The nice weather is starting! There is still enough time to plant some seeds for your financial future. Here is a list of common financial goals:

• Purchase a home
• Purchase a new vehicle
• Annual vacations (or perhaps a big trip every few years)
• Retirement
• Pay down debt
• Emergency fund
• Kids’ education fund

The list above is in no particular order but covers many of the items on wish lists. Some of the items can be combined. For example, retirement savings can be used towards a home, education (yours), retirement and are there as an emergency fund if you really need it.

The key to turning your wish list into reality is to rank your list based on priority. If having no reserve or emergency fund keeps you up at night then that may be your first priority, likewise if your debts are hanging over your head it’s time to get rid of them. You may not be able to tackle everything on your list at the same time but start somewhere and by start, I mean put your plan into action. Calculate what you top priority item(s) will cost and set up the savings or payments to start towards them. Keep in mind what’s next on your list so that as more money becomes available, you know where to put it.