Only Half of Americans Have a Long-Term Financial Plan. Here's How to Get Started on Yours

If you don't have a formal financial plan, you're not alone. Only 49% of Americans have a long-term financial plan in place, according to Capital One's Financial Freedom survey, but without one, you may have trouble staying focused on and meeting your goals. Now, the good thing about financial planning is that you can really start at any age; there's no such thing as being too old or too young.

Furthermore, financial planning is something you can do solo or with the help of an advisor. If you'd rather go the former route, here's how to get started.