Define what it is you want and need to feel financially secure. Take the time to think about the short-term and long-term goals that are important to you and what it will take to achieve them financially. Picture your future. What do you see? Your children attending college? An exciting retirement with lots of travel? Ample savings available in case of emergencies? Review what investments you currently have. Do they fit into your plan? What's missing? Contact a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative to help you choose the vehicles you will use to accomplish your goals, and define the amounts you need to start saving and investing.

Once you've created your plan, develop a budget. Take into account daily, weekly, monthly and annual expenses. Average them out for a monthly living cost. Include the contributions you need to make in order to reach your goals.

After you've settled on your budget, stick to it. Make it a policy to pay yourself first before paying other expenses. Consider automatic payroll deductions from your paycheck to your savings account, retirement account and other investment accounts.

Now that you're on your own, you may not be carrying adequate insurance. This is especially important if your spouse was providing the majority of the household benefits. You can increase your feeling of financial security by helping protect your family and your assets through the purchase of life insurance and making a will and an estate plan.

Because it is challenging to simultaneously save for college, manage the expense of raising a family, and manage your other financial obligations, seek the advice of a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative. A Financial Representative can help you define important factors such as your time horizon and attitude toward risk and investing. Once your plan is in place, take the time to enjoy your new life.