Money & financial foundations · 8 MIN

Build your money map

Before choosing an investment, understand the money already moving through your life. Net income is what arrives after deductions. Fixed costs repeat predictably; variable costs change with your choices. A cash-flow surplus is income minus spending. It is not the same as net worth, which is assets minus liabilities.

Use three recent months of statements. List housing, transport, insurance, food, subscriptions and irregular annual costs. Divide annual bills by twelve so a good-looking month does not hide future obligations. Keep expected income separate from money already received.

Example: monthly take-home income of €2,400, routine spending of €1,750 and an allowance of €200 for irregular bills leave €450. This is a planning example, not a target or a recommendation. An unexpected repair could reduce that surplus. Check the numbers again after a month.

Give every proposed change a reason. Reducing an unused subscription is measurable; assuming your income will double next month is not. Start with one action that does not depend on a market forecast.

This is a free sample. A paid plan includes saved workbook notes and course progress.

General education. No individual investment, medical or tax advice, and no promised financial results.