As the 2017 key tax and retirement numbers are out, it is a good idea to start planning on how and when to take advantage of the breaks as well as to plan for the various thresholds and phaseouts.

Your teenager may not get rich mowing lawns or babysitting the neighborhood children, but contributing some of those weekend earnings to a Roth IRA can pave the road to a more secure financial future. Though Roth IRA contributions are not tax deductible, most teens pay little or no taxes anyway, and Roth IRAs will allow their money to grow tax-free for decades.

Employing a financial planner is not an inexpensive proposition, so the obvious question is, “Are they worth it?” Morningstar and Vanguard have each undertaken studies to quantify the impact good of a good advisor from an investment standpoint, but true fee-only financial planners can add significant value above and beyond the investments. Many folks want a trusted, objective advisor to help them achieve their goals.