That's where money should go. The place to skimp is with something that doesn't do much for you. I have friends who call me cheap, but I think of it as value-conscious or selective. But then I made plans for a pricey windsurfing vacation in Venezuela. What's at work here is a principle of marginal value.
Cars are a great example.
If you're miserable with the old clunker that keeps leaving you stranded, the problem can be solved with a sound, inexpensive used car. But life is short, and financial planning shouldn't forsake the present in the name of the future. There are lots of practical steps one can take in the new year. You can get a computer and financial software, or hire a pro to devise your long-term plan. You can rebalance your portfolio or refinance your mortgage.