Create a BudgetThe first step in managing your personal finances is creating a budget. A budget helps you track your income and expenses, so you can see where your money is going each month. Start by listing all of your income sources, including your salary, investments, and any other sources of income. Next, list all of your expenses, including rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, and entertainment. Be sure to include any debt payments you may have, such as credit card debt or student loans. Once you've listed all of your income and expenses, you can start to make adjustments to your spending habits as needed.