Personal finance is a very wide subject. The object of this book is to draw attention to the most important matters you should consider in order to manage your money well.

It is a book for dipping into rather than reading from cover to cover, but I recommend all readers to carry out the ten-point financial health check, as explained in the first chapter. Then you can compare your position with the ideal. The rest of the book will help you improve any areas where you fall short.

It makes no different whether you are wealthy or struggling to make ends meet; you should find something here to help you improve your financial position.

The money world is always changing and the information in the book can only be up to date at the time of publication; it is best to check before taking action.

Some figures are liable to change each year in the budget. This edition includes those introduced in the March 2001 budget.