Action Step Three:

Make a List of Your Goals, in order of priority. Look at your #1 Goal - is it really your most important, or is it just first in order of time? Any special types of accounts or matching available for this goal? How much will your goal cost? What's the base level for that goal?

Set aside money each month to fund the base level of your #1 Goal - use your automatic savings or investment plan help you execute this week's Action Step.

Step Four: Above and Beyond ...

You've maxed out your Emergency Fund, paid off your "bad" debts, and funded the minimum levels of your most important life goals. Great job! What's next?

Step 4 is to fully fund your goals, in order of priority.

For example ...

* Max out your Roth IRA, if you are eligible. * Max out your 401(k) and IRAs (yes, you can do both, the IRA just might not be deductible). * Purchase ESPP stock (and don't forget to regularly sell and diversify). * Contribute to a 529 Plan and/or taxable investment account for college education. * Invest in taxable or tax-advantage accounts for miscellaneous future goals, or additional retirement funds. * Buy investment real estate and/or rental property. * Pay off your mortgage. * Purchase CDs or Bonds for specific, time dated goals. * Leave money sitting in your Health Savings Account, invested and tax-deferred, until you can roll it over to an IRA in your retirement.

Wow, do you still have money sitting on the table? Wonderful! If your goals are already funded, then don't forget to enjoy your money now. Take a first-class vacation, hire a errand service for a few hours each week, buy a new sound system, or make a significant donation to your favorite charity. Balance saving for your future goals with living life now.

Action Step Four:

Choose your highest priority goal from Step 3. Have you fully funded this goal, to achieve your ultimate dream? Evaluate whether you have funded the minimal level of your other goals. If you have, then choose an action step from the list above ... and enjoy your prosperity!

"Money Maven" Elizabeth Potts Weinstein, CFP(r), JD, helps women achieve their most important life goals through financial planning, money coaching, classes, books, and her membership community. To get her free Special Report, How to Avoid the Top 10 Money Mistakes, go to http://www.thewealthspa.com