For some people, preparing for the future means planning for different stages of their lives. For others, it means being ready to handle something unexpected. No matter what being prepared for the future means to you, there are several steps you can take to boost your confidence that you’ll be ready.

How to Get There

Have a vision. Think about what’s important to you and where you want to end up.

Set some goals. Break your plan into attainable goals to help you make progress.

Ask for advice. Talking to a financial expert can help you build your roadmap.

What Does Your Future Hold?

You don’t need a crystal ball to prepare yourself financially for the future, but it does help to have a sense of where you’re trying to go. That might mean being able to pay for a child’s education, being able to stop working by a certain age, being protected against losses or simply building up a financial cushion so it’s there when you need it. There are several different types of accounts or investments, so you’ll need to consider things like your tolerance for risk, your timeline and how much room you have in your budget. Talking to a financial expert can help you determine which options are best for you.