A: Many people, like you, are taking positive steps to secure their financial future but they don't feel confident about the actions they are taking. Here are some steps that will help you feel comfortable about your financial future.

First, make sure that you have written financial goals. Just think about a goal as a dream with a deadline. But make sure that your deadline has a time frame and a dollar amount.

Next, if you don't have a budget, it would be wise to start one. A budget is a tool to help you achieve your financial goals. You have started saving your money, which is good. But you need to have goals for your money.

You need to have a emergency reserve savings account that equals a minimum of six months worth of expenses. Your $2,500 in a savings account and $1,500 in a CD (certificate of deposit) is a great start.

Your objective for your emergency cash reserve is to be easily available, guaranteed rate of return and safe and secure. So you can't expect high returns. At current rates, a yield of around 3% is good. But once you have acheived this goal you can invest with a higher return in mind.

You should continue to invest in your companies' 401(k) account. Make sure that you invest your money in the stock market options that your 401(k) account offers. If you are under 50 and don't plan to retire until age 65 then a mix of 70% in stocks and 30% in bonds would be appropriate.

Finally, as far as life insurance is concerned, you don't need life insurance unless you wish to leave an inheritance for your parents, brothers and sisters or other relatives. It might be wise though to have a small amount to handle funeral expenses and to payoff any debts you may owe. But this amount should not total more than $50,000 and shouldn't cost you more than $100 a year.