The only way you will ever permanently take control of your financial life is to dig deep and fix the root problem.

Thoughtful financial planning can easily take a backseat to daily life.

Time is key to building your financial security.

No one's ever achieved financial fitness with a January resolution that's abandoned by February.

If you pay off your mortgage before retirement, you take a huge financial load off your shoulders. You also become eligible to take out a reverse mortgage once you turn 62.

Even if you were to fall into extreme financial hardship and file for bankruptcy, you need to understand that your student loan debt will not be discharged in bankruptcy. It is the Velcro of all debts.