Get Your Computer to Build Your Financial Future

"Often times, it is a painful thing to understand where you're at financially if you have to figure it out yourself. Boulevard R tries to make it painless and affordable," says Matt Iverson, co-founder of Boulevard R. "The dashboard that we're in the process of developing breaks their next steps down into very manageable paths, in the way that a financial planner would hold their hand and walk them through the process."

A "personalized, actionable roadmap" will run users $49, and for an additional $150 they can get an hour long consultation with an independent financial planner. But users can also use basic elements of the site for free.

Meredith Johnson, a California-based Certified Financial Planner, recommends Boulevard R to her friends who can't afford -- and don't really need -- personal financial planners. She says that thanks to her Boulevard R-developed 30-page financial plan, she's now considering buying long-term care insurance for her parents.

3. How exactly do I invest my money?

Of course, you can always avoid this question by putting your money in a managed account. But if you are interested in more-actively managing your portfolio, you needn't do it alone.

For $150 a year, Financial Engines will tell you if you're on track for retirement, monitor your portfolio, give you advice on tax-deferred accounts and forecasts for your employee stock options and non-retirement financial goals. Another $150 will get you advice on your taxable accounts and advice on your non-retirement goals.

Financial Engines can instantly compare options across different funds, minimizing fees and maximizing expected returns.