Market shifts can impact your portfolio in surprising ways. Learn how 5 common investments—like stocks, bonds, and real estate—respond to economic changes and what it means for your strategy.

Financial planning is all about living the life you want to live. A comfortable retirement might be your ultimate goal, but what does that look like for you? Beyond that, how do you expect to get there? You need a financial action plan, and no plan is complete without a starting point. After all, you can only plan to reach a destination if you know from where you're starting.