Life Changes 2008

Since financial issues are one of the leading causes of marital strife, it helps to think of the relationship as a merger and not an acquisitiion.  

Planning for parenthood is a busy – if joyful – affair. Amid the whirlwind of activity, moms-- and dads-to-be often overlook one of the most important steps of parenthood -- getting your legal and financial house in order.

Giving your children the educational tools to succeed doesn’t come cheap,  but with careful planning, a commitment to saving and skillful use of tax breaks and low-interest loans, most parents can  cover the costs of college  without sacrificing their own financial future.

Retirement may be known as  the "Golden Years", but make sure you spend them in the black. And forget about the gold watch. Get out your calculator -- you'll need to do some serious math.

Where there's a will, there's a way. The problem is: Not enough Americans have one and that's one life lesson you can't learn the hard way.  If you drop the ball on estate planning, Uncle Sam will do it for you.

There are a lot of baby boomers out there and there's a lot of potential money to be made off of their retirement. Just be prepared to apply unconventional thinking to fit the habits of nontraditional people.