For many parents, the thought of a child heading off to college is both exciting and scary. Whether your child is going away to school for the first time or returning for another year, he or she may need help managing money and credit. This article outlines some tips you can use to prepare your child for the financial independence of the college years. Get a handle on saving and spending Creating a budget together is a great way to start the financial conversation with your

Each day between 2011 and 2030, 10,000 baby boomers will celebrate their 65th birthdays. As the boomers grow older, their middle-aged children may find themselves in a challenging situation: providing financial assistance to their parents as well as their own kids. If your parents are entering retirement, it's wise to plan ahead for any financial and legal responsibilities they may expect you to take on. Starting the conversation These days, 65 is hardly considered old age.

As you near retirement, you're bound to have many questions about social security. Deciding when to start taking benefits is one of the most important considerations, as it can affect the amount of your monthly payment. When are you eligible to apply? You're eligible to receive your full social security benefit at your full retirement age (FRA), which is between 65 and 67, depending on the year you were born. But you don't have to wait until your FRA to begin receiving benefi

If you're renting a car this summer, reviewing the various insurance options ahead of time can help you keep costs down. Here are some key questions to ask before you arrive at the rental counter, plus tips for getting the most bang for your car-rental buck. Are you already covered through your personal insurance? In most cases, your personal policy will extend to a rental car. Be sure to call your carrier to confirm what your policy covers (e.g., damage, theft, liability).

Losing your smartphone isn't just inconvenient. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, you could be at risk of identity theft. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help you find your phone—and mitigate any potential data losses. Tips for locating your phone You've called your smartphone's number from another phone, but you don't hear it ring. Now what? Try to locate it on your own. If you've enabled your phone's built-in tracking technology or another locator app,