How to manage your Personal Finances

The education system, sadly, doesn't teach personal or business finance as part of the curriculum. Now the cynic in me finds this surprising as learning how to manage money and how the financial system works would benefit everyone, saving them many thousands of dollars during their lifetime. Unlike in the dark ages when I was at school, we were taught basic finance, cooking with raw ingredients and how to sew. There was even a gardening club! Skills we passed on to our children. I digress, but replacing a zip in a pair of pants or cooking a meal from raw ingredients has been so helpful!

We will cover some essential areas of finance in this section, and there will eventually be links to more detailed descriptions. Here are some of the subjects we will cover. My knowledge comes from a thirty-year career in the finance industry and a degree-level education. In my professional life, I helped many businesses and families manage their finances and mitigate risk. These real-life experiences will help you on your journey.

The intention is not to make you an expert or to give financial advice but to give you access to educational information to help you have a more productive life. Any opinions expressed are my own or that of one of the contributors.

Life is a balance; if you have poor finances, you will likely struggle in other areas, such as health and relationships. And vice versa, if you have poor health, then all the money in the world is unlikely to compensate.

A Summary of Areas We Will Cover

Fractional Reserve Banking - The current banking system

Fractional Reserve Banking is the current banking system used throughout most of the world. Understanding the history of this system and how it works, and the risks is vital to your financial health.

Legal And financial structures of businesses

A fundamental understanding of the law is crucial if starting a business. Some structures risk your wealth, whereas others provide you with a level of protection.

Personal Legal Structures

Understand what happens to your assets on death or if you lose mental capacity and how to control the outcomes.

Government Bonds (Gilt Edged Securities UK) & Corporate Bonds - Governments and companies borrow money from the markets. 

Mortgages and Loans 

All loans are not equal; understand the different types of finance available for business and personal use.

The Stock Market 

See how the stock market works and how this affects your personal and business life.

Precious Metal Markets & Minerals

Minerals and rare metals are essential to life, from the car you drive to the ring on your finger. In a digital world, we often fail to see their importance.

Precious Stones

We have all heard the saying, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend." However, they play a significant part in our modern lives.

Real Estate 

Property ownership is a cornerstone of modern life; it provides a home and a workplace. 

Crypto Currency and Smart Contracts

Bitcoin is the new kid on the block, initially designed as a new digital currency not controlled by governments or central banks. Learn how this revolutionary technology will change the world.

Risks And Mitigation

Everything in life has a risk. Understanding the risks helps you to evaluate and manage them.