Exploring Open Financial Learning Platforms
This week, I moved from resource gathering to active engagement, diving into the open learning platforms I identified in Week 1. I focused on Khan Academy, Wealthsimple Learn, and YouTube channels like The Plain Bagel, exploring how each platform teaches core financial topics and examining the distinct learning experiences they offer.
Khan Academy
I began with Khan Academy’s Personal Finance section, which breaks down topics like saving, budgeting, and investing into short, structured lessons. The platform exemplifies what Mayer (2014) describes as multimedia learning principles, combining text, visuals, and interactive elements to support cognitive processing.
The layout, progress tracking, and quick quizzes made it feel like a guided course, similar to a classroom but with the freedom to go at my own pace. I also liked how simple the interface was. It was easy to move around, so I could focus on learning instead of figuring out the site. The mastery-based setup, where you have to show you understand something before moving on, matches research showing that this style of learning can lead to better results.
However, I did notice a few downsides. The formal tone might feel a bit intimidating for some people, and the platform doesn’t offer much real-world context or chances for discussion with others. It’s great for learning the basics, but you might need other resources to apply the concepts in real life.
Wealthsimple Learn
Next, I looked at Wealthsimple Learn, which takes a very different approach. The platform uses a friendly, conversational tone and real-life examples that connect to everyday decisions. Articles like ‘How to Start Investing’ and ‘What’s a TFSA?’ feel more like advice from a knowledgeable friend than a textbook.
The clean design and storytelling style make it easy to understand, even for beginners. This approach supports the idea that people learn better when information is tied to real situations. By explaining financial concepts through relatable examples, like buying a first home or paying off student debt, Wealthsimple makes the information feel immediately useful.
The Canadian focus is also a big advantage. It covers tools like TFSAs and RRSPs, which often get ignored in U.S.-based resources. This makes the content much more practical for Canadians.
One thing to keep in mind is that Wealthsimple is still a financial company, so its educational content sits close to its marketing. The information seems genuinely helpful, but readers should stay aware of possible conflicts of interest.
The Plain Bagel (YouTube)
Lastly, I watched several videos from The Plain Bagel, which explained topics like risk, diversification, and how markets behave using clear animations and analogies. The visuals made the ideas much easier to understand, showing how helpful it is to learn through both words and visuals at the same time.
One video I really liked focused on different types of investment risk and how to manage them. The creator showed the difference between systematic and unsystematic risk, and then demonstrated diversification with easy-to-follow portfolio examples. Seeing these abstract ideas presented in a concrete way made them much more understandable.
What sets The Plain Bagel apart from more entertainment-style finance channels is its focus on accuracy and analysis. The creator often cites research, acknowledges what isn’t certain, and shares multiple viewpoints on tricky topics. This evidence-based style helps build real financial understanding and stronger critical thinking skills.
Comparative Analysis
Looking back at these three platforms, I’m surprised by how well they complement each other instead of competing. Each one reflects a different teaching style that works best in different learning situations:
- Khan Academy excels at systematic knowledge building and skill mastery
- Wealthsimple Learn provides contextual understanding and practical application
- The Plain Bagel develops conceptual thinking and critical analysis