For a simple will or, better yet, a revocable living trust, they could check their state bar association or bank trust department for a recommendation. But an elderly couple would want a plan from a more specialized practitioner. They should go to www.NAELA.org -- the association of "elder-law" attorneys.

Paying down debt vs. saving is the most perplexing task when setting priorities. Some of it is simple math: If you're paying high interest rates, getting rid of debt is a top priority. But don't forget the time value of money, which leverages early savings. One solution: a part-time job that brings in more money and allows you to do both at the same time!

Retirement savings vs. college? That's easy. Save first for your own retirement because your kids -- even if well-educated -- are unlikely to take care of you in your old age!

Most people have no idea how much they'll need for retirement. Go to www.choosetosave.org and click on the "ballpark calculator." If you're closer to retirement, it will tell you how much your lifestyle will be reduced if you don't keep working at least part time! Thinking about that possibility might make this task jump to the top of your "queasy list."

A final thought: You can't do all of everything at once. But you can complete some tasks quickly. And you can do a little bit of "everything else" -- paying down debt, saving for multiple goals and tracking your progress -- every day. That's how priorities become realities. And that's the Savage Truth.