Paul B. Brown

It doesn’t make me feel any better, but I discovered the other day that the $8,000 I owe in total on three different credit cards puts me in good company -- I am the typical American.  Any thoughts about how to reduce my debt?

Bill, White Plains, N.Y.

About two years ago I rolled over about $100,000 of 401K money from a previous job into a conservative mutual fund. I am 50 years old, and grateful that it's earning 2.3% interest, rather than sitting in an aggressive fund where it could be down 10% to 30%. On the other hand, I don't feel as though it is earning as much as it could. What would you do with it? I have other retirement money—another $400,000 or so—in diversified funds—that has taken a beating. Would you recommend I keep this money as is or move it to something else? Thank you.

Karen, Eden Prairie, MN

Everyone who gives financial advice says the first thing I need to do is create a budget. Is that really true?
Katie, Columbus Ohio

Can you recommend any books to help me understand the current turmoil in the financial markets?

What do I need to do to ensure a successful retirement?

I’m thinking of retiring at age 65, when I can start collecting Social Security. Is there any reason to keep working?

What do I need to know if I want to retire at age 55?

How do I find the next hot stock, the one that will go public and earn a lot of money quickly?

Is there a reason why people say you shouldn’t buy a mutual fund near the end of the year?

How can I invest in the stock market so that I am not paying unnecessary fees?