Ask Melanie: a new year, a new financial plan

I'm determined to get on top of my finances in 2013. Where should I start?

Start by adding up the value of everything you own and everything you owe. Subtract what you owe from what you own. That number is your net worth. It's worth knowing as it's the basis for working out many other things.

For example: whether you can afford to quit your job; whether you should marry for money; whether you can afford a divorce; whether to take on more debt; and how much you need to save, and for how long.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/expert-qa/article/1105458/ask-melanie-new-year-new-financial-plan