The long series of financial setbacks that millions of people have suffered through for more than a decade now has taken its toll on investor confidence. Now, those setbacks are starting to show up in the decisions that workers are making about when to retire -- and for many, the news is worse...

It can happen anytime after you get your first credit card. One day you look at the bill, and even the minimum payment is almost out of reach. Years of purchases spell out what seems to be a lifetime of repayments and a fortune in interest. Don't despair. You can climb out. Here's how.

So your resident college student is knee-deep in student loans, tuition, fees and rent payments. But infusing her bank account will sap the funds you have earmarked for your retirement. What's a concerned parent to do? Help her start building up some savings of her own. Here's how:

It's a tough admission to make, but we're all friends here: Lately, I've taken to watching old DVDs of Dallas. It's become a vice I can't shake. And, much to my surprise, I'm learning a lot about investing from the adventures of the oil-rich Ewing family, especially the sly, conniving older brother, J.R.