I just don't like people taking debt into retirement.

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

Having kids doesn't mean they would have taken care o you.

Sometimes your gut is right. And sometimes not.

Many debt collectors offer a lump sum option so ask. And if you get it, make sure it's in writing and you keep the payoff statement FOREVER.

Having a separate fund for the things in life that happen, helps keep the emergency fund in tact in case you lose your job or income.

The sad thing is many people learn how to manage money after they've made a lot of financial mistakes, some that take decades to fix.