Tip: Know your passions to know your goals. It's important to identify what brings you joy, then crafting a financial plan to create more of those moments, Pam Rodriguez, a California-based certified financial planner, says. “Personal finance is a lot more emotional than it is a math equation,” Ms Rodriguez says. “Even though the numbers have to add up, you’ll never take action unless you feel strongly about something.” If you want to buy a house to host friends and family, for example, identify how much you’ll need for a down payment and closing costs, then work towards that savings goal over time.