Many of the good things would never have happened if the bad events hadn't happened first.

Never cosign a loan. Once you have cosigned, you cannot get out of it - even on your deathbed.

Thoughtful financial planning can easily take a backseat to daily life.

It's easy to underestimate the real cost of home ownership.

The world does not need another credit card.

Cash - in savings accounts, short-term CDs or money market deposits - is great for an emergency fund. But to fulfill a long-term investment goal like funding your retirement, consider buying stocks. The more distant your financial target, the longer inflation will gnaw at the purchasing power of your money.

A pile of bills and statements - whether paid or not - is a sign that someone is clueless about what's coming in and going out.