• How much money will be needed by an individual (or by a family) at various points in the future?
• Where will this money come from (e.g. savings or borrowing)?
• How can people protect themselves against unforeseen events in their lives, and risk in financial markets?
• How can family assets be best transferred across generations (bequests and inheritance)?
• How do taxes (tax subsidies or penalties) affect personal financial decisions?
• How does credit affect an individual's financial standing?
• How can one plan for a secure financial future in an environment of economic instability?

Personal financial decisions may involve paying for education,financing durable goods such as real estate and cars, buying insurance, e.g. health and property insurance, investing and saving for retirement.

Personal financial decisions may also involve paying for a loan.