If you have a variable rate mortgage, now is the time to refinance and lock in a fixed rate to protect yourself in the long run.

You don't want to pick a family that just created a fund they don't have a history in.

I would prefer a total stock market fund if it's going to be their only investment, but if it's the first of many funds I'd go with the S&P 500 Index Fund.

Technology funds and small-cap funds are where the volatility is going to be.

Set the ground rules and make sure it feels right.

You want to understand what the person across the table from you does for a living and how they do it.