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A prenup is a legally binding contract that spells out how a couple's assets will be carved up if their marriage fails. Nearly three-quarters of attorneys surveyed in 2010 by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers said they had seen a marked increase in prenups in recent years. A key reason: The financial crisis left people anxious to protect what they have. A glance at marriage statistics underscores the importance of planning ahead. Almost half of all first marriages end in divorce, and the divorce rate on subsequent unions is even higher.

Click on the title above to visit CNN Money to read more of this article published by By Janice Revell, contributor @FortuneMagazine June 29, 2011

If you plan to move to another state when you retire, examine the tax burden you’ll face when you arrive. State taxes are increasingly important to everyone, but retirees have extra cause for concern since their income may be fixed.

Click on the heading of this article to read more in this informative article on Retirement Living.com.

Women earn 77 cents on the dollar compared with men, and they’re less likely to be covered by company retirement and pension plans. Combine that with the fact that women tend to live longer, and it’s clear why they need to save conscientiously for retirement. Here’s how to jump-start your retirement planning.

To read more of this informative article found on WellsFargo.com click on the following link:  FULL ARTICLE

As children grow older, their expenses seem to increase exponentially.   Start planning as soon as possible for expected costs, such as college and graduate school.  

Did you know that over the past 5 years, average fees for college have increased approximately 51%, and the number of loans taken out for college have increased 3 to 12%?  (source:  SmartPros College Financial Planning: Keeping Up with the Changes course)

In addition to student loans and scholarships, there are some other very good tools for funding a college education.  These include the 529 Plan, in which your invested money grows free of tax and earnings, if used for qualified tuition and fee expenses, are not taxed when withdrawn.  However, like most investments, it is subject to risk and many plans this year have suffered due to the recent volatility in the stock market.  Visit the following link for an Introduction to 529 Plans,  published by the SEC.

Another option is financial aid available from your school, but be sure not to miss the tight deadlines and be prepared to provide your income history based on your tax return, for qualification determination. 

If you do pay for your child's college education, even with a 529 plan and/or student loans, make sure you understand and take full advantage of the tax benefits for which you qualify.   These may include the "above the line" tuition and fees deduction, which was extended through 2009, or tuition credits, such as the HOPE and Lifetime Learning credits.  

Visit the IRS Website and review Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education for more information.

As you begin to think about your future and that of your children and grandchildren, it is important to have a will and financial plan for your golden years.

Tax law has become very complex and it is valuable to understand and have a plan for your future and that of your family.