A 6-week online course. Understand how markets actually work — from the economy and interest rates to your own portfolio. Taught by a PhD economist who spent 25 years managing billions.
Register Your InterestMost smart, successful people never got a real education in how money and markets work. Why does the Fed raising rates affect your mortgage and your stock portfolio and the job market? What's really going on with the national debt? What does your financial advisor actually mean when they talk about "asset allocation" — and are they doing it well?
This course answers those questions. In six weeks, you'll build a real framework for understanding the economy, markets, and your own investments — no finance background required.
How the economic machine works, why interest rates matter for everything, and the foundation the rest of the market sits on.
What drives them, what are valuations, and what to watch.
How real estate markets work, what drives prices, and how to think about property as an investment.
The real conversation — what's a genuine store of value, what's speculation, and how these fit in a portfolio.
Models, risks, and your own behavior — the practical side of putting it all together.
What's happening now and what I'm watching — connecting everything we've learned to the current moment.
~75 minutes per session, starting at 5:00 PM MST. Dates confirmed once enrollment is complete.
~45 minutes of teaching with real data and slides, followed by ~30 minutes of open discussion.
This is a conversation, not a lecture. You'll have space to ask questions and actually engage.
That's $50 per session for institutional-quality economic education.
"This course meets you exactly where you are, whether you're a novice or an experienced investor. I gained a much deeper understanding of global market health and left with a balanced framework to guide my own investments. Sara and Jack are true experts whose personal insights make complex market concepts incredibly accessible."
"Great introductory course for those curious about the markets and wanting to improve their understanding of market dynamics."
Previously offered in-person in Boulder. Now available online for the first time.
Over 25 years in global markets — managing $23B+ at OppenheimerFunds, working as an economist at the IMF and World Bank, and navigating every major market cycle since 1995. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Rochester and is a regular contributor on Bloomberg, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal. Sara runs Cairn Economic Advisors from Boulder, Colorado.
Enrollment is open now. Dates will be confirmed once the group is set — we're targeting Monday evenings at 5:00 PM MST. Spots are limited to 15 participants.
To register your interest or ask a question, get in touch.
Looking for something different? If you're interested in a more introductory course, a deeper dive on a specific topic, or a different format — mention it in your message. I'm building future offerings based on what people want.
Register Your InterestNot at all. This course is designed for curious, intelligent people who want to understand markets — not for finance professionals. Most participants in the in-person version had no financial background.
The plan is for live attendance, but we'll work with the group on recordings if needed. The discussion portion is a big part of the value, so showing up live is encouraged.
No. This is economic and financial education — you'll learn frameworks for understanding markets and your portfolio. Sara does not provide specific investment recommendations or manage assets in this course.
Reach out through the contact form — happy to chat.
This course is educational in nature. Dr. Sara Zervos Knutson does not provide specific investment recommendations, manage assets, or direct portfolio construction through this course or any Cairn Economic Advisors service.