Shooting Par Financially

It's a well-worn phrase. If you know where you're going, you're more likely to get there.

I think this is so true about most of life -- the career, the home-remodeling project, the spring-break road trip. It's also true with your personal finances.

Now, the beat-to-death wisdom heard from financial professionals is to set goals -- goals for wealth, college, home, retirement. If realistic, the goals give something to check your progress against.

OK, fine. But here's what's missing: Just how the heck do you set those goals? ...