Identify your goals:

Think broadly about life goals and what you need financially to achieve them.

Put it all together: 

Contrast your goals with the data about your income, expenses and net worth. Don’t be disheartened — remember, you’re mapping  how to get from where you are now to where you want to be.

Put your plan into effect: 

Set realistic goals, and check in on them periodically.

Collect your financial data: 

What’s your net worth — that is, the value of your cash, investments and other assets versus your debts? How much cash is coming in and going out?

Develop immediate, medium-term and long-term plans: 

Building and following a budget is a common immediate step. Reducing credit card or other high-interest debt is a typical medium-term plan that can unlock long-term savings growth.