As you chart your course through life, you always need to keep in mind that your investment path has to run in the same direction. Over every obstacle and through every accomplishment there is always a financial horizon to set your sights upon. Here are a few basics to keep in mind for the many stages of life.

Education

While college is a liberating experience, oftentimes students can become overwhelmed with a newfound sense of freedom that can detrimentally affect their financial future. Utilizing the youth program of BetterInvesting can help you teach your kids about basic money management skills so that your investment in education can start their investment in themselves.

Employment

From your first babysitting or lawn mowing job through every successive career move, your employment history directly affects your financial future. While some employers may provide a small amount of assistance, these days our plans for retirement are largely in our own hands. As you look to establish your investment goals, look to BetterInvesting to help you reach them.

Marriage

Marriage is a melding of heart and spirit. But don't forget that it is also a melding of income and investments. While it may not seem romantic to discuss finances with your soon-to-be spouse, it is absolutely crucial that you both understand and share financial goals. When you look down the road of your married life, you need to consider factors such as whether you are planning to travel, or open a business, or retire early. The more you communicate your life goals to your partner, the more quickly you can reach them together through investing.

Mortgage

Perhaps the largest single investment you will make up to this point in your life will be the purchase of your first home. Fixed Rate? Variable? PMI? ARM? This can be a challenging task. But with the right educational tools, and the proper investments, you can make your dream come true much more quickly.

If, on the other hand, you find yourself sitting on an empty nest, it may be time to look at selling and moving into a more modest home. But what do you do with the additional income from the sale of your house?

Whether you're looking to make a down payment on your first home sooner, or looking to defer taxes later, some educated investing can help.

Parenthood

Wondrous and frightening at the same time, having a child is perhaps the most life-altering event you will face. As you learn to become a parent, you also need to learn to invest like one. In addition to the change in immediate finance, it's also time to start thinking long-term not only for yourself, but for your child. Intelligent investments may make sending your baby to college a snap once the time comes.

Payoff

From annuities to IRAs, from mutual funds to 401(k)s, retirement is the time to reap the rewards of years of educated investing. It's never too early to start saving for retirement. Determine what you think you'll need to be comfortable and start investing as much as you think you can. Not only will this provide a larger nest egg, it may even allow you to retire early. The financial knowledge you accumulate as a BetterInvesting member may well help you accumulate the funds you need to really make retirement pay off.