We discuss emergency student loans, and why they are a great way of providing relief to those struggling or coming to terms with the cost of going through further education.

Caution: A loan without mortgage insurance will come at a higher interest rate and possibly tighter underwriting guidelines, so shop both programs and compare their amortization schedules to find the lowest cost of borrowing. Of course you should always ensure to do your research before investing, but it has never been as important as it is in the case of a reverse mortgage. You always want to ensure that you have the right insurance so that you are never caught off guard. This is too big a risk otherwise. However, when you do the research it can be the biggest reward.

Most people do not look forward to planning the distribution of assets upon their death. However, it is a task that all of us must face. And, that’s where trusts enter the estate-planning arena. A trust is simply an arrangement whereby one person holds legal title to an asset and manages it for the benefit of another. In one form or another, it may be used in personal financial planning.

Retirement has always been a tough undertaking but in today's tumultuous economy, it sometimes seems like an impossible task. There's no question that countless risks go hand in hand with retirement. However, even during a recession, you can manage these risks. Here are the top five most common retirement risks and the best ways to deal with them:

Want to make sure your little one grows up to be a money genius? It’s time to get to work. You might be thinking, “But my son just mastered potty training!” However, it’s never too early to start grooming your child into a money-managing pro. Although your children will probably learn the basics about money in school, it’s up to you to teach them how to manage their finances. Here are a few tips to help you raise a money-managing genius.

There’s no time better than the beginning of the year to set some fiscal goals and create a plan for improving your financial situation. You are probably ready for a brand new beginning and the thought of sticking to a budget after the holiday spending spree might sound a little more appealing than it would at any other time of year. Here is a step-by-step guide to create some annual goals as well as a financial plan that will help usher in a whole new financial foundation for you and your family.

In early September, the credit reporting agency Equifax announced a significant data breach. Hackers were able to access the names, birth dates, Social Security numbers and addresses of 143 million consumers, which put their identity and credit at risk. A credit report freeze is one protective measure Equifax recommended. Every consumer, including you, should understand this protective measure as you protect your data, identity and credit.