Whether you are embarking on a new career or relocating due to shifts in the job market, keeping on top of your options regarding your existing insurance policies and pension or retirement plan is critical. You don’t want to leave assets behind unintentionally. There are often time-limited opportunities, strict guidelines and tax penalties to watch for so consider your options carefully whether you’re simply changing employers or making an across-country move.

Whether you are expecting it or not, and whatever its cause, job loss can be devastating. You may think you have prepared yourself as best you can, but job loss can hit like a death in the family. It represents more than a loss of a paycheck. It's a loss of a way of life as well. The first step in getting back on track is to recognize the emotional blow you've taken.

Is it time to check up on your retirement plan? The biggest fear among investors is that they will not have enough money for retirement. You can make sure your own plan does not fall short by steering clear of the following pitfalls. These are the most common comments I hear in my professional practice: