A financial planner would be a great help. He should be able to help you plot your goals and categorize them into short term and long term goals. These categories should allow you to maximize you investments.
You also need to find an investment vehicle, depending on your goals. Common investment vehicles include a college educational plan, or a retirement plan. The investment vehicles can help a great deal in cutting tax expenses. Your financial planner should help you out in this.
You may now open an investment account. Your options are endless, including stocks, bonds and funds. Be sure that the investment account you open can help you achieve your investment goals.
Of course, you have to monitor your investments. This will save you from many heartaches when your investments get troubled.