ArcaMax

Dear Readers: If I were to ask couples to name the top three things that keep them together, I don't imagine that shared knowledge and interest in their finances would make the list. Yet money is often cited as one of the main causes of divorce. A recent survey by Policygenius found that 1 in 5 people say their partner is financially ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I've always been a good saver, and now at 29 with a steady job, I have a fairly sizable savings account. My friends are getting into investing, but it seems like such a risk and makes me uncomfortable. Isn't it enough to just keep saving? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: Being a good saver certainly puts you ahead of the game. And having a...Read more

Dear Readers: It's the rare person who doesn't occasionally fall into some poor financial habits that can lead to potentially scary results. This fall, make sure you're not tricking yourself into a financial bind. Rather, treat yourself to greater security by reviewing these 10 personal finance "gotchas" and making any necessary changes. The ...Read more

Dear Carrie: My parents are in their early 80s. Fortunately, they're in relatively good health and still quite independent, but I want to help them be prepared should things change. How can I get involved with their finances without being intrusive? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: While popular wisdom might say that 80 is the new 60, the reality of ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by all the things I need to save for. From retirement and emergency funds to my son's college account and home repairs -- on top of trying to pay extra on the mortgage and student loans -- I feel as if I have very little left over for anything else. I know these bigger things are important, but ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I am trying to simplify my finances and have way too many accounts (savings, checking, brokerage, credit cards). What happens when you close an account? Is that bad to do? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: Decluttering is certainly a popular concept these days. So why not apply it to our finances? While we all start out thinking we'll keep ...Read more

Dear Carrie: My husband and I are in our early 40s with two young kids. We know we should have some sort of estate plan, but it seems like such a chore. Any way to keep it simple? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: You're certainly not alone in putting off estate planning. On top of our understandable aversion to facing our own mortality, estate planning...Read more

Dear Carrie: My husband and I are trying to scrape together enough money for a down payment on our first home. Because we live in an expensive real estate market, we need to be creative and consider all our potential resources. Would it be OK if we borrowed from our 401(k)s? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: How exciting that you're buying your first ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I'm 28 and trying to be smart about my money. My problem is that as soon as I pay down my credit cards, I start running them up again. The result is I can't seem to save, and I feel as if I'm fighting a losing battle. I know I need to adjust my financial attitude, but how? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: First, realize that you'...Read more