The death of a spouse is a traumatic experience that can set your head spinning and your heart reeling.  Few people are ever ready for this tragic event emotionally or even financially.

Unfortunately, adding to the inner turmoil that you are probably experiencing, are the financial matters that must be dealt with immediately.  Knowing what needs to be taken care of can be a tremendous help at this point, alleviating some of the stress and tension that is certainly swirling around you.

Is saving money part of your New Year's resolution? Do you want to get your personal finances back on track this year?

I've listed 10 ways to take better care of your finances so that by the start of next year, you'll be in a better financial position.

There has been a recent fad with insurance companies offering return of premium option.

So, is this option good for you, the consumer, or is it just another way for companies to make money?

The answer is simple. The return of premium options are NOT a good deal and you should not purchase them if you wish to maximize your money.

Here's why they are not a good deal.

Think you need to include ALL income on your tax return? Think again!

There are several sources of income the IRS tax code does not allow to be taxed. Below I've listed a few types of income that you should not include on your tax return.

Term Life insurance is the best choice for the majority of Americans looking to purchase life insurance. When purchasing term life insurance you are purchasing coverage for a set period or term.

Examples of the most common terms are 10yrs, 15yrs, 20yrs, and 30yrs. A good policy will guarantee your rate to remain the same for the term of years that you purchase.

As a general rule of thumb, you should carry 8-10 times your annual income in good term life insurance.