by Bruce Helmer, President, Wealth Enhancement Group

Slow down. Before you even begin to gather all the information you'll need to create an investment strategy, sit down on the porch or patio or in front of the fireplace (with your spouse or partner, if you have one) and let your mind roam.

What do you really want from life? If you could do anything you want, what would you do? Don't put financial restrictions on yourself now. Dream. Stretch a little. Once you have that dream defined, once you know roughly where you want to go, you can begin to determine what role a financial plan can play in helping you live that dream.