» 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.

» 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. "

» 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. "

» 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. "

» 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. "

» 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. "

» 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. "

» 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. "

» 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. "

» 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?

» 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. "

» 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. "

» 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.

» 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. "