As you’ll recall, my grandmother unexpectedly sent me money recently. The gift inspired me to set savings goals. I hoped writing them down would give me a concrete plan I could adhere to, but instead it left me confused and overwhelmed.

I decided to turn to experts to help me prioritize and focus.

Here’s what my original list looked like:

Short-Term (the next 1-4 years)

• Pay off the remainder of my high-interest debt (anything 10%+)
• Build an emergency fund
• Move into my own apartment
• Save enough during the year for an annual vacation or summer house rental with friends

Medium-Term (5-9 years from now)

• Buy (lease?) a car and pay for a garage
• Replenish what I didn’t save in my 20s
• Get a dog
• Save enough for two vacations per year

Long-term (10 years+)

• Buy a home somewhere

But Paul Petillo, author of Building Wealth in a Paycheck-to-Paycheck World and managing editor of Target2025 – which outlines ten steps to take if you want to retire by 2025 – shared some helpful advice:

1. Pay off high-interest debt first.

“As long as you’ve got credit card debt you’re going to lose money,” Paul said. He estimated that I’ll pay more than $2,000 in interest over the next two to three years on my credit card (which has a 27% interest rate) if I only make the minimum payments each month. That’s money I could be saving!

Since I’ve never missed making a monthly payment on the card, Paul also suggested I inquire about a lower rate before paying off my balance. I’m definitely going to try it so I’ll let you know how I net out.

2. Once debt balances are paid in full, roll the money you were putting toward them each month into saving for retirement.

Paul told me to save at least $25 each week for retirement. “You need some sort of long-term savings account, like an IRA,” Paul said. “If you don’t get going on it, you’re losing as much as you would if you maintained that credit card.”

Yikes! I’m dreaming of warm sand and palm trees, but it seems like Paul’s advice is all work and no play. Can I have any fun?

3. Have flexible deadlines for “lifestyle” goals.

Paul said the timing for goals like vacations and housing upgrades should be less rigid. “It’s great to say ‘I’m going to do X in the next two to three years,’ but if it takes five is that so bad?” he said. (My initial thought: yes!)

Despite my resistance to a tough approach, Paul helped me see that I need to take care of some basic financial roadblocks before I can focus on saving for more enjoyable things.

I’ll be back soon with advice from more experts.