Taking control of your personal finances. Part 1: understanding your finances

Being in control of your finances starts with understanding what they are, where exactly your money goes and where potential waste can be found – you'll struggle to built up adequate savings if you don't know exactly how your money is spent. This article – the first in a two‐part series on personal finances – outlines key spending categories and how to prioritise these to create both a realistic and sustainable financial plan for your future. It also outlines some tips around effective budgeting and personal financial audits, as well as highlighting the importance of understanding business taxes and expenses.