Building a Solid Financial Foundation Anyone hoping to attain long-term wealth must have a solid financial foundation. The first step in laying this foundation is to set specific financial objectives. Having clear goals helps prioritizercb remaining slots spending and direct financial decisions, whether it's for retirement savings, home ownership, or a child's education. A person who wants to live comfortably in retirement, for example, might concentrate on increasing their contributions to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s or IRAs while also taking into account other investment options that fit their time horizon and risk tolerance. Setting objectives is important, but so is giving financial literacy top priority.