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2008

• October 20 – During volatile market conditions, my concern about my investments grows. Are mutual fund assets protected under FDIC? If not, what can I do to help protect my assets?

• October 13 – Although my husband and I both work, the current market is wreaking havoc on our finances. To help manage our expenses, we've temporarily stopped contributing to our retirement accounts. Is this a wise thing to do? If not, what should be doing?

• September 29 – I have been asked numerous times what are the best investing practices during these uncertain times. I’d like to respond with the following, but know that in my eyes these principals are good investment practices for all times.

• August 18 – I’m a recently divorced 40 year old woman with two children ages 11 and 15. I recently went back to work full-time and I am concerned about my family’s financial future.

• July 11 – I'm 73 years old and investing in brokerage long term callable CD's which return between 5% & 6%. I cannot afford to risk my principle at this age by investing in the market. These CD's are FDIC insured as long as they're kept to maturity or call date. Is there anything wrong with this?

• June 13 – I have just started a new job and am building my 401K from the ground up. Given the market swing and economic uncertainty that permeates at present, should I keep my contributions liquid and revisit after one year for a more permanent strategy?

• May 9 – If we're heading into or are already in a recession, how should I invest to protect myself against it?

• April 25 – I am looking into life insurance for my husband and I, Id like to find out what we would have to do to see about getting it. Do we have to take physicals? Does the premium go by our age?

• April 11 – With the stock market’s recent volatility, what do I invest in for the future?

• March 28 – Is single premium life a logical choice for someone who is trying to protect assets, but may need to qualify for Medicaid five years from now?

• March 14 – Can I take out a life insurance policy on a family member without their involvement?

• February 29 – Should our adult kids carry Life Insurance that will cover the amounts of their loans?

• February 15 – What is the best type of fund to invest in for an IRA for a 22-year-old woman?

• February 1 – Why do America's schools fail to teach our children about money: borrowing, investing, taxes, and insurance?

• January 18 – I've seen a lot of advertisements in newspapers and magazines promoting 4- and 5-star rated funds. Are these funds really that much better than other funds?

• January 4 – I am 35 years old and recently got married. My husband and I went from renting an apartment to owning a home and now find ourselves living paycheck to paycheck. How can we gain control of our finances?

2007

• December 21 – I am a 32-year-old single woman. I don’t see getting married or having children in the near future. How much do I need to save for retirement and what is a good age to retire?

• December 7 – Can you give me a checklist of things I need to be well-prepared for life? I have no idea where to start even thinking about investing.

• November 23 – Can you briefly explain the different types of investment vehicles — stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, saving accounts, CDs?

• November 9 – Now that I have decided to start investing, I've heard a lot about risk tolerance — can you explain that concept in plain English?