This thesis stems from the author's interest in the practical application of Operational Research (OR) at the personal level and for the benefit of the human endeavours of individuals and small groups. The literature has devoted hardly any attention to this area, concentrating instead on the application of OR to large organisations. From the practical experience of applying OR to family financial decision making and planning situations, a realisation has grown that OR can be of benefit, not just financially but also in terms of fairness and satisfaction, to human decision making and planning more generally.