An Introduction to Personal Finance

This book provides an introduction to personal finance, and is designed for relevant modules on third level courses in accounting, finance, and management.

The book focuses on UK and Republic of Ireland products and regulation and is most suited to courses in both jurisdictions. Indeed it is only text of its kind in Ireland.

On a personal level, studying this book will help the reader more financially aware of their own finances and should empower them to take more control of their financial destiny.

The first part of the text asks the reader to consider the effect that changes in economic variables may have on their personal financial position, e.g. the impact of inflation or interest rate increases on an individual's disposable income. Then the reader is asked to assume the mantle of a financial advisor and to evaluate the financial position of a typical individual. This involves taking a step-by-step approach to the formulation of a financial plan and provides pro-forma documents for collecting relevant information. However, no two plans should be the same, because no two individuals are the same. To emphasise this, the text considers the lifecycle effect, attitude to risk and differences in personal background and examines how these factors (amongst others) may alter a financial plan (hypothetically).