Sure, we'd all love to snap our fingers and achieve our financial goals. But successfully paying down credit card debt and saving money can only happen if you go in with a plan, and a realistic one at that.

Want to be debt free? Use my credit card payment calculator to determine how long it will take while paying a certain amount each month. If saving money is at the top of your list, whether it's for something fun or to build up your rainy day fund, use my savings calculator to figure out how long it will take to reach your goal.

You never really know how long you'll stay with an employer. You might think of your job as temporary, and a few years later, there you are. On the other hand, you may not be able to see a future that doesn't involve your current employer, and then another unexpected opportunity comes along that sweeps you away to another job. How long do you estimate you'll remain with the company who employs you?

Dear Savvy,

Recently, while involved in the interview process, two different potential employers have asked me to submit a plan as part of their evaluation process. In both situations I have submitted the plans only to be disappointed to not be extended a job offer. I spent a great deal of time on these plans and asked the employers for feedback about where they felt my plans/experience fell short but never received a response.

This is leaving an incredibly sour taste in my mouth about doing this again in the future. Can I decline to do these types of exercises, am I obligated to submit a project as part of the interview process? I put a lot of energy in to these plans and am irked that the employer doesn't show me a bit of respect by providing me with any feedback.

Savvy says: I understand why you're embittered by your job search process that has involved work that goes beyond writing a cover letter — it involves a lot of time and energy, and you're emotionally attached to the projects you submit. See my answers to your questions when you read more

Homes are one category where you cannot judge the cost by its cover. Housing prices vary wildly depending on geography — the same chunk of change can buy a 1,000 square-foot condo in one part of the country or a 5,200 spacious home in another area.

The 2009 Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Index was released this week, and it's an "apples-to-apples" comparison of the prices around the nation for 2,200-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-and-one-half bath, single-family homes. See a side-by-side cost comparison of the 10 most and least affordable cities below.

See five more comparisons when you read more