What is a financial plan?


 
Happy couple walking on the beach
"A financial plan is not about getting rich...
it's about doing more with what you have."
- InvestorED.caLink to an external website
myth: You can't enjoy today and save for tomorrow.
truth: A financial plan lets you balance enjoying today and tomorrow. It's about knowing where your money is going.

What is a financial plan?

It's simply your list of short- and long-term goals that are important to you, with an outline of how you're going to use your money to achieve those goals.

A financial plan can help you to:

  • Save money you need to realize your goals
  • Protect what is most important to you
  • Plan for retirement
  • Leave something for your family
  • Manage your taxes

Where to start?

You may have avoided thinking about your finances until now. But, you're already doing some basic planning if you...

  • Set financial priorities each month.
  • Pay your bills, work to lower your debt, and have a few dollars left each month.

The key is to balance your day-to-day activities with a longer-term financial plan that works toward your future goals and dreams. It's never too late or too early to start your plan.

ArrowNext step: Figure out where am I today?

Published: 03/12/2007
Last updated: 03/12/2007