Warren Buffett used a simple long-term investment strategy to turn Berkshire Hathaway into a trillion-dollar conglomerate.

The first Saturday episode of each month this year, we will focus on a key component of a financial plan -- including spending, investing, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning, and taxes.

It's easy to forget your must-haves and nice-to-haves, and even neglect to plan for the future. Here's how to stay on track ...