If you are in your 20s, 30s, or even 40s and want to make a fresh, solid start in your financial life, some up-front organization and exchange traded funds (ETFs) can put you on the right track.

First, you must start a the beginning and envision where you want to be in 5 years. Consider what pitfalls you’d like to avoid such as student loans or borrowing from your parents.

Sue Stevens for MorningStar advises that you set up priorities and guidelines year-to-year and if you have competing goals you may need to take a multi-year approach. By making progress each year on a goal, you will have taken the first step.

By making the right choices about how you spend your money as well as setting aside an emergency fund – at least six months of living expenses – you are ready to start building your core portfolio.

ETFs are a great financial tool to help you get started on the building blocks. Broad based funds like Vanguard total Stock Market ETF (VTI) or Vanguard Emerging MarketsETF (VWO) allow one-stop shopping for your investments.

By understanding your assets and liabilities and setting priorities for your goals your future will beset up for much more success.

Tags: VTI