Personal finance is the process of making money, saving money, building wealth and protecting assets. NerdWallet receives compensation of 0% to 0.85% of assets under management annualized , Creating a financially secure life can feel like a daunting task. This Personal Finance 101 guide lays out seven key steps to get you working toward long-term security., Knowing where you stand with your money—your budget, credit score, expenses, income, and investments—is essential. PCMag has been covering apps for budgeting and managing personal finances for , , , .