[header] How to do your own financial planning [title] Determine what your key personal and financial goals are. [step] Before you can create a solid financial plan, you need to be clear about your goals. Common financial goals include: planning for retirement, paying for education, purchasing a home, creating an inheritance for beneficiaries, or developing a financial " safety net " to guard against unexpected expenses, disasters, or life changes. 
[substeps] You can find templates for worksheets to help define your financial goals by searching online. [title] Be accurate in your goals you want to accomplish.