Everyone is in control of their finances, to a certain degree. We all choose every day whether or not to purchase something. If we were to rent an apartment, or buy a car, we make the decision based upon how much income we have, and if it is affordable or not. A person who cannot tell the difference between an apartment that is too expensive, versus one that is within his or her budget, would be more out of control with regards to spending. People who spend more of their income than they make, would be closer to out of control. A person who has learned to consistently make the right spending decisions over time, someone who manages to have a large net worth, on a relatively meager income, but understands and practices personal finance each day, is very much in control of his or her finances.