Index

Symbols

401(k) plans, ref-1

403(b) plans, ref-1

529 plans, ref-1

A

accounts, savings, ref-1

calculating personal assets, ref-1

conserving after job loss, ref-1

emergency funds, ref-1

ACCRA (American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association), Cost of Living Index, ref-1

adjustable-rate mortgages, ref-1, ref-2

advisors, financial

fees, ref-1

importance of, ref-1

limitations, ref-1

selecting, ref-1

types, ref-1

certified financial planners (CFPs), ref-1

certified public accountants (CPAs), ref-1

financial consultants, ref-1

financial planners, ref-1

insurance agents, ref-1

money managers, ref-1

agencies, credit, ref-1

Equifax Credit Services, ref-1

Experian, ref-1

Trans Union, ref-1

aging

misconceptions, ref-1

tips, ref-1

alimony, ref-1, ref-2

American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association. See ACCRA

assets

automobiles, ref-1

calculating net worth, ref-1

homes, ref-1

income, ref-1

nonmaterial

community, ref-1

family, ref-1

savings and investments, ref-1

assisted-living facilities, ref-1

assumable mortgages, ref-1

automobiles

calculating personal assets, ref-1

insurance, ref-1

luxury, ref-1

payment liabilities, ref-1

teenagers, ref-1

assessing readiness for, ref-1

costs, ref-1

leasing, ref-1

purchase decisions, ref-1

safety tips, ref-1

type of car to purchase, ref-1

B

biweekly mortgages, ref-1

bonds

differentiating characteristics, ref-1

EE, ref-1

investment strategies, ref-1

risks, ref-1

bonuses, income (investment strategies), ref-1

books. See resources

boomerang kids, ref-1

borrower profiles, ref-1

budgets, ref-1

cutting back expenses, ref-1

future planning, ref-1

maintaining, ref-1

sample budget worksheet, ref-1

software, ref-1

businesses, starting. See entrepreneurial opportunities

buy-sell agreements, ref-1

C

caregiver roles, ref-1

cars. See automobiles

cash value life insurance, ref-1

certified financial planners. See CFPs

certified public accountants. See CPAs

CFPs (certified financial planners), ref-1

changes (in your ref-1s and ref-1s)

caregiver roles, ref-1

coping strategies, ref-1

education re-entry options, ref-1

employment

entrepreneurial opportunities, ref-1

general societal trends, ref-1

involuntary, ref-1

voluntary, ref-1

empty nest syndrome, ref-1

health issues, ref-1, ref-2

inevitability, ref-1

lifestyle, ref-1

losing a loved one, ref-1

children, ref-1

friends, ref-1

parents, ref-1

spouse, ref-1

marital status, ref-1

divorce, ref-1

remarrying, ref-1

seeking professional help, ref-1

stressors, ref-1

types of, ref-1, ref-2

financial, ref-1

lifestyle, ref-1, ref-2

personal, ref-1

physical, ref-1

relationships, ref-1

spiritual, ref-1

work, ref-1

Charter Financial Consultants (ChFCs), ref-1

Chartered Life Underwriters (CLUs), ref-1

child support, ref-1, ref-2

children, ref-1

automobiles, ref-1

assessing readiness for, ref-1

costs, ref-1

leasing, ref-1

purchase decisions, ref-1

safety tips, ref-1

type of car to purchase, ref-1

college

alternative financing options, ref-1

costs, ref-1, ref-2

figuring affordable options, ref-1

financial aid, ref-1

qualified state tuition plans, ref-1

savings plans, ref-1

tax credits, ref-1

coping with the death of a child, ref-1

costs of establishing independence, ref-1

guardian selection, ref-1

money issues, ref-1, ref-2

boomerang kids, ref-1

encouraging self-earning, ref-1

gifts versus loans, ref-1

helping with big expenses, ref-1

loan term agreements, ref-1

teaching money concepts, ref-1

weddings, ref-1

bank loans, ref-1

cost breakdown, ref-1

determining who pays, ref-1

insurance policies, ref-1

money-saving tips, ref-1

overspending avoidance tips, ref-1

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985), ref-1

college. See also education

adult re-entry options, ref-1

alternative financing options, ref-1

costs, ref-1

living expenses and “extras,” ref-1

figuring affordable options, ref-1

financial aid, ref-1

qualified state tuition plans, ref-1

savings plans, ref-1

early start plan, ref-1

education IRAs, ref-1

EE Bonds, ref-1

traditional college accounts, ref-1

Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts, ref-1

tax credits, ref-1

community (personal value), ref-1

Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying and Selling a Home, The, Third Edition, ref-1

Complete Idiot’s Guide to Caring for Aging Parents, The, ref-1

Congratulations! You’ve Been Fired, ref-1

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. See COBRA

construction, home

new homes, ref-1

advantages, ref-1

disadvantages, ref-1

getting what you want, ref-1

loan options, ref-1

renovating existing homes, ref-1

consultants, financial, ref-1

continuing care communities, ref-1

contract of law property transfers, ref-1

Cost of Living Index (ACCRA), ref-1

CPAs (certified public accountants), ref-1

credit

agencies, ref-1

Equifax Credit Services, ref-1

Experian, ref-1

Trans Union, ref-1

cards, ref-1

finding the best deal, ref-1

overspending, ref-1

paying off, ref-1

lines of credit, ref-1

reports, ref-1

Credit Card Nation: The Consequences of America’s Addiction to Credit, ref-1

credits, tax (college expenses), ref-1

D

death (coping with loss), ref-1

children, ref-1

friends, ref-1

parents, ref-1

spouse, ref-1

debt. See also liabilities

automobile loans, ref-1

credit cards, ref-1

finding the best deal, ref-1

overspending, ref-1

paying off, ref-1

mortgages, ref-1

disability insurance, ref-1, ref-2

divorce, ref-1, ref-2

dollar cost averaging, ref-1

downsizing, company (employment changes), ref-1

financial planning strategies, ref-1

maintaining relationships, ref-1

personal identity issues, ref-1

practical concerns, ref-1

resources for assistance, ref-1

E

ECHO (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity) housing, ref-1, ref-2

education (continuing education and college options). See also college

adult re-entry options, ref-1

alternative financing options, ref-1

costs, ref-1

living expenses and “extras,” ref-1

figuring affordable options, ref-1

financial aid, ref-1

qualified state tuition plans, ref-1

savings plans, ref-1

early start plan, ref-1

education IRAs, ref-1

EE Bonds, ref-1

traditional college accounts, ref-1

Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts, ref-1

tax credits, ref-1

EE Bonds, ref-1

Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity. See ECHO housing

emergency funds, ref-1

employment (midlife changes)

education re-entry options, ref-1

entrepreneurial opportunities, ref-1

general societal trends, ref-1

losing your job

company downsizing, ref-1

financial planning strategies, ref-1

maintaining relationships, ref-1

personal identity issues, ref-1

practical concerns, ref-1

resources for assistance, ref-1

involuntarily, ref-1

voluntarily, ref-1

empty nest syndrome, ref-1

entrepreneurial opportunities, ref-1

personal characteristics criteria, ref-1

popular trends, ref-1

retirement options, ref-1

rewards, ref-1

risks, ref-1

working at home versus renting an office, ref-1

equity (home equity loans), ref-1

estate plans. See also wills

common mistakes, ref-1

dying without an estate plan, ref-1

estate taxes, ref-1

executors

duties, ref-1

selecting, ref-1

gifting, ref-1

property transfer methods, ref-1

contract of law, ref-1

operation of law, ref-1

probate, ref-1

purposes, ref-1

trusts, ref-1

irrevocable, ref-1

revocable living, ref-1

testamentary, ref-1

executors (estate)

duties, ref-1

selecting, ref-1

expenses (personal), ref-1

budgets, ref-1

maintaining, ref-1

sample budget worksheet, ref-1

software, ref-1

cutting back, ref-1

future planning, ref-1

money-saving tips, ref-1

Experian, ref-1

F

Fannie Mae, ref-1

financial advisors

fees, ref-1

importance of, ref-1

limitations, ref-1

selecting, ref-1

types of, ref-1

certified financial planners (CFPs), ref-1

certified public accountants (CPAs), ref-1

financial consultants, ref-1

financial planners, ref-1

insurance agents, ref-1

money managers, ref-1

financial assistance

college tuition assistance, ref-1

offering help to children, ref-1

boomerang kids, ref-1

gifts versus loans, ref-1

loan term agreements, ref-1

financial planning. See also investments

future expenses, ref-1

needs

defining, ref-1

emergency funds, ref-1

insurance, ref-1

money accounts, ref-1

versus wants, ref-1

retirement plans, ref-1

401(k) plans, ref-1

assessing needs, ref-1

IRAs, ref-1

pension plans, ref-1

Roth IRAs, ref-1

SEP IRAs, ref-1

simple plans, ref-1

vesting requirements, ref-1

unemployment strategies, ref-1

wants, ref-1

limitations of reality, ref-1

luxury automobiles, ref-1

second homes, ref-1

vacations, ref-1

versus needs, ref-1

financing options (home purchases), ref-1

borrower profiles, ref-1

construction loans, ref-1

home equity loans, ref-1

lines of credit, ref-1

mortgages, ref-1

adjustable-rate, ref-1

assumable, ref-1

biweekly, ref-1

fixed-rate, ref-1

graduated-payment, ref-1

hybrid, ref-1

jumbo, ref-1

seller financing option, ref-1

swing loans, ref-1

fixed-rate mortgages, ref-1, ref-2

friends (coping with death), ref-1

future planning

activities and goals, ref-1

affording your dreams, ref-1

expenses, ref-1

family business protection, ref-1

living wills, ref-1

long-term-care insurance, ref-1

power of attorney designations, ref-1

wills, ref-1

content necessities, ref-1

guardian selection, ref-1

storage options, ref-1

validity requirements, ref-1

G

gifting, ref-1

goals. See wants

graduated-payment mortgages, ref-1

guardians, selecting, ref-1

H

health issues, ref-1

changing housing needs, ref-1

coping with midlife changes, ref-1

stress management, ref-1

higher education. See college; education

home equity loans, ref-1

homeowner’s insurance, ref-1

homes

calculating personal assets, ref-1

changing housing needs, ref-1

accommodating live-in parents, ref-1

determining what you can afford, ref-1

moving costs, ref-1

new home construction, ref-1

advantages, ref-1

disadvantages, ref-1

getting what you want, ref-1

mortgage options, ref-1

payment options, ref-1

borrower profiles, ref-1

construction loans, ref-1

home equity loans, ref-1

lines of credit, ref-1

mortgages, ref-1

swing loans, ref-1

renovating existing homes, ref-1

selling costs, ref-1

preparing to move, ref-1

realtor selection, ref-1

selling yourself versus hiring a realtor, ref-1

timing your settlement date, ref-1

vacation homes, ref-1, ref-2

advantages, ref-1

disadvantages, ref-1

tax considerations, ref-1

timeshares, ref-1

hybrid adjustable mortgages, ref-1

hybrid mortgages, ref-1

I

income

budgets, ref-1

cutting back expenses, ref-1

future planning, ref-1

maintaining, ref-1

sample budget worksheet, ref-1

software, ref-1

calculating personal assets, ref-1

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), ref-1

education, ref-1

Roth IRAs, ref-1

SEP IRAs, ref-1

inheritances (investment strategies), ref-1

insurance, ref-1

agents

Chartered Life Underwriters (CLUs), ref-1

Charter Financial Consultants (ChFCs), ref-1

automobile, ref-1

teenage policies, ref-1

COBRA coverage, ref-1

disability, ref-1

self-employment considerations, ref-1

homeowner’s, ref-1

life, ref-1

cash value policies, ref-1

term policies, ref-1

long-term-care, ref-1

Personal Catastrophic Casualty Policies (PCATs), ref-1

weddings, ref-1

investment clubs, ref-1

investments. See also financial planning

bond market, ref-1

differentiating characteristics, ref-1

risks, ref-1

calculating personal assets, ref-1

lump sums

bonuses, ref-1

inheritances, ref-1

retirement payouts, ref-1

settlements, ref-1

severance pay, ref-1

stock options, ref-1

tax refunds, ref-1

mutual funds, ref-1

benefits, ref-1

disadvantages, ref-1

types, ref-1

retirement plans, ref-1

401(k) plans, ref-1

assessing needs, ref-1

IRAs, ref-1

pension plans, ref-1

Roth IRAs, ref-1

SEP IRAs, ref-1

simple plans, ref-1

vesting requirements, ref-1

stock market, ref-1

buying stocks, ref-1

selling stocks, ref-1

vacation homes, ref-1

advantages, ref-1

disadvantages, ref-1

tax considerations, ref-1

timeshares, ref-1

IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), ref-1

education, ref-1

Roth IRAs, ref-1

SEP IRAs, ref-1

irrevocable trusts, ref-1

J

jobs (midlife changes)

education re-entry options, ref-1

entrepreneurial opportunities, ref-1

general societal trends, ref-1

losing your job

company downsizing, ref-1

financial planning strategies, ref-1

maintaining relationships, ref-1

personal identity issues, ref-1

practical concerns, ref-1

resources for assistance, ref-1

involuntarily, ref-1

voluntarily, ref-1

jumbo mortgages, ref-1

K–L

liabilities. See also debt

alimony and child support, ref-1

automobile loans, ref-1

credit cards, ref-1

finding the best deal, ref-1

overspending, ref-1

paying off, ref-1

everyday expenses, ref-1

money-saving tips, ref-1

mortgages, ref-1

net worth, ref-1

calculating, ref-1

life changes

coping strategies, ref-1

education re-entry options, ref-1

empty nest syndrome, ref-1

health issues, ref-1

inevitability, ref-1

jobs

entrepreneurial opportunities, ref-1

general societal trends, ref-1

involuntary, ref-1

voluntary, ref-1

losing a loved one, ref-1

children, ref-1

friends, ref-1

parents, ref-1

spouse, ref-1

marital status, ref-1

divorce, ref-1

remarrying, ref-1

seeking professional help, ref-1

types of, ref-1, ref-2

financial, ref-1

lifestyle, ref-1

personal, ref-1

physical, ref-1

relationships, ref-1

spiritual, ref-1

work, ref-1

life insurance, ref-1

cash value policies, ref-1

term policies, ref-1

lines of credit, ref-1

living wills, ref-1

loans

automobile, ref-1, ref-2

education, ref-1

home, ref-1

borrower profiles, ref-1

construction loans, ref-1

home equity, ref-1

lines of credit, ref-1

mortgages, ref-1

swing loans, ref-1

lending money to children

loan term agreements, ref-1

versus gifts, ref-1

wedding, ref-1

long-term-care insurance, ref-1

lump sum investments

bonuses, ref-1

inheritances, ref-1

retirement payouts, ref-1

settlements, ref-1

severance pay, ref-1

stock options, ref-1

tax refunds, ref-1

M

marriage. See also weddings

coping with spousal death, ref-1

status changes, ref-1

divorce, ref-1

remarrying, ref-1

medical power of attorney, ref-1

mid-life concepts

caregiver roles, ref-1

health, ref-1

life changes, ref-1

stress management, ref-1

time progression concept, ref-1

money managers, ref-1

money purchase plans, ref-1

mortgages, ref-1

adjustable-rate, ref-1, ref-2

assumable, ref-1

biweekly, ref-1

borrower profiles, ref-1

construction loans, ref-1

determining what you can afford, ref-1

financial liabilities, ref-1

fixed-rate, ref-1, ref-2

graduated-payment, ref-1

home equity loans, ref-1

hybrid, ref-1

hybrid adjustable, ref-1

jumbo, ref-1

lines of credit, ref-1

loan tips, ref-1

points, ref-1

refinancing, ref-1

seller financing option, ref-1

swing loans, ref-1

moving costs, ref-1, ref-2

mutual funds, ref-1

benefits, ref-1

disadvantages, ref-1

types, ref-1

N

needs

defining, ref-1

emergency funds, ref-1

insurance, ref-1

auto, ref-1

disability, ref-1

homeowner’s, ref-1

life, ref-1

Personal Catastrophic Casualty Policies (PCATs), ref-1

money accounts, ref-1

versus wants, ref-1

net worth, ref-1

new home construction, ref-1

advantages, ref-1

construction loans, ref-1

disadvantages, ref-1

getting what you want, ref-1

nonmaterial assets

community, ref-1

family, ref-1

notes, promissory, ref-1

nursing homes, ref-1

O–P

operation of law property transfers, ref-1

parents, ref-1

coping with death, ref-1

finances

communication tips, ref-1

financial situation assessment, ref-1

living arrangements, ref-1

assisted-living facilities, ref-1

continuing care communities, ref-1

ECHO (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity) housing, ref-1

living with children, ref-1

nursing homes, ref-1

retirement communities, ref-1

senior apartments, ref-1

passive activities, ref-1

PCATs (Personal Catastrophic Casualty Policies), ref-1

pension plans, ref-1. See also retirement

money purchase plans, ref-1

profit sharing plans, ref-1

target benefit plans, ref-1

Personal Catastrophic Casualty Policies (PCATs), ref-1

personal finance specialists, ref-1

planners, financial, ref-1

planning

estate. See also wills

common mistakes, ref-1

dying without an estate plan, ref-1

estate taxes, ref-1

executors, ref-1

gifting, ref-1

property transfer methods, ref-1

purposes, ref-1

trusts, ref-1

financial. See also investments

future expenses, ref-1

needs and wants, ref-1

retirement plans, ref-1, ref-2

unemployment strategies, ref-1

vacations, ref-1

points (mortgages), ref-1

policies, insurance, ref-1

auto, ref-1

disability, ref-1

homeowner’s, ref-1

life, ref-1

Personal Catastrophic Casualty Policies (PCATs), ref-1

power of attorney, ref-1

Prepaid Tuition Plans, ref-1

probate, ref-1

profiles, borrower, ref-1

profit sharing plans, ref-1

promissory notes, ref-1

property transfer methods, ref-1

contract of law, ref-1

operation of law, ref-1

probate, ref-1

Q–R

qualified state tuition plans, ref-1

rates, mortgage

adjustable, ref-1

fixed, ref-1

realtors, ref-1

refinancing mortgages, ref-1

refunds, tax (investment strategies), ref-1

renovations, home, ref-1

reports, credit, ref-1

resources

books

Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying and Selling a Home, The, Third Edition, ref-1

Complete Idiot’s Guide to Caring for Aging Parents, The, ref-1

Congratulations! You’ve Been Fired, ref-1

Credit Card Nation: The Consequences of America’s Addiction to Credit, ref-1

further reading suggestions, ref-1

Stress Management—Taking Charge (Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service), ref-1

unemployment, ref-1

retirement. See also pension plans

assessing needs, ref-1

needs analysis, ref-1

lump sum payouts, investment strategies, ref-1

savings plans, ref-1

401(k) plans, ref-1

IRAs, ref-1

pension plans, ref-1

Roth IRAs, ref-1

SEP IRAs, ref-1

simple plans, ref-1

vesting requirements, ref-1

revocable living trusts, ref-1

Roth IRAs, ref-1

S

“sandwich generation,” ref-1, ref-2

savings accounts, ref-1

calculating personal assets, ref-1

conserving after job loss, ref-1

emergency funds, ref-1

savings plans

college, ref-1

early start plan, ref-1

education IRAs, ref-1

EE Bonds, ref-1

traditional college accounts, ref-1

Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts, ref-1

retirement, ref-1

401(k) plans, ref-1

assessing needs, ref-1

IRAs, ref-1

pension plans, ref-1

Roth IRAs, ref-1

SEP IRAs, ref-1

simple plans, ref-1

vesting requirements, ref-1

schools. See college; education

seller financing option, ref-1

selling homes

costs, ref-1

preparing to move, ref-1

realtor selection, ref-1

selling yourself versus hiring a realtor, ref-1

timing your settlement date, ref-1

senior apartments, ref-1

SEP IRAs (Simplified Employee Pension–Individual Retirement Accounts), ref-1

settlements, ref-1, ref-2

severance pay (investment strategies), ref-1

simple retirement plans, ref-1

Simplified Employee Pension–Individual Retirement Accounts (SEP IRAs), ref-1

software, budgeting, ref-1

stock market investments, ref-1

buying stocks, ref-1

selling stocks, ref-1

stock option investment strategies, ref-1

stress management tips, ref-1

Stress Management—Taking Charge (Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service), ref-1

swing loans, ref-1

T

target benefit plans, ref-1

taxes

college credits, ref-1

estate, ref-1

refunds (investment strategies), ref-1

vacation homes, ref-1

term life insurance, ref-1

testamentary trusts, ref-1

time progression concept, ref-1

timeshares, ref-1

trusts, ref-1

irrevocable, ref-1

revocable living, ref-1

testamentary, ref-1

tuition, college, ref-1

alternative financing options, ref-1

figuring affordable options, ref-1

financial aid, ref-1

qualified state tuition plans, ref-1

savings plans, ref-1

early start plan, ref-1

education IRAs, ref-1

EE Bonds, ref-1

traditional college accounts, ref-1

Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts, ref-1

tax credits, ref-1

two-step mortgages, ref-1

U

UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) accounts, ref-1

unemployment issues, ref-1, ref-2

company downsizing, ref-1

financial planning strategies, ref-1

personal identity, ref-1

practical concerns, ref-1

conserving your savings, ref-1

insurance coverage, ref-1

maintaining relationships, ref-1

resources for assistance, ref-1

Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts, ref-1

V

vacation homes, ref-1

advantages, ref-1

disadvantages, ref-1

tax considerations, ref-1

timeshares, ref-1

vacations, ref-1

vesting, ref-1

W–X–Y–Z

wants

limitations of reality, ref-1

luxury automobiles, ref-1

second homes, ref-1

vacations, ref-1

versus needs, ref-1

Web sites, ref-1

ACCRA (American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association), ref-1

Bankrate.com, ref-1

Business Week Online, ref-1

CardRatings.com, ref-1

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ref-1

College Source, ref-1

Collegeboard.com, ref-1

Edmunds.com, ref-1, ref-2

Equifax Credit Services, ref-1

Experian, ref-1

Family Money, ref-1

Federal Trade Commission, ref-1

Genesis, ref-1

Internal Revenue Service, ref-1

Investor’s Compass, ref-1

InvestorGuide.com, ref-1

Job Search Guide, ref-1

Lawinfo.com, ref-1

Middle-age-spread.com, ref-1

MoneyCentral, ref-1

Mortgage.com, ref-1

Motley Fool, ref-1

Personal Wealth, ref-1

Prudential Financial, ref-1

retirement needs, ref-1

Sandwich Generation, ref-1

Senior Resource, ref-1

Small Business Administration, ref-1

Trans Union, ref-1

Travelocity.com, ref-1

Ultimatewedding.com, ref-1

Unique Wedding, ref-1

Wall Street Journal, ref-1

WeddingNet, ref-1

Yahoo! Finance, ref-1

weddings, ref-1. See also marriage

costs

avoiding overspending, ref-1

bank loans, ref-1

determining who pays, ref-1

money-saving tips, ref-1

price breakdown, ref-1

insurance policies, ref-1

wills, ref-1. See also estate plans

content necessities, ref-1

living wills, ref-1

storage options, ref-1

validity requirements, ref-1

worth (net), ref-1