When you apply what you learn about finance, you can effectively:

The correct answer illustrates the key principle of personal finance: taking control of your money rather than allowing external factors to dictate your financial situation. When you apply what you learn about finance, you develop a solid understanding of how to manage your income, expenses, and savings, which empowers you to make informed decisions. This proactive approach enables you to create a financial plan that aligns with your goals, ensuring that your money is working for you instead of being reactive to circumstances.

Being able to "tell your money what to do" encompasses budgeting, setting financial goals, and investing wisely, all of which play crucial roles in achieving financial stability and growth. It establishes a mindset of responsibility and intentionality when it comes to handling finances.

Other choices reflect a less effective approach to personal finance. Seeking help from others may be beneficial in certain contexts, but it does not capture the essence of being empowered by your knowledge. Ignoring financial goals and spending without a budget indicate a lack of control and foresight, which are counterproductive to achieving financial health. Thus, the emphasis on actively guiding your financial decisions makes the chosen answer the most appropriate option.