We spoke to five families who face challenges that could keep them from meeting their financial goals. With a few tweaks to their game plan, they can get back on course. Here, the Mitchells' story -- and the recommended financial fixes.

The past few years have been rocky for the Mitchells. In 2008, Brian was diagnosed with leukemia, and the following year Linda was laid off from her job as an administrative assistant at a middle school.

Meanwhile, their retirement savings sank drastically (seduced by earlier gains, Brian had allocated 100% to equities), and their house was losing value quickly. "It was a scary time," says Brian.

Fortunately Brian's form of leukemia is treatable, and today he feels great. Their retirement accounts have recovered nearly all their losses, and they can also count on two pensions totaling $18,000 a year when they retire. Plus, their home is now well above water, thanks to their habit of making extra payments every month.

Still, the Mitchells have plenty to worry about: Linda has not found work, and paying down their mortgage has left them with only $5,000 in cash. Brian hopes to retire in six years, but they're not sure they have enough saved. "This period has been a wake-up call," Brian says.

Their finances

Income: $98,000

Assets: $465,000 in retirement savings, $90,000 in home equity

Goals: Pay off mortgage, retire at 66, build their emergency fund

The problem