As with most other things in life, the key to achieving your long-term financial objectives is planning. Your goal may be to fund your children�s college education, protect your family during your working years, or guarantee your own retirement security. These things won�t happen by accident. It�s important to determine what you�d like to achieve financially and then map out a strategy that will help you meet those goals. The good news is that it�s never too late to start.