Typically, the cost of preparing a basic will is just a few hundred dollars, and only takes a day or two. Yet not having a will can come with severe consequences.

The old phrase "timing is everything" seems to capture the way random, chance events affect us throughout life. Of course, these sometimes life-changing events can be either negative or positive. While the way we see random events in life may lead us to believe that "timing is everything," we believe that applying this mindset to investing is, at best, unprofitable and, at worst, disastrous to one's portfolio.

Sometimes on a perfect summer afternoon when I look at the blue sparkly water I have a tough time remembering the grey color and crashing waves associated with a storm. And yet it might look like that the very next day. Similarly, when the stock market is steadily climbing, it can be hard to imagine a bear (bad) market.

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.

You've booked your airfare and vacation rental and taken all of the other necessary steps to prepare for your much-awaited vacation. Still, you might not be completely ready for your vacation. There are a number of steps you can take to make your trip worry-free and ensure that your finances continue to hum along in your absence.

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.

Knowing where to begin with improving your financial situation and getting on track is the first step toward making your improved financial situation a reality. A good place to start is to see how your financial life aligns with the Five Fundamentals of Fiscal Fitness.

As a result of the Bi-Partisan Budget Act of 2015, two Social Security spousal claiming strategies, "file and suspend" and "restricted application”, are being eliminated. Regardless of your situation, these changes point to the importance of saving and planning ahead to ensure you'll have enough retirement income to meet your needs…