Cars are part of the fabric of American life. The satisfaction they provide and the messages they broadcast are undeniable. However, they can also be a roadblock to financial security.

The number of people receiving Medicare benefits through a private health plan has skyrocketed from more than 5 million to nearly 18 million – an increase of roughly 260 percent – since 2004, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Why?

Holiday gatherings usually mean food and fun, but there are often serious discussions about what’s happening with members of our family and our plans.