securities investments. The content provides knowledge that will empower individuals to make better-informed investment decisions, assist in planning for their future, and will make a contribution to creating a sound lifestyle during working years and through-out retirement. The curriculum focuses on relevant knowledge, and provides ample opportunities for an integrated learning experience. Throughout the program of study, students will not only learn important concepts, but will have ample opportunities through coursework and assignments to apply these concepts to real and simulated practice situations. On the high school and undergraduate levels, this supplemental book shall appropriately pair with courses that include Math Applications in the Real World, Personal Financial Planning, Introduction to Investments, Money and Finance, or Money and Banking. At the graduate level, the book compliments courses which provide analysis of financial instruments, financial markets, or insurance and investment companies. Courses that are commonly offered on the graduate level include Financial Management, Investment Analysis, or Personal Financial Planning. Prerequisites are not required, as these are lower level classes. Many of the modules are commonly taught at most Universities – and several of the classes are required for Business and Finance majors. A few points should be made regarding how the instructional aids contained in this manual can be used. Firstly, a section at the end of the chapter contains questions, self-test problems and case analyses. This Guide provides answers to the questions, problems, and cases. PowerPoint slides are included to aid the pedagogy. We encourage educators to modify the slides in the manner that best fits the course. Instructors can contact the publisher or the author to request supplemental material. Secondly, since there is no single best way to teach a financial literacy course – the optimal class structure will vary with students' backgrounds, the instructors' interests, the number of students, and the fit of the content in the overall curriculum. Volume 1 consists of subject content, commonly used abbreviations, core analysis, exercises, case analyses and an extensive glossary. Future volumes will cover bonds, mutual funds and annuities. We trust readers will find this guide to be a valuable resource for gaining insight and best practices relevant to saving and investment participation. The Author, Clifford D. Wright