| Part 1: Taking a Look at the Big Picture |
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So, How's Mid Life Treating You? |
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If you're having trouble grappling with the very thought of middle age, this chapter will help you come to terms with where you are in life |
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Figuring Out Where You Are in Life |
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13 | (12) |
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You've got to have a handle on what's really necessary at this stage of life before you can start dreaming about the new convertible or the trip to Hawaii |
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25 | (8) |
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Chances are that you've got a lot going for you, both financially, and in other aspects of life |
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33 | (12) |
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If you've got financial impediments, now is the time to get them out of the way and keep moving forward |
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45 | (12) |
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If your net worth isn't what you'd like it to be, you can get your finances on track by paying careful attention to how much and where you're spending your money |
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| Part 2: Your Kids and Your Money |
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The Big, Expensive Parent Trap |
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59 | (10) |
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Kids want a lot of stuff, but it's not your job, as a parent, to satisfy their every desire |
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Trading In the Bikes for Cars |
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69 | (12) |
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There are a lot of issues that you and your child should consider together before he or she drives a car off the lot |
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81 | (14) |
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A college education (or two or three) is a huge investment that requires thoughtful planning; fortunately, you may be able to get some financial assistance |
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95 | (8) |
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The responsibility for paying for a wedding doesn't land squarely on the backs of the bride's parents anymore, but is spread out among both families, and often the bride and groom |
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Helping Your Kids Get on Their Feet |
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103 | (10) |
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Regardless of how much financial help you decide to give your grown kids, make sure that everyone is clear about the terms of a gift or loan |
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| Part 3: Hearth and Home |
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115 | (12) |
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Your housing needs may change along with your circumstances, forcing you to make some difficult decisions about where to live |
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127 | (10) |
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There are some real advantages to owning a second home, but it's definitely not for everyone |
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Paying for a New Home or Second Home |
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137 | (10) |
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There are different methods of financing a home, so you'll need to do your homework to learn what would work best for you |
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Selling the House You Already Have |
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147 | (14) |
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Whether you go with a realtor or decide to sell your home yourself, you've got to keep some important legal and practical considerations in mind |
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| Part 4: Life Changes |
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Knowing That Nothing Stays the Same |
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163 | (8) |
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The only thing we can be sure of concerning change is that it will happen to all of us |
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171 | (8) |
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Changing jobs is difficult at any stage of life, but can be particularly challenging (and potentially rewarding) when you're middle aged |
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Dealing With Losing Your Job |
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179 | (10) |
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Losing your job requires financial discipline, but it doesn't have to derail your financial plans and goals |
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189 | (10) |
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If you've always dreamed of having your own business, this chapter will give you some ideas for how to get started |
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Other Changes to Think About |
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199 | (12) |
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Death and relationship changes are among the most difficult situations we encounter in life, but planning for change can help you to cope when they occur |
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| Part 5: Smart Investing in This Stage of Life |
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211 | (48) |
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213 | (14) |
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Work is a great place to save, so be sure to take full advantage of an employer-sponsored retirement plan |
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Investing Outside of Work |
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227 | (12) |
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This chapter helps you to navigate the murky waters of the stock and bond markets, and explores other investment opportunities |
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239 | (10) |
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Handling large amounts of money all at once can be a difficult task, but there are strategies to help you make the right choices |
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Finding a Good Financial Advisor |
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249 | (10) |
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Everyone can benefit at times from some good financial advice, but you've got to know what type of advisor is best for you |
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| Part 6: Preparing for the Future |
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You're Never Too Young to Plan |
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261 | (12) |
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Taking care of business includes planning for death and dying, and the sooner you get started with that planning, the better |
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Helping Aging Parents Plan |
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273 | (10) |
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If you have aging parents, you may be called upon to help them make some very major decisions |
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283 | (10) |
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Estate planning is for everyone, and this chapter will help you understand the basics |
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Seeing Into Your Crystal Ball |
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293 | (38) |
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Nobody can predict the future, but good financial planning can help you achieve your dreams and live comfortably in old age |
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| Appendixes |
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301 | (24) |
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325 | (6) |
| Index |
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331 | |
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