Financial awareness is the first step towards effective financial planning. It involves understanding your income, expenses, and how you're budgeting your money. This awareness extends beyond just knowing your monthly bills. It includes being aware of how much you're spending on everyday activities and upcoming events.

For instance, consider the cost of your daily coffee, weekly groceries, or monthly gym membership. These regular expenses can add up quickly and significantly impact your budget. Similarly, upcoming events like birthdays, holidays, or vacations also require financial planning.

To gain financial awareness, start by tracking your spending. Write down every expense, no matter how small, and categorize them. This could include categories like groceries, transportation, or entertainment. This exercise will give you a clear picture of where your money is going and help you identify areas where you can cut back.

Next, plan for the future. Draw out a calendar for the next twelve months and list all the holidays, events, and expenses you anticipate. This could include annual expenses like insurance premiums or semi-annual expenses like car maintenance.

By combining the knowledge of your current spending habits with a plan for future expenses, you can create a realistic and effective budget. This budget will not only cover your bills but also accommodate your lifestyle and financial goals.

Remember, financial awareness is not a one-time exercise. It's an ongoing process that requires regular review and adjustment as your income, expenses, and life circumstances change.