Personal finances are usually just that; personal. Yet some people do not seem to have the slightest hesitation in revealing every last monetary detail to the world.

Each Wednesday, the Sydney Morning Herald, publishes a lift-out section which focusses on financial matters, aptly titled Money. In particular there is a column on the first page of this lift-out, called Makeover, which I have taken a shine to of late.

Here readers are invited to receive a free financial review, and plan, from a certified financial adviser. The only catch is having to divulge every aspect of their fiscal state, for all to see. They also must have a photo published with the article, to add to their embarrassment or otherwise, as the case may be.

Over recent months this column has just about become the first thing I look at when I pick up Wednesday’s paper. I just love prying into other people’s financial affairs and seeing how better, or worse, off I am in comparison.

And having said that, I find the articles about the people who tend to be on the financial back foot, or treading water, all the more interesting. This is where the advisers swing into optimistic mode, and find a way out, or a way forward, for the people who are struggling.

There have been a few profiles of people who are obviously very well “established”, but discovering how they can double their wealth is not quite as scintillating. In my humble opinion anyway.

While it seems ironic that very few of the people I work or live around will breathe an iota regarding personal money matters, it is amazing how some people are prepared to go to the opposite extreme.

Dare I say it, having your photo and (financial) life story printed in the newspaper is still enough to make people feel like a million dollars? ;)