Put your financial "puzzle" together

January 29 is National Puzzle Day, with puzzle celebrations and events taking place at museums, libraries and other venues across the country. Why this date was chosen – or why National Puzzle Day even exists – is something of a mystery. But as an investor, you can find value in the concept of a puzzle – specifically, in putting together the pieces of your financial puzzle.

 What are these pieces? Here are the essential ones:

• Growth – At different times in your life, you will have various goals – purchasing a first or second home, sending your children to college, enjoying a...