As you finish building a snowman, accessories are traditionally added to help encapsulate the joy of the season. Accessories can range from a pair of twigs to a black top hat. Whether they’re small or large, simple or fancy, the effect is typically the same. The snowman evolves to a higher, more respectable form. Either way, the snowman serves its purpose, but the use of accessories undeniably improves the result.

The next part of this blog will expand on the ideas we’ve covered so far and introduce new tools. These lessons, like accessories added to a snowman, will enhance your financial plan. This will allow you to take advantage of every available resource, making your job easier as you go. Topics will range from alternate ways of thinking to steps to lower your taxes. You may be able to use some of them starting today, while others may be useful later as your needs change.

To help unify the material we’ve covered so far with what’s to come, simply keep in mind the following three themes.

1. Set money aside for the future.

2. Earn the highest returns possible given the situation.

3. Protect against the threat of the unexpected.

While personal finance may seem wide ranging and complex, most topics help you achieve the above goals. There are ways to lower your expenses or increase your income, allowing you to set aside additional savings. Different investment strategies and tax saving accounts allow you to maximize the return earned on your savings. Insurance and a will can protect your savings from financial risks of the unexpected.

If you can’t apply the following chapters to your current situation, it’s still worth having a base understanding, so you know when they apply later. This way, you’ll avoid missing out on their benefits. For chapters that don’t immediately apply, review as much as you can and come back for the specifics when needed. A common approach with financial literacy is to combine a base understanding today with a follow-up review when you need it.

This blog is a duplicate of the recently self-published book The Snowman’s Guide to Personal Finance available for purchase here.