Welcome to Personal Finance 101

Introduction

Hello and welcome to Personal Finance 101, where we’re about to embark on a journey that might just change your relationship with money forever. If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and thought, “Where did it all go?” or felt that slight panic when unexpected expenses pop up, you’re in the right place.

Let’s be honest—most of us weren’t taught how to manage money in school. Between algebra and ancient history, somehow they forgot to mention how credit cards actually work or why your future self will thank you for starting to invest today. It’s a bit like being handed the keys to a car without driving lessons, isn’t it?

But here’s the good news: personal finance isn’t rocket science. It’s a set of practical skills that anyone—yes, even you—can master with the right guidance. And that’s exactly what this course offers.

What You’ll Achieve

By the end of these 3 hours together, you’ll have transformed from financial novice to someone who:

Creates and sticks to a budget that actually works for your life (not one that makes you miserable)
Builds savings habits that grow your financial security without requiring monk-like deprivation
Understands how to start investing, even if you don’t have thousands to spare
Navigates the tax system with confidence instead of dread
Manages credit and debt strategically, making them work for you rather than against you
Makes financial decisions with clarity and purpose, rather than anxiety and guesswork

In short, you’ll develop the financial literacy that should have been taught in school but wasn’t—the 80/20 of what really matters for your financial wellbeing.

Why This Matters

Perhaps you’re wondering, “Why should I care about this stuff?” Fair question.

Consider this: the average person will earn over £1.5 million in their lifetime. That’s right—even on a modest salary, you’re managing a multi-million pound business called You, Inc. Yet most people spend more time planning their holidays than planning how to manage their life’s earnings.

Financial stress affects everything—your health, relationships, career choices, and even how well you sleep at night. Mastering personal finance isn’t just about money; it’s about creating freedom and options in every area of your life.

Imagine: - Taking that job you love rather than the one that merely pays the bills - Saying “yes” to opportunities without checking your bank balance first - Weathering life’s inevitable storms without financial catastrophe - Building wealth steadily while still enjoying your daily flat white

These aren’t pipe dreams. They’re the realistic outcomes of applying the principles we’ll cover together.

How We’ll Get There

This course is designed differently from the dry, technical financial education you might have encountered before. We’ve broken down personal finance into digestible, 20-minute lessons focused on practical skills you can implement immediately.

Each lesson tackles one specific aspect of personal finance, building on the previous ones to create a comprehensive system. We’ll use real-world examples, relatable scenarios, and even the occasional terrible money pun (sorry not sorry) to keep things engaging.

You won’t need a calculator, spreadsheet skills, or an economics degree to benefit—just an open mind and the willingness to try some new approaches to your money.

Your Financial Journey Starts Now

The poet Antonio Machado wrote, “Traveller, there is no path. The path is made by walking.” Your financial journey begins with a single step, and I’m chuffed that you’ve chosen to take that step here.

In our next lesson, we’ll dive straight into the foundation of all personal finance: creating a budget that actually works. Not the restrictive, joy-sucking kind, but one that aligns with your values and helps you spend intentionally on what matters most to you.

So grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and let’s begin transforming your financial future—one practical lesson at a time.

Ready? Let’s crack on with Lesson 1!