If You’re Clueless About Money, Start Here
Laura Whateley’s Money, A User’s Guide
At the start of this year, I’ll be honest—I didn’t even know what a credit score was. When I started the Money Mondays series, it was as much for my own education as for sharing tips and insights with all of you. Most of my posts so far have focused on career growth, but this week I wanted to dive into something that has been a real game-changer for me: personal finance. Laura Whateley´s Money: A User’s Guide has been the perfect resource to answer all the questions I felt too embarrassed to ask—like how student loans actually work, what ISAs are, and how to make managing bills less stressful. It’s approachable, relatable, and packed with actionable tips for taking control of your finances, especially for students and young professionals.
If you’re looking to enter the new year with more clarity around your finances, here are my key takeaways:
📚 Key Takeaway #1: Demystifying Student Loans
Student loans can feel overwhelming, but Whateley breaks them down in a way that’s easy to understand. She explains how repayments are calculated, when they start, and why they’re often not as scary as they seem.
Key Tip: Learn your specific repayment terms so you can focus on what’s manageable now instead of stressing about the total debt. Understanding repayment thresholds and interest rates can help you plan ahead with confidence.
📚 Key Takeaway #2: Save with Purpose Using ISAs
Before this book, I didn’t even know what an ISA (Individual Savings Account) was. Whateley explains how they work and why they’re a great tool for tax-free saving. Building a financial safety net might feel overwhelming, but this book helped me see it’s about starting small and being consistent.
Key Tip: Open an ISA and set up regular contributions, no matter how small. Over time, it’s an easy way to build savings without worrying about taxes eating into your gains.
📚 Key Takeaway #3: Money and Relationships
Talking about money in relationships can feel awkward, but this book emphasises how important it is to have honest conversations. Whether it’s splitting expenses, planning long-term goals, or just being transparent about financial habits, communication is key.
Key Tip: having regular “money talks” with your partner or roommates helps prevent awkward conversations or resentment in the long run. Aligning on goals and expectations can prevent misunderstandings and help you work together toward shared financial success.
📚 Key Takeaway #4: Money and Mental Health
This was one of the most eye-opening sections for me. Whateley addresses how financial stress can impact mental health and provides actionable steps to regain control. Whether it’s debt anxiety or budgeting struggles, she emphasises that you’re not alone and that there are practical ways to cope.
Key Tip: Break financial tasks into small, manageable steps. For example, if debt feels overwhelming, start by listing all your balances, then create a plan to tackle them incrementally. Apps like Monzo and Starling can also help visualise your spending and build confidence.
📚 Key Takeaway #5: Navigate Self-Employment Finances
If you’re self-employed or freelancing, this book has invaluable advice. From understanding pensions like NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) to tracking expenses with tools like Expensify or Coconut, Whateley makes it clear that staying organized is key to financial stability.
Key Tip: Keep records for at least five years and use digital tools to streamline expense tracking. It saves so much stress come tax season.
📚Why You Should Read Money: A User’s Guide
I didn´t want to get too specific with this article as personal finances preferences will depend for every person, but this This isn’t just a book about numbers—it’s about giving yourself the tools to feel confident and in control of your money. Whateley’s writing makes complex financial topics accessible, and her advice covers everything from budgeting and saving to managing money in relationships and navigating mental health challenges.
For students, young professionals, or anyone just starting their financial literacy journey, this book is a goldmine of practical tips and relatable advice.
📚 My Biggest Takeaway
This book reminded me that financial literacy is about more than just numbers—it’s about creating habits and systems that work for your life. The chapters on bills, relationships, and mental health stood out the most to me. It emphasised that money isn’t just a financial tool; it’s tied to how we live, connect, and feel. By taking small steps, like opening an ISA or negotiating better deals on bills, I’ve started to feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
What’s One Personal Finance Tip You Swear By? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your insights! And if this post resonated, please like, share, or comment to keep the conversation going.
