1. Think about what you mean by financial security, and write down specifically what that would look like for you. This vision will be different for each person. If you have a spouse or partner, you may want to do this together, so that your goal of financial security includes the things you both want most.

2. Take stock of your resources: including savings, retirement plans and home equity.

3. Take a realistic look at how much money you are bringing in now, and how much more you can expect to add to your savings and equity before you retire.

4. Go back to your vision, and do some decision-making about what resources you will need to achieve it.

5. If all of this seems very complicated and difficult, you may find it worthwhile to schedule an appointment with a financial planner. Look for a certified planner who is independent -- i.e., not receiving commissions for the financial products he or she recommends.

6. Once you have a sense of how much you want vs. how much you can expect to have, look at the difference between the two. If you have enough, or more than enough, work on enjoying what you have and worrying less about it!

7. If you're like most people, the difference may not work in your favor. It's time to talk trade-offs. Are you willing to eat out less now so that you can have what you want later? What about working longer? Moving somewhere cheaper?

8. If your original vision is impossibly far out of reach, consider what about it is most important. Is it money for travel? Ability to live independently without relying on relatives? Being able to stay in your house? Focus on that goal. If you aren't already consulting a financial planner, it may be worth doing so now, just to be aware of the options available to you, such as insurance products.

9. To be complete, your financial plan should include instructions for distributing your property and resources after you die. Be sure you have a will and an estate plan that make your wishes clear. A knowledgeable estate lawyer can help you avoid saddling your beneficiaries with excessive taxes and other penalties.

10. No matter what your financial situation, there are some less fortunate than you. Enjoy what you have, and consider including some form of charitable giving or community service in your plans for the future.