Part 1: Taking a Look at the Big Picture
1 So, How’s Mid Life Treating You?
Feeling a Little Bit Stressed?
Welcome to the Sandwich Generation
2 Figuring Out Where You Are in Life
Personal Catastrophic Casualty Policy (PCAT)
Understanding the Difference Between Want and Need
Keeping Your Finances on Track
Part 2 Your Kids and Your Money
6 The Big, Expensive Parent Trap
Cell Phones, Jeeps, and PlayStation 2s
But Mom, All My Friends Have One
Helping Them Appreciate What They’ve Got
7 Trading In the Bikes for Cars
Starting Early to Save for College
Other Options for College Savings
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) Accounts
Tax Credits for Parents of College Students
Figuring Out What You Can Afford
Extras, Spending Money, Cars, and Credit Cards
Who Pays for a Wedding These Days?
10 Helping Your Kids Get on Their Feet
If Your Housing Needs Are Changing
Leaving Your Home and Neighborhood
Thinking About a Vacation Home
The Downside of Vacation Homes
13 Paying for a New Home or Second Home
Deciding How You’ll Pay for It
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit
14 Selling the House You Already Have
Hire a Realtor or Sell It Yourself?
Determining a Price for Your Home
Congratulations, You Own Two Homes
Where Is the Nearest Hotel, Please?
15 Knowing That Nothing Stays the Same
Types of Changes You May Encounter
Strategies for Handling Life Changes
Knowing When You Might Need Some Help
17 Dealing With Losing Your Job
Downsizing and Other Dirty Words
Bridges Aren’t Built to Be Burned
Practical Concerns When You’re Not Working
How Not to Deplete Your Savings Account
Considering Your Personal Criteria
Risks of Starting Your Own Business
Working at Home vs. Renting an Office
19 Other Changes to Think About
I Need to See the Doctor, Please
Part 5 Smart Investing in This Stage of Life
Basic Methods of Saving for Retirement
Knowing What You Have and What You’ll Need
23 Finding a Good Financial Advisor
Why You Should Have an Advisor
Not All Financial Advisors Are Equal
CPAs and Personal Finance Specialists
Finding an Advisor Who’s Right for You
Fees Associated with Financial Advisors
Some Things Your Advisor Should Never Do
Part 6 Preparing for the Future
24 You’re Never Too Young to Plan
You Do Have a Will, Don’t You?
Choosing a Guardian for Minor Children
Protecting Your Family and Your Business
What About Long-Term-Care Insurance?
Knowing If Your Parents Need Help
Assessing Their Financial Situation
Deciding Together Where They’ll Live
Adult or Retirement Communities
Ten Most Common Estate Planning Errors
27 Seeing Into Your Crystal Ball
What Lies Ahead for You and Your Family?
Planning Things You Want to Do
Some Misconceptions About Aging
Making Sure You Can Afford Your Dreams
Appendixes
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