If a child, a spouse, a life partner, or a parent depends on you and your income, you need life insurance.

If there is anyone dependent on your income - parents, children, relatives - you need life insurance.

Once your kids are grown and you know that you're completely healthy, consider canceling your life insurance policy.

I want to be clear here: It does not matter what you say in your will or trust; the beneficiary document attached to your IRA accounts and your life insurance policy overrides what you say elsewhere. If you want to change the beneficiary, you must change the beneficiary document.

While a reverse mortgage can indeed be a viable way to generate income, it is very important to understand that after you take out a reverse mortgage, you will still be responsible for paying the property tax, the insurance premium, and all the maintenance costs for your home.

Your credit score affects the interest rates you're offered on credit cards and loans, can be used to vet your job application, and in some states may influence your insurance premiums.