When considering your finances, there are three areas that should dominate your thoughts…current cash situation, desired financial future and possible financial devastation. Current cash situations can be summed up quickly, by outlining all household incomes. Desired financial future is determined by what is done with said income in the terms of managing a regular budget and developing (and adhering to) a well structured investment strategy. However, planning for the financially unforeseen is the easiest for which to prepare, but most often ignored. There are a variety of insurance products to aid when income and investments are non-existent. Some people consider insurance a plan to fail, but its more of a safety net to ensure all the hard work and financial discipline does to disappear should a shot in the dark accident occur. Speak with a variety of investment counselors that offer insurance products as each product changes from company to company. Make sure to consider your health history (personal and family), physical demands of your profession and the future prospect of employment or retirement (voluntary and involuntary) when discussing insurance needs. Attention to these three areas of finance when designing a path to financial literacy will aid in a sure-footed path to perfecting your personal finances.