Financial planning is a process that will help you determine where you are today, where you want to be in the future and how you can get there. Although it may seem daunting, personal financial planning is not rocket science. In fact, with a little time and effort, anyone can develop a plan that will work for them.

Here are five tips to help you get started:

1. Know Where You Are Today

The first step in any financial planning process is to take stock of your current financial situation. This means knowing how much money you have coming in, how much you have going out and what your net worth is. This will give you a starting point to work from and will help you to set realistic goals.

2. Know Where You Want to Be

The next step is to think about where you want to be in the future. What are your financial goals? Do you want to retire early? Buy a new home? Send your children to college? Once you know what you want, you can start to develop a plan to help you get there.

3. Make a Budget

One of the most important aspects of personal financial planning is creating and sticking to a budget. This will help you to keep track of your spending and ensure that you are not spending more than you can afford. A budget will also help you to save money for your future goals.

4. Invest in Your Future

Another important part of financial planning is investing in your future. This can be done in a number of ways, such as contributing to a 401(k) or IRA, investing in stocks or mutual funds, or even just saving money in a high yield savings account.

5. Get Professional Help

If you are having trouble getting started with your financial planning, or if you just want some professional guidance, there is no shame in seeking out the help of a financial planner. These professionals can help you to develop a plan that is tailored to your specific goals and needs.

Personal financial planning is not something that you should put off until later in life. By taking the time to develop a plan now, you can ensure that you are on the right track to a bright financial future.