If you haven't saved, your child may have to work. But do what you can to NEVER take out student or parent loans.

My rule is when in doubt hire a professional. You could do it just this year and then you have direction to resume doing it yourself after the consultation. What you don't want is to do it wrong and be hit by a huge tax bill. Remember the old saying, "Don't be pennywise and pound foolish."

I think you can save and spend to live for however long you live. You just have to be flexible if things don't go as plan.

There are some dark days when I do receive some racist mail or emails. But overall the response to me has been very positive. Readers relate to me not just as an African-American, but as an American trying to make sense of her personal finance, just like them.

If you haven't saved, your child may have to work. But do what you can to NEVER take out student or parent loans.

Light has a way of keeping people honest.

Don't let people scare you from a career that may not net you a six figure salary. If you want to be a teacher, teach. But knowing that your salary may only reach a certain level, do all that you can to become the best money manager you can be.