The Complete Guide to Getting Good With Money: A Deep Dive Into Tiffany Aliche’s Life-Changing System

You know that feeling when you check your bank account and immediately want to pretend you never looked? Or when “treating yourself” somehow turned into a lifestyle you can’t actually afford? If you’re nodding along, you’re exactly who Tiffany Aliche wrote Get Good With Money for. Aliche, better known as The Budgetnista, isn’t here to shame you about that £4 latte or lecture you about avocado toast. She’s a former teacher who lost everything during the 2008 financial crisis and rebuilt her life by learning how money actually works. Now she’s sharing a system that’s helped hundreds of thousands of people take control of their finances without losing their minds or their joy. This isn’t another boring finance book full of jargon and impossible advice. It’s a proper roadmap that meets you where you are, whether you’re drowning in debt, living paycheque to paycheque, or just feeling financially stuck. Let’s dive deep into her ten-step system and figure out how you can actually use it to transform your relationship with money.

The Ten Components: Your Financial Whole Life

Aliche breaks financial wellness into ten components she calls your “financial whole life.” Think of it like a body. If one part isn’t working properly, the whole system suffers. You might be brilliant at budgeting but terrible at insurance, or great at saving but clueless about investing. Her system helps you strengthen every part. Here are the ten components in order:

1. Budget Building
2. Saving
3. Debt
4. Credit Score
5. Learn to Earn (increasing income)
6. Investing and Retirement
7. Insurance
8. Net Worth
9. Estate Planning (Wills and Trusts)
10. Financial Independence

The beauty of this system? You tackle them in sequence. No jumping ahead to investing before you’ve sorted your budget. No worrying about estate planning when you can’t cover next month’s bills. It’s logical, manageable, and designed for real humans with real lives.

Why Most Financial Advice Doesn’t Work (And Why This Does)

Before we get into the practical stuff, let’s talk about why you’ve probably tried and failed to “get good with money” before. It’s not because you’re rubbish with numbers or lack discipline. It’s because most financial advice is either: Too complicated: Books written by finance professionals who forget what it’s like to not understand compound interest or what a 401(k) actually is. Too restrictive: Budgets that expect you to never eat out, never have fun, and basically live like a monk until you’re 65. Too one-size-fits-all: Advice that doesn’t account for your actual life, your income, your debt, your goals, or your circumstances. Too shame-based: Content that makes you feel awful about every financial mistake you’ve ever made instead of helping you move forward. Aliche’s approach is different because it’s rooted in her own experience of financial devastation and recovery. She knows what it feels like to be overwhelmed, ashamed, and lost. Her system is built on compassion, not judgment. Progress, not perfection. Real change, not quick fixes.

10 Tips and Tricks to Transform Your Financial Life

Let’s get into the actionable stuff. Here are ten powerful strategies from Get Good With Money that you can start implementing today, complete with examples to make it real.

1. Create a “List Account” for Irregular Expenses

You know those expenses that blindside you every year? Car insurance, holiday shopping, annual subscriptions, birthday presents, that weird tax bill? Aliche calls these “list expenses,” and they’re budget killers if you don’t plan for them. How it works: Total up all your irregular expenses for the year. Divide by 12. Put that amount into a separate savings account every month. When the expense comes up, the money’s already there. Example: Let’s say your yearly irregular expenses look like this:

• Car insurance: £600
• Holiday shopping: £500
• Birthday presents: £300
• Home repairs: £400
• Annual subscriptions: £200 Total: £2,000 per year = £167 per month

Set up an automatic transfer of £167 monthly to your list account. When your car insurance bill arrives, you’ve already got £600 saved instead of scrambling to find it or slapping it on a credit card. Why this works: It removes the panic from irregular expenses and stops them from derailing your budget. December doesn’t have to be a financial nightmare anymore.

2. Use the “Budget by Percentages” Method

Forget trying to track every single pound. Aliche recommends a percentage-based approach that’s flexible and sustainable. The breakdown:

• 70% for living expenses (housing, food, transport, utilities, insurance)
• 15% for saving and investing
• 15% for debt repayment (if you have debt)

If you’re debt-free, that’s 20% for saving and investing, 10% for fun and giving. Example: If you earn £2,500 monthly after tax:

• £1,750 for living expenses
• £375 for savings
• £375 for debt

Living expenses seem tight? That’s information telling you either your expenses are too high or your income needs to increase. Both are fixable problems once you can see them clearly. Why this works: Percentages scale with your income and give you flexibility within categories. You’re not tracking every coffee, but you are maintaining overall balance.

3. Implement the “Whole Number Strategy” for Debt

If you’re overwhelmed by multiple debts, the whole number strategy is your friend. Instead of minimum payments that keep you trapped forever, you’ll systematically destroy your debt. How it works:

1. List all debts smallest to largest (regardless of interest rate)
2. Make minimum payments on everything
3. Put every extra pound towards the smallest debt
4. Once that’s paid off, roll that entire payment to the next debt
5. Repeat until debt-free

Example: You have three debts:

• Store card: £500 (£25 minimum)
• Credit card: £2,000 (£50 minimum)
• Personal loan: £5,000 (£150 minimum)

You pay minimums on all (£225 total) but find an extra £75 in your budget. That full £100 (£25 minimum + £75 extra) goes to the store card. In five months, it’s gone. Now that full £100 goes to the credit card along with its £50 minimum (£150 total). The credit card is cleared in about 13 months. Then all £300 goes to the loan. Why this works: Quick wins create momentum. Paying off that first debt feels incredible and motivates you to keep going. This psychological boost is more valuable than the mathematical efficiency of targeting high-interest debt first.

4. Create a “Noodle Budget” for Low-Income Periods

If your income is irregular or you’re going through a tough financial period, you need a “noodle budget.” This is your bare-bones, survival-mode budget that covers only absolute essentials. How it works: List only the expenses you need to survive and keep the lights on:

• Rent/mortgage
• Essential utilities (electric, water, heat)
• Minimum food (rice, beans, tinned goods)
• Transport to work
• Minimum debt payments
• Essential medication

Everything else gets cut temporarily. Example: Sarah lost her job and has £800 to live on for the month:

• Rent: £500
• Electric/water: £80
• Basic groceries: £120
• Petrol for job interviews: £40
• Phone (for job hunting): £20
• Minimum credit card payment: £40 Total: £800

No takeaways, no subscriptions, no new clothes, no social activities that cost money. It’s not forever. It’s a bridge to get through a tough time without going further into debt. Why this works: It removes guilt and confusion during crisis periods. You know exactly what must be paid and what can wait. It also helps you realise how much of your normal spending isn’t actually necessary.

5. Automate Your “Financial Five”

Decision fatigue is real. The more you have to think about managing money, the more likely you are to mess it up or give up entirely. Aliche recommends automating five key financial tasks. The Financial Five:

1. Bills
2. Debt payments
3. Savings contributions
4. Retirement contributions
5. Investment contributions

Example: Set up automatic payments on payday:

• Day 1 (payday): Rent, utilities, and subscriptions autopay
• Day 2: £200 automatic transfer to savings
• Day 3: £150 automatic debt payment
• Day 5: £100 automatic investment contribution

Everything important happens before you can spend the money on rubbish you don’t need. Why this works: You’re working with human psychology, not against it. Automation removes willpower from the equation. The money does what it’s supposed to do without you having to be disciplined every single day.

6. Build Your “Dream Savings” Alongside Emergency Savings

Most financial advice tells you to save for emergencies only, which makes saving feel like preparing for disaster. Aliche says to save for emergencies AND dreams simultaneously. How it works: Split your savings between an emergency fund and a dream fund. Even if it’s just £10 each per month, both matter. Example: You have £100 monthly for savings:

• £60 to emergency fund (priorities: 3 months expenses)
• £40 to dream fund (priorities: holiday, house deposit, wedding)

The emergency fund keeps you safe. The dream fund keeps you motivated. Both are necessary for a healthy financial life. Why this works: Saving only for emergencies is depressing and makes you resent your budget. Having something to look forward to keeps you engaged with your finances instead of avoiding them.

7. Use the “Spending Shuffle” to Find Extra Money

Think you can’t find extra money in your budget? The spending shuffle proves otherwise. You’re not cutting anything out—you’re just rearranging where your money goes. How it works: Look at your spending and find areas where you’re paying for convenience, habit, or things you don’t really value. Redirect that money to things that matter more. Example: Monthly spending shuffle:

• Cancel gym membership you never use: +£45
• Make coffee at home four days a week: +£40
• Switch to cheaper phone plan: +£15
• Use loyalty card and shop sales: +£30
• Pack lunch twice a week: +£25 Total found: £155 monthly = £1,860 yearly

That’s nearly £2,000 found without earning more or suffering. Redirect it to debt, savings, or that course you’ve wanted to take. Why this works: It reframes budgeting as optimisation, not deprivation. You’re not sacrificing—you’re choosing. That shift in perspective changes everything.

8. Calculate Your “Financial Temperature”

How healthy are your finances right now? Most people have no idea. Aliche uses a “financial temperature” system to give you a clear reading. How it works: Score yourself 0-10 in each of the ten financial components. Add them up. Your score tells you your financial health. Example scoring:

• Budget Building: 7 (you have one and mostly stick to it)
• Saving: 4 (you save sometimes but not consistently)
• Debt: 3 (you have significant debt with no clear plan)
• Credit Score: 5 (it’s okay but could be better)
• Learn to Earn: 6 (you’re working but not actively increasing income)
• Investing: 2 (you have no investments or don’t understand them)
• Insurance: 5 (you have some but aren’t sure it’s enough)
• Net Worth: 4 (negative or barely positive)
• Estate Planning: 0 (nothing in place)
• Financial Independence: 3 (decades away)

Total: 39 out of 100 (cold – needs urgent warming up) Temperature guide:

• 0-25: Freezing (financial crisis mode)
• 26-50: Cold (significant work needed)
• 51-75: Warm (on the right track)
• 76-100: Hot (financially thriving)

Why this works: You can’t fix what you can’t measure. This gives you a baseline and shows you exactly which areas need attention first.

9. Implement “Money Dates” to Stay on Track

Your finances need regular attention, but not constant obsession. Aliche recommends scheduled “money dates” to review and adjust. How it works: Set weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly money dates with yourself (or your partner if you share finances). Example schedule: Weekly (15 minutes, every Sunday):

• Review spending from the past week
• Check account balances
• Plan spending for the coming week
• Address any money issues that came up

Monthly (1 hour, first Saturday):

• Pay bills
• Review budget vs actual spending
• Calculate how much you saved
• Adjust next month’s budget based on what you learned
• Celebrate wins

Quarterly (2 hours):

• Review progress on financial goals
• Check credit score
• Review investments and rebalance if needed
• Shop around for better rates on insurance, utilities, etc.

Yearly (half day):

• Review entire financial picture
• Set financial goals for the year
• Update net worth calculation
• Review and update insurance coverage
• Review estate planning documents
• Plan irregular expenses for the year

Why this works: Regular check-ins catch problems early and keep you connected to your finances without it taking over your life. It’s like going to the dentist—preventive care is easier than emergency surgery.

10. Create Your “Three Accounts System”

Most people have money chaos because everything mixes together in one account. Bills, savings, spending money—all jumbled up. The three-account system fixes this. How it works: You need three accounts with specific purposes: Account 1: Bills Account

• Holds money only for fixed monthly expenses
• Rent, utilities, subscriptions, insurance, minimum debt payments
• Money goes in, bills go out, nothing else happens here

Account 2: Savings Account

• Emergency fund, dream fund, list expenses
• Money goes in, stays there until needed for its purpose
• Not for “emergencies” like wanting a new pair of trainers

Account 3: Spending Account

• Everything else—food, entertainment, clothes, eating out
• This is your “fun money” that you can spend guilt-free
• When it’s gone, it’s gone until next payday

Example: You earn £2,000 monthly after tax:

• Bills Account: £1,200 (all fixed expenses)
• Savings Account: £300 (15% of income)
• Spending Account: £500 (everything else)

On payday, money automatically splits between these three accounts. You pay bills from the bills account, save from the savings account, and live from the spending account. Simple. Why this works: It creates clarity and prevents the “where did all my money go?” confusion. You can see exactly what’s happening with your money and when your spending account is running low, you know to pull back.

The Psychological Side of Money

Here’s something most finance books ignore: your money problems probably aren’t actually about money. They’re about your beliefs, fears, habits, and the stories you tell yourself. Aliche dedicates significant space to the emotional and psychological aspects of money because she knows that’s where the real barriers live. You can have the perfect budget, but if you don’t address why you emotionally spend, self-sabotage, or avoid looking at your finances, nothing will change long-term. Common money stories and how to rewrite them: Story: “I’m just bad with money.” Reality: You’ve never been properly taught about money. Being “bad” with something you were never educated about isn’t a character flaw. Rewrite: “I’m learning to be good with money, and I’m getting better every day.” Story: “I’ll never get out of debt.” Reality: Thousands of people with more debt than you have become debt-free. It takes time and a plan, but it’s absolutely possible. Rewrite: “Getting out of debt is hard but possible. I’m taking it one payment at a time.” Story: “I don’t earn enough to save.” Reality: You might not earn enough to save much right now, but even £1 per week starts building the saving habit. Rewrite: “I’ll save what I can now and increase it as my income grows.” Story: “I deserve to treat myself.” Reality: You do deserve good things, but going into debt or draining your savings to “treat yourself” is actually punishment, not reward. Rewrite: “I deserve both treats now and financial security later. I can have both with planning.” Understanding your money story is crucial because it drives your behaviour. If you believe you’re bad with money, you’ll act accordingly. If you believe you’re learning and improving, you’ll make different choices.

Making Peace With Your Past Money Mistakes

Before you can move forward, you need to deal with your financial past. This doesn’t mean dwelling on it forever, but it does mean acknowledging it, learning from it, and forgiving yourself. Aliche shares her own devastating financial mistake—lending money to a man she thought was her friend who turned out to be a con artist. She lost nearly everything. If she can come back from that, you can come back from your overdraft, your credit card debt, or whatever financial mess you’re in. The financial forgiveness process:

1. Acknowledge what happened: Write down your financial mistakes without judgment. Just facts.
2. Understand the why: What led to each mistake? Lack of knowledge? Emotional vulnerability? Life circumstances? Understanding removes shame.
3. Extract the lesson: What did each mistake teach you? What will you do differently now?
4. Make amends where possible: If you owe people money, create a plan to pay them back. If you’ve hurt your own future self, commit to doing better.
5. Forgive yourself: Actually say it out loud. “I forgive myself for [specific mistake]. I was doing the best I could with what I knew then. I’m making better choices now.”
6. Move forward: Stop defining yourself by your past. Your past choices don’t determine your future unless you let them.

The Reality of Increasing Your Income

At some point in your financial journey, cutting expenses hits a limit. You can only reduce your spending so much before you’re into the bone. That’s when you need to focus on the “Learn to Earn” component—increasing your income. Aliche is realistic about this. She knows not everyone can just “get a better job” or “start a side hustle” overnight. But she also knows that staying stuck at your current income level while your expenses keep rising is a losing game. Practical ways to increase income: In your current job:

• Ask for a raise (she provides scripts and strategies)
• Take on additional responsibilities that come with pay increases
• Pursue professional development that leads to promotion
• Switch to a different team or department with higher pay
• Document your achievements to justify higher compensation

Outside your current job:

• Develop a skill that’s in high demand and freelance it
• Turn a hobby into a small income stream
• Take on contract or project work in your field
• Teach others what you know (online courses, tutoring, coaching)
• Sell items you no longer need
• Rent out space or equipment you own

Long-term income growth:

• Return to school or get certification in a higher-paying field
• Switch careers entirely to something more lucrative
• Build a business that can eventually replace your job income
• Invest in yourself and your skills consistently

The key is to start somewhere, even if it’s small. An extra £100 per month is £1,200 per year. That could clear a credit card, build an emergency fund, or start an investment account. Every little bit changes your trajectory.

Getting Your Credit Score Right

Your credit score affects more than just whether you can get a loan. It impacts your interest rates, your insurance premiums, whether you can rent certain properties, and sometimes even job opportunities. Yet most people have no idea what their score is or how to improve it. Aliche breaks down credit score myths and gives you the actual formula for improvement. What makes up your credit score:

• Payment history: 35% (paying on time is crucial)
• Amount owed: 30% (keep balances low, ideally under 30% of limit)
• Length of credit history: 15% (older accounts help)
• New credit: 10% (don’t open lots of accounts at once)
• Types of credit: 10% (mix of credit cards, loans, etc.)

Quick credit score improvements: If your score is poor (below 600):

• Check your credit report for errors and dispute them
• Set up automatic payments so you never miss one
• Pay down any accounts that are over 30% of their limit
• Don’t close old accounts even if you’re not using them
• Don’t apply for new credit until your score improves

If your score is fair (600-700):

• Keep doing what you’re doing with payments
• Pay down balances to under 10% of limits if possible
• Add yourself as an authorised user on someone else’s excellent account (with their permission)
• Only apply for credit when you really need it

If your score is good (700+):

• Maintain current habits
• Consider asking for credit limit increases to improve utilisation ratio
• Keep old accounts open to maintain length of history
• Check your report annually to ensure accuracy

Real example: James had a credit score of 580. He checked his report and found three errors (debts that weren’t his). He disputed them and got them removed. He set up autopay on his two credit cards and made extra payments to get them under 30% of the limit. Six months later, his score was 680. A year after that, it was 720. That better score saved him £3,000 in interest when he bought a car.

Investing Without Losing Your Mind

Investing feels scary because it is scary if you don’t know what you’re doing. But not investing is actually scarier in the long run because inflation slowly destroys the purchasing power of money sitting in a savings account. Aliche’s approach to investing is refreshingly simple: you don’t need to become a financial expert or day trader. You need to understand basic principles and start with straightforward options. Investing basics everyone needs to know: Start with your workplace pension: If your employer offers matching contributions, that’s free money. Always contribute at least enough to get the full match. Understand the time horizon: Money you need in the next 5 years shouldn’t be invested in stocks. Money you won’t need for 10+ years should be. Index funds are your friend: Instead of trying to pick winning stocks, buy a fund that tracks the entire market. Lower fees, less stress, better long-term results for most people. Compound interest is magical: The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. Even small amounts become significant over decades. You will lose money sometimes: Markets go up and down. If you panic and sell when they drop, you lock in losses. If you hold steady, history shows markets recover. Simple investment plan for beginners:

1. Sort your emergency fund first: Don’t invest money you might need soon.
2. Contribute to workplace pension: At least enough to get the full employer match.
3. Open an investment ISA: Tax-free growth for UK investors.
4. Choose a simple fund: A low-cost global index fund that tracks the world stock market.
5. Set up automatic monthly contributions: Even £50 per month becomes significant over time.
6. Ignore the noise: Don’t check it daily. Don’t panic when markets drop. Stay the course.

Real example: Sophie starts investing £100 per month at age 25. By age 35, she’s contributed £12,000. With average market returns of 7% annually, that £12,000 has grown to about £17,500. If she continues until age 65, her total contributions of £48,000 could be worth over £240,000. That’s the power of starting early and staying consistent.

Insurance: The Thing You Hope You Never Need But Definitely Do

Insurance is boring until you desperately need it and don’t have it. Then it’s not boring at all—it’s devastating. Aliche covers the essential types of insurance and how much you actually need. Essential insurance types: Life insurance: If anyone depends on your income, you need it. Term life insurance is usually sufficient and affordable. A 25-year-old non-smoker can get £500,000 of coverage for about £20 per month. Health insurance: Not optional in countries without universal healthcare. Even in the UK, consider critical illness or income protection insurance. Home/renters insurance: Your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your stuff. Renters insurance is cheap, usually £10-20 monthly. Car insurance: Legally required, but shop around annually for better rates. Income protection/disability insurance: If you couldn’t work for six months, how would you survive? This covers that gap. Insurance you probably don’t need: Extended warranties: Usually not worth it. Put that money in savings instead. Life insurance on children: Unless you depend on their income (you don’t), you don’t need it. Cancer insurance or other disease-specific policies: A good health insurance policy already covers you. Credit card payment protection: Expensive and rarely pays out. Emergency fund is better.

Net Worth: The Number That Tells the Truth

Your income tells you how much you earn. Your net worth tells you how much you’re actually worth financially. It’s the most honest measure of financial health. How to calculate net worth: Net worth = Assets (what you own) – Liabilities (what you owe) Assets include:

• Cash in all accounts
• Investments (ISAs, pensions, stocks)
• Value of your home (if you own)
• Value of vehicles
• Value of other significant possessions

Liabilities include:

• Credit card debt
• Student loans
• Car loans
• Mortgage
• Personal loans
• Any other money owed

Example: Tom’s net worth calculation:

• Cash: £3,000
• ISA: £5,000
• Pension: £15,000
• Car: £8,000
• Total assets: £31,000
• Credit card: £2,000
• Student loan: £20,000
• Car loan: £5,000
• Total liabilities: £27,000

Net worth: £4,000 Tom’s net worth is positive, which is good. His goal is to increase it by £10,000 this year through paying down debt and growing savings. Track net worth quarterly: Watching it grow is incredibly motivating. Even if it starts negative (many people’s does), seeing it move in the right direction keeps you going.

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Estate Planning: Not Just for Rich or Old People

Nobody wants to think about dying, but if you die without a plan, you leave a massive mess for the people you love. Estate planning isn’t about having millions to distribute—it’s about making sure your wishes are clear and your people are protected. Essential estate planning documents: Will: Who gets your stuff, who manages your affairs, who cares for your children if you have any. Power of attorney: Who makes financial and medical decisions if you can’t. Living will/advance directive: What medical treatment you do or don’t want if you can’t communicate. Beneficiary designations: Who gets your life insurance, pension, etc. You can get basic versions of these documents done affordably. Yes, solicitors are expensive, but online services can get you started. Having something is infinitely better than having nothing. Don’t wait until you’re rich or old: If you have any assets, any debt, any people who care about you, or any preferences about what happens to you, you need basic estate planning. Do it this year.

Financial Independence: The Ultimate Goal

Financial independence means having enough money that you don’t have to work if you don’t want to. It’s not necessarily early retirement (though it can be). It’s freedom. It’s options. It’s security. Aliche defines financial independence as having 25 times your annual expenses saved and invested. If you spend £30,000 yearly, you’d need £750,000. That seems impossible until you understand that most of that comes from investment growth, not your contributions. The path to financial independence:

1. Get the first nine components handled: You can’t reach independence without sorting budget, debt, savings, income, investing, etc.
2. Increase your savings rate: The percentage of income you save and invest is the biggest factor in how quickly you reach independence.
3. Control lifestyle inflation: As you earn more, resist the urge to spend proportionally more. Bank the difference.
4. Invest consistently for decades: This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a get-rich-slowly certainty.
5. Consider what independence means to you: Maybe it’s full retirement at 50. Maybe it’s working part-time doing what you love. Maybe it’s having “forget you money” for a bad boss. Define your version.

Real example: Sarah and Mike wanted financial independence by 50. They were 30. They needed £800,000 (covering £32,000 yearly expenses). They saved and invested 25% of their combined income (£15,000 yearly). With average investment returns, they’re on track to hit their goal by 48. They won’t stop working necessarily, but they’ll have the choice.

Making This Work in Real Life

Everything sounds good in a book, but implementation is where most people fail. Here’s how to actually make this work in your messy, complicated, real life. Start with one component: Don’t try to fix everything at once. Pick the component you’re worst at and focus there for 30 days. Then move to the next. Expect to mess up: You will overspend. You will forget to transfer savings. You will make mistakes. That’s fine. Get back on track and keep going. Get support: Tell someone what you’re doing. Join an online community. Get an accountability partner. Going it alone is harder. Celebrate small wins: Paid off a credit card? Celebration. Saved your first £1,000? Celebration. Went a whole month sticking to budget? Celebration. Acknowledge progress. Adjust as you go: If something isn’t working, change it. Your budget is a living document, not a prison sentence. Adapt it to your life. Be patient: Financial transformation takes years, not weeks. You didn’t get into this situation overnight, and you won’t get out overnight. Trust the process. Remember your why: Why do you want to be good with money? Write it down. Look at it when you’re tempted to give up. Your future self will thank you.

The Bottom Line

Get Good With Money isn’t just a book—it’s a complete financial education and system for real people living real lives. Tiffany Aliche has created something rare: practical financial advice that’s actually achievable, comprehensive without being overwhelming, and kind without being naive. The ten-step system works because it’s sequential, logical, and designed for humans with emotions, not robots. It acknowledges that money is emotional, personal, and complicated. It meets you where you are without judgment and gives you a clear path forward. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to figure it all out at once. You just need to start somewhere, commit to learning and improving, and give yourself grace when you stumble. Financial wellness isn’t about being rich. It’s about being in control, having options, and building a life where money works for you instead of you constantly scrambling for money. That’s available to you, regardless of where you’re starting from. Start with your budget. Then your savings. Then tackle your debt. Take it one component at a time, and in a year, you’ll barely recognise your financial life. In five years, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come. In ten years, you might be the person others turn to for financial advice. The best time to get good with money was ten years ago. The second best time is today.

Test Your Knowledge: Get Good With Money Quiz

How much did you absorb? Take this quiz to find out. (Answers at the bottom—no cheating!) 1. In Tiffany Aliche’s system, how many financial components make up your “financial whole life”? a) 5 b) 7 c) 10 d) 12 2. What is a “list account” used for? a) Making shopping lists b) Saving for irregular expenses c) Tracking daily spending d) Paying regular bills 3. According to the budget by percentages method, what percentage should go to living expenses? a) 50% b) 60% c) 70% d) 80% 4. Which debt should you pay off first using the “whole number strategy”? a) The one with the highest interest rate b) The one with the largest balance c) The one with the smallest balance d) The one with the highest minimum payment 5. What is a “noodle budget”? a) A budget for grocery shopping b) A bare-bones budget for tough financial times c) A budget specifically for food expenses d) A flexible budget that changes monthly 6. How many accounts does Aliche recommend in the “three accounts system”? a) One main account and two savings b) Bills, savings, and spending c) Checking, savings, and investment d) Personal, business, and emergency 7. What percentage of your credit score is based on payment history? a) 20% b) 25% c) 30% d) 35% 8. What should you do if your employer offers pension matching contributions? a) Ignore it until you’re debt-free b) Contribute only if you have extra money c) Contribute at least enough to get the full match d) Wait until you’re earning more 9. What is net worth? a) Your annual income b) How much you have in savings c) Assets minus liabilities d) Your credit score 10. To be financially independent, Aliche suggests saving how many times your annual expenses? a) 10 times b) 15 times c) 20 times d) 25 times

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Unlock More Money Wisdom on Mind Set in Stone Podcast 🎙️

If you’re ready to dive even deeper into Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche and discover more practical ways to transform your financial life, tune into the Mind Set in Stone Podcast. We break down the principles of money management, wealth building, and financial independence in a way that’s both insightful and actually entertaining (no boring finance lectures, we promise). Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or you’re looking to level up your money game, we’ve got episodes that will challenge you, inspire you, and give you actionable steps you can take today. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to start your journey toward financial freedom and abundance.

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Quiz Answers

1. c) 10 – Aliche’s system includes ten financial components that make up your financial whole life.
2. b) Saving for irregular expenses – A list account is where you save monthly for those yearly expenses that always seem to catch you off guard.
3. c) 70% – Living expenses should take up 70% of your budget, with 15% each for savings and debt (or 20% savings/10% fun if you’re debt-free).
4. c) The one with the smallest balance – The whole number strategy uses the debt snowball method, tackling the smallest debt first for psychological wins.
5. b) A bare-bones budget for tough financial times – A noodle budget covers only absolute essentials when money is extremely tight.
6. b) Bills, savings, and spending – The three accounts system separates your money into these three distinct categories to maintain clarity.
7. d) 35% – Payment history is the largest single factor in your credit score, making up 35% of the total.
8. c) Contribute at least enough to get the full match – Employer matching is literally free money. Always get the full match if you can.
9. c) Assets minus liabilities – Net worth is what you own minus what you owe, giving you the truest picture of your financial health.
10. d) 25 times – Financial independence means having 25 times your annual expenses saved and invested, allowing you to live off the returns.

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