» 3 biggest mistakes you don't want to make during open enrollment

Assuming the benefits package you have now will be the right one for you next year. Forgetting to sign up for flexible spending accounts if they are available to you. Not asking for help.

» 4 timeless truths of building wealth

The First Payment: Always pay yourself before meeting other obligations. Delayed Gratification: Have discipline to put off purchases. Compounding: Let money multiply. Risk Awareness: Calculate risk carefully.

» 4 timeless truths of financial security

"If you could ask a thousand self-made millionaires how to become wealthy, you'd get a lot of great advice. However, you'd quickly learn that there are four timeless rules to creating wealth that almost all of these people follow. "

» 5 common tax return mistakes

"Not signing and dating the return. The Internal Revenue Service doesn't accept unsigned returns. If you're married, both spouses need to sign. If you're e-filing, you'll need to create Personal Identification Numbers (PINS). "

» 5 taboo money topics

"If you're getting together with family and friends for a special occasion or night out, remember your money manners. You may want to stay away from certain conversations about money. Most people have strong feelings about their finances. "

» 6 tips for paying off holiday bills

"Here are six tips to get holiday debt paid off: Beat the minimum. Save $1 a day plus loose change. After a month, you'll have about $40 more to add to your monthly payment. "

» 7 steps to six (or seven) figures

"1. Stay healthy - Chronic health problems (e.g. diabetes) and obesity often are associated with less wealth. Reasons include medical expenses and reduced productivity. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and quit smoking. "

» Banishing bad debt

"Bad debt: Debt for things that don't build wealth (such as restaurant meals, toys, etc.) and take a long time to repay (such as vacations). Bad debt can take years, even decades, to pay off. "

» Before Mom and Dad move in

"If you're thinking about having aging parents live with you, there are financial factors you should consider before you call the moving truck. "

» Being a smarter investor

"1. Understand the difference between saving and investing. Saving accounts are for financial emergencies or short-term goals like a vacation. They have little or no risk, and you can have immediate access to your money. "

» Better late than never

"If you haven't been saving much for the Golden Years, it's time to catch up. How much money you'll need for retirement depends on your needs and wants. "

» Beware of tax-refund loans

"Refund anticipation loans (RALs) are high-interest, short-term loans against future income tax refunds. Loans generally last 10 to 14 days. Here's what you need to know: RALs are often not much quicker than waiting for a refund from the IRS. "

» Calling in the professionals

If you're planning to hire a financial planner: Hire someone with special credentials (such as Certified Financial Planner or Personal Financial Specialist).

» Choices - College expenses vs. retirement savings

"If you drain your finances to pay your kids' college expenses, you may lose consciousness from a money standpoint. You'll be struggling in retirement and unable to help anyone in the future. "

» Common investing errors couples can avoid

"Too many accounts. It's easy for things to get out of control if accounts are spread over several banks, brokerages, and financial institutions. "

» Compounding -- Putting your money to work

"Compounding is a no-risk way to make money with your money. Simply put, compounding means interest earning interest. "

» Cutting health care costs

Are health costs taking a bigger chunk of your income this year? Fight back with six money-saving tips: Focus on prevention. Good health habits can reduce the risk of costly medical problems.

» Disability insurance: The forgotten coverage

"You've insured your home, your car, your life. What about your ability to work? Three in 10 workers entering today's work force will become disabled before retirement. Who will pay the bills? "

» Do you need a financial professional?

"If being a do-it-yourself isn't getting you to your financial goals, consider a relationship with a financial professional. "

» Financially tying the knot

"Money Without Matrimony lists these five financial to-dos for unmarried couples who don't plan to ever say, ""I do."" "

» Getting organized

"Taking the time to get organized is the first step to becoming ""financially fit."" Make financial planning part of your regular routine and schedule time to manage your money, just as you would schedule trips to the grocery store. "

» Home improvements & maintenance

Home ownership is the biggest investment most people ever make. But owning and buying a home is just the beginning. Here are factors to include in your homeowner's budget.

» How is your financial professional paid?

"According to the Financial Planning Association (FPA), financial planners can be paid in a variety of ways, and each has its merits. Choosing the appropriate method depends on your individual situation. "

» How to be stock savvy for investor newbies NEW!

Play it cool. Remember ups and downs are inevitable. Pay attention to initial costs.

» How to build your savings

1. Pay yourself first. Commit to putting a fixed amount into a savings or investment account each month before you pay your bills. Make it part of your monthly budget.

» Investing: How to play the game

"Think of investing like baseball. Swing for base hits, not home runs, because home-run kings often have the most strike outs. It's more important to not take big losses than it is to have big gains. "

» Investments - What's the best rate of return?

Stocks? Bonds? CDs or IRAs? Nothing yields a greater return on your investment than exercise.

» Jointly or separately -- How should you file?

"Nearly all tax experts agree that it's in the best financial interest of most married couples to file a joint tax return. Filing jointly offers the most tax savings, particularly if you and your spouse have different income levels. "

» Just $20 a week is all it takes

"Big bang from small bucks. Just socking away a little extra each week in your retirement account can have a big impact down the line. Here are the hard, very convincing numbers to make it worth your while. "

» Last-minute tax tips

Beware of the Alternative Minimum Tax. Watch for changes. Review your records. Consider an extension.

» Managing inherited wealth

"You inherited money and want to spend it wisely. Consider these suggestions: Start an emergency fund - Set aside three to six months of living expenses in a safe, accessible account, such as a money-market fund. "

» Nursing the holiday debt hangover

"6 tips to pay down holiday bills. The holidays are history (for several months anyway), and so we are now on to the next phase: paying for that fun, festivities and gift giving. "

» Paid off debt? Now what?

"If you've successfully eliminated a debt, you may be wondering what you should do next. Here are a few financially smart ideas on how to use the extra money. "

» Passages -- Financial advice for the newly single

"If you're recently widowed or divorced, most experts will advise you to postpone major financial decisions until you heal emotionally. In the meantime, these steps can help you move toward financial stability. "

» Pay yourself first

Saving money is the first rule of fiscal fitness. Do you promise yourself you'll get around to putting some money in a savings account only to find that a week or a month or even a year later you're no closer to making good on your intentions?

» Protect yourself from a financial crisis UPDATED!

"Although auto and homeowner policies can protect against certain liabilities, there may be a time when the coverage isn't enough or doesn't provide the coverage you need. "

» Put it in reverse?

"If you're nearing retirement age or have elderly parents and are considering a reverse mortgage for your or their financial needs during the Golden Years, be sure you understand the terms, risks, and costs. "

» Resist the idea of tax-refund loans

A refund anticipation loan is when a company gives you a loan in exchange for your tax refund when you get it. It may seem convenient when you need quick access to your refund.

» Saving for retirement

"Secure your future and save for retirement. Whether you're close to retirement or it's still years away, you're probably concerned about financial security in later life. "

» Savings: College or retirement?

"If saving for college or retirement is an ""either/or"" situation, financial experts generally recommend funding retirement accounts. "

» Simplify your financial life

Here are a few low - maintenance ideas to keep your finances in order without causing you headaches. Automate: Direct deposit your paycheck into your banking account(s).

» Smart money -- Use these 5 keywords for your financial guide

"When you map out your financial goals, remember the letters in the word ""smart."" Make your goal: Specific. You want to buy a car, for example. Measurable: You know how much it costs. "

» Smart uses for your tax refund

"Save for emergencies. Aim to set aside at least three to six months' expenses in a money market fund or bank account. This is your ""fallback fund"" in the event of unemployment or unanticipated expenses (such as car repairs). "

» Taking Stock of Stocks

"So you have some long-term goal - buying a house, having a larger nest egg for retirement, or funding your child's future education. "

» Talking to aging parents about their finances

"The discussion can be uncomfortable for both sides, but your parents need to understand that there may come a time when they'll need some help. "

» Tax planning

"Reduce your stress at ""tax time"" by taking these steps throughout the year: January - Review and organize your W-2s, 1099s and other tax documents as they come in. "

» Tax preparation: DIY or hire a professional?

"It depends. About 60% of taxpayers use a paid preparer. The rest go it alone, often with the help of software. "

» The power of 10

"The number ""10"" appears often in advice on how to increase wealth. It is easy to multiply and divide. It's small enough not to discourage people from taking action but large enough to make an impact over time. "

» The real costs of caregiving

"If your aging parents need help, there are numerous options, from in-home ""homemaker service"" to assisted living facilities. Here's how the costs compare. All are national median rates. "

» To buy or lease?

You need a new vehicle (or at least new to you). Should you lease instead of buy? It all depends. Here are some leasing pros and cons.

» What to know about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Do you need an HSA?

» What you need to know about diversification

"Diversification: a risk management technique where a person mixes together a wide variety of investments in his or her portfolio. Have you ever heard the phrase ""Don't put all your eggs in one basket""? Well that's just what diversification is. "

» What you need to know about risk

RISK: The chance that an investment's actual return will be different than expected. Coming up with an investment's risk involves looking at past returns of a specific investment and putting those returns through a formula to arrive at a risk level.

» Would you pass a financial stress test?

"A financial stress test doesn't involve a treadmill, an observing doctor, or wires on your body, but it can be very important to your well-being. A financial stress test can help you determine whether your finances can survive various pressures. "

» Year-end tax planning may help save some green come tax time

"Before we know it, the year will be coming to an end. There are some things that you can do now to get your finances in order: Review your investment portfolio; Visit the doctor; Increase charitable contributions. "