Once you’ve created a financial plan you’re comfortable with, follow these 3 steps to put it into action.

1. Set priorities

Decide which goals you want to act on first, and make a list of what steps you need to take to do this. Then carry them out. If you have a financial planner, they may co-ordinate this process with you and with any other professionals you need, such as a lawyer or accountant. If you don’t have a planner, you may need to contact these other professionals yourself.

2. Review your progress

Take a look at where you are to see if you’re on track to meet your goals. As part of your review:

• Look at the account statements for your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and other investment accounts, to see how your investments are doing.
• Track your progress toward your goals. If you’re off track, find out why.
• Consider any changes in your life since you last reviewed your plan, and decide if your goals need to change to reflect this. For example, if your income as changed or your financial goals have changed, your plan may need to change, too.

3. Adjust your plan if you need to

If you’re not on track to meet your goals, adjust your plan. For example, a major upset in financial markets could mean you’re not making any progress toward reaching your goals. Or, maybe your life circumstances have changed. Getting married or divorced, starting a family, retiring or starting a business will affect your goals. You may need to make some changes to your plan to get back on track. If you’re working with a financial planner, they should review your situation with you from time to time. And they should help you adjust your plan, if needed, as your life changes.