For many families, this is a question getting new answers today because of changing family dynamics and the growing number of aging parents or family members. Long gone are the days when it could be assumed that managing family finances defaulted to “the man of the house.” At the same time, the Sandwich Generation is coming to terms with their aging parents and family members who need caregivers to help with many aspects of their lives, including managing their finances.  Managing the family's investments is increasingly shifting to the one who is most likely to schedule the medical appointments, get the kids to school, and be the caregiver for aging parents: the working Mom.

Financial headlines can be hazardous to your sleep health in retirement. It is easy to get the jitters and start worrying that you should do something, anything but stay on your current financial course. Yet it rarely makes sense to panic and sell your holdings. Over the years I have developed a list of five ways to help you avoid the sleepless nights in retirement that financial headlines can bring.

At the wedding, who thinks those two little words ”I do” might suddenly lead to the four words “I want a divorce.”? No one expects to get divorced. But now that you’ve heard (or uttered) those four words, what do you do?

Should you or shouldn't you?

Have you been daydreaming of owning a second, seasonal home? A vacation home situated on a mountainside with a fireplace or two, ski-in access and powdery slopes nearby – or perhaps a lakefront property with a front porch and a sweeping view of the sunlight on the water…sure sounds enticing.

Women, Money & Life’s Transitions

When it comes to finances, that old cliché holds true: “hope for the best, but plan for the worst.” This is especially true for women. Why? On average, over the course of our lifetimes, women:

'Tis the Season!

Just when it seems things can’t get any busier – December arrives. This month is typically loaded with family obligations, year-end business deadlines, and increased spending. This potent mix can wreak havoc on your budget and ultimately your ability to meet your own financial goals. To sleep a little easier this month and next, it may help to set aside a few hours now to firmly review your financial position and consider your goals and commitments in the coming New Year and “tax season”.

There's been talk about the possibility of the U.S. economy "going off a cliff" at the end of this calendar year.

What is this "cliff" pundits are referring to? It's actually a possible culmination of a number of government tax and benefits changes scheduled to impact our economy simultaneously. Specifically, the Bush tax cuts and payroll tax cuts are due to expire (which would impact workers' take home pay) and extended unemployment benefits will also expire (which would eliminate an income source for those out of work.) To further complicate the situation, higher Medicare taxes will take effect and certain government discretionary spending is scheduled to halt.

Does Long-Term Care Insurance break or protect the nest egg?

It may seem a bit unusual to be examining insurance with a financial advisor, but looking at long term care insurance is a critical step in the retirement plan process. It is much easier discussing the risks potential health problems can pose to your retirement plan now, while you’re healthy, rather than later when it may be too late. Exploring the viability of long-term care insurance can provide peace-of-mind and flexibility to you and your family in the future if something were to happen.

Learning to meet fiscal responsibility head on.

It's hard to accumulate wealth when you shy away from the responsibility of making fiscal decisions or if the idea of money scares you. Unfortunately, this emotional attitude toward money stops many women in their financial tracks and keeps them from reaching their long-term goals.

What to do with too many eggs in one basket.

What is a concentrated stock position? It is defined as holding one particular stock that comprises 30% or more of your overall investments or portfolio. You may wonder why this is an issue, particularly if you are saving for retirement or the long term.