Bagwell Center’s FLIP Initiative

Free market outcomes often maximize social wellbeing. Moreover, market outcomes are often characterized by Pareto Efficiency, meaning that any alternative to the market outcomes will make some people in society worse off. With these recognitions in hand, it becomes apparent why most economists view free market institutions favorably.

However, these attractive features of market outcomes are only possibly realized if several conditions are met. One set of requirements is that individual decision makers (e.g., consumers, businesses, investors, and lenders/borrowers) must be not only rational but also fully informed. Rationality simply means that a decision maker has a well-defined goal and takes actions to achieve that goal as best as possible. Having full information would require, in part, that the decision maker is aware of all available courses of action and accurately understands their implications on present and future benefits and costs. When thinking about decisions made by individuals in financial markets, this is no small assumption.

Financial literacy is the capacity to both effectively understand and assess financial instruments, and potentially implement an array of monetary based skills, such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, and financial planning. Financially literate individuals can make more informed decisions, resulting in greater financial stability and well-being. Basic financial literacy is a prerequisite to achieving financial wellness and to effectively using money as a tool to achieve an overall higher quality of life. In-line with the emphasis of our mission on educating students about the foundations of market institutions, the Bagwell Center’s Financial Literacy Improvement Project (FLIP) aims to increase the financial literacy of the Kennesaw State University community.

Financial Freedom Workshop

Learn how to take control of your financial future with simple, practical strategies. This workshop introduces the basics of saving, investing, and retirement planning, and offers guidance through building a personalized plan in Excel.

 

 

Financial Literacy Learning Modules

KSU’s 5-module financial literacy course offered by the Bagwell Center for the Study of Markets and Economic Opportunity in partnership with CARE Services and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Basic Financial Literacy Learning Modules

FLIP Faculty Fellows

Name
Position

  • David Bray

    Professor of Finance

    dbray1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6429
    Kennesaw Campus, 560 Burruss Building, Room 319

    Website

  • Lecturer of Finance

    sbrincks@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7211
    Kennesaw Campus, 560 Burruss Building, Room 359

  • Tom Garr

    Lecturer of Economics

    tgarr@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6279
    Kennesaw Campus, 560 Burruss Building, Room 132

  • Ladd Kochman

    Professor of Finance

    lkochman@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6428
    Kennesaw Campus, 560 Burruss Building, Room 349

    Website

  • Michael Patrono

    Senior Lecturer of Economics & Finance

    mpatrono@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6578
    Kennesaw Campus, 560 Burruss Building, Room 437A

    Website

  • Senior Lecturer of Economics & Finance

    ypost@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2659
    Kennesaw Campus, 560 Burruss Building, Room 411

  • Borhan Sayedy

    Lecturer of Economics

    bsayedy@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6091
    Kennesaw Campus, 560 Burruss Building, Room 346

    Website

 

FLIP Features

FLIP Features provide an elementary discussion and overview of important topics related to financial literacy. Each Feature is an expression of the views of the writers (and not the Bagwell Center). FLIP Features are written for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as universal, individual advice (as the circumstances of every person are unique).

The 1-2-3 of Investing

The 1-2-3 of Investing series provides a basic discussion of fundamental concepts related to personal financial investing.  These articles are an expression of the views of FLIP Faculty Fellows Dr. Ladd Kochman (and not the Bagwell Center). The 1-2-3 of Investing is written for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as universal, individual advice (as the circumstances of every person are unique).

FLIP Events

Luis Vengoechea
Luis Vengoechea

Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager with Citizens

Luis Vengoechea is a Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager with Citizens, where he partners with business owners across South Florida to help them grow through strategic financing, treasury management, and relationship-based banking. With more than 20 years of experience in business banking, Luis has worked with entrepreneurs and companies across a wide range of industries, helping them navigate the financial challenges of starting, operating, and expanding their businesses. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida International University and is proud to support Citizens' commitment to strengthening communities through financial education and community partnerships.

When

October 16, 2026

  • 9:10 am - 10:05 am
    Credit Confidence: Building a Strong Financial Future
  • 10:20 am - 11:15 am
    Shield Your Finances: Practical Tools for Fraud Prevention

Where

Burruss Building, 151

View Flyer

Past Events

KSU Wise Wallets

Additional Financial Education resources are available through the KSU Wise Wallets webpage.  Wise Wallets is a partnership between KSU's CARE Services, Michael J. Coles College of Business, Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, and University Advancement.