This website is your go-to location for various video lectures, notes, spreadsheets and more to help you progress through your financial planning coursework at the University of Delaware. Use the menu at the top of the page to select your course.
My name is Rich Jakotowicz and I am the Director of the Financial Planning and Wealth Management program at the University of Delaware.
My responsibilities:
- Instructor at UD: Financial Planning and Wealth Management Major
- Director of Financial Planning: Benchmark Financial
About me:
- 25+ years of experience in financial planning and wealth management
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Masters Degree in Finance (MsF)
- Registered Investment Adviser (RIA)
- Vice President of the CFA Society of Philadelphia
- Member of the Financial Planning Association
- Member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisers
- Member of the Society for Financial Services Professionals
- I’m a UD Alumni (my wife is too) and the father of 2 young boys
My teaching philosophy is rooted in a few beliefs.
- Most people agree that the best way to learn is by doing. If you transfer that belief to a classroom setting, then active learning should be more effective than passive learning. The benefits from reading textbooks and listening to lectures is valuable and should not be discounted. However, deeper learning comes through your own efforts when solving real-world problems. All of my courses incorporate model building, simulation, case studies, in-class exercises, and project based learning techniques.
- The role of a teacher is similar to the role of a coach. The coach can’t make athletes train harder or longer. But, the coach can facilitate the best practices, create learning experiences for the players, create an atmosphere that fosters personal development, and give immediate feedback to help you improve. As your teacher, I will provide the best possible format for you to learn and comprehend new concepts. BUT, it is up to you to provide the work ethic and the effort.
- My favorite teachers were the ones who taught me “how and why” rather than just “how”. I want students to learn the subject matter and its implications rather than just memorizing information. It’s important for you to know “why”.
- A course should include more than just academic material. A well-crafted course should also include exposure to industry professionals, industry trends, mentoring opportunities, and career development.
Rich Jakotowicz
Director of the Financial Planning & Wealth Management Major
