What is the general term for a financial plan?

The general term for a financial plan is best represented as a roadmap for achieving financial goals. This definition captures the essence of a financial plan, which serves as a comprehensive guide that outlines an individual or organization's financial objectives and the strategies necessary to reach those goals. A financial plan typically includes various components, such as budgeting, investment strategies, and savings goals, all aimed at helping the individual or entity to navigate their financial journey effectively.

In contrast, while a strategy for investment can be a part of a financial plan, it is too narrow to encompass the broader scope of financial planning. A structure for loan applications is related to financing but does not reflect the overall vision and roadmap of a financial plan. Similarly, a checklist for budgeting is a tool that may be used within the broader financial planning process, but it does not represent the entirety of what a financial plan entails. Thus, identifying the financial plan as a roadmap underscores its comprehensive, goal-oriented nature in guiding financial decision-making.