Most people want to be wealthy, or at least financially independent. The sad truth is that very few people are financially independent when they reach retirement. The rest are dependent to some extent on others or government benefits for their daily money needs.

Far too many people today live a lifestyle that is under a mountain of consumer debt. In many cases, that debt follows them into retirement. There are simple strategies to achieve financial independence; however, they may not necessarily be easy to follow.

Here are some examples...

The last year or so has been a very rude awakening for many. Too many people today are so busy living a lifestyle, they forget that emergencies may need to be dealt with. It’s all too easy to take one’s cash flow for granted and get lulled into the belief that it will go on uninterrupted. Those who are best able to handle the financial rainy days that inevitably come along are in the habit of living well below their means and paying themselves first.

The news these days seems to be filled with stories of mortgage payment stress, jumping bankruptcy rates and rising credit card delinquencies. What can be done to get through these challenging times?

Glenn is in sales. He is still working the same number of hours per week, but his...

It is seldom planned or wished for, but it is a reality and something that requires discussion - the illness and/or death of a spouse or partner. As the so-called Baby Boomer generation ages, there is a marked increase in widows suddenly left with financial situations that they do not fully understand. There are others who are forced to financially self-educate while providing quality of care for a partner that previously, and perhaps solely, took care of that role.

Over the years, many women have become more financially savvy. In fact, they have increased their involvement in household financial matters by one-third over the past 10 years. But even with these gains, nearly half of married women leave the financial strategy to their spouse and nearly 80% admit to not having the...