This past week I encountered a situation that was both a financial issue and a very painful family issue. A young man, age 34, was in a traffic accident and seriously hurt. His family was told that his condition would not improve and were asked if he had any type of Will or Health Care Directive.

As consumers hit the malls this holiday season, some are experienced shoppers, having weathered many years of finding just the right gift at just the right price. Nonetheless, whether novice or seasoned veteran, it’s always smart to arm yourself with timely shopping tips.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling’s (NFCC) September web poll testing people’s attitudes toward identity theft revealed that 66 percent of more than 1,300 respondents feel at risk for identity theft.

Receiving a letter from a collection agency can be intimidating, but keep your cool and follow these steps to best resolve the situation.

Have you ever had a day where you just felt like spending some money? Maybe you have some “extra” money burning a hole in your wallet or you just feel like you deserve to treat yourself to “a little something.” While you definitely do deserve to treat yourself, the fact of the matter is that spending money on unplanned, unneeded items on a whim is a sure-fire way to break your budget. Lucky for you, I know a fact that is sure to burst your balloon: You’ve already spent a ton of money today.

While it is natural to want to protect the people you love, most hidden money problems are eventually discovered adding an unhealthy layer of distrust to your relationship. The obvious answer is honesty. However, telling someone you’re in financial trouble can be easier said than done.

Everyone knows that avoiding credit card debt is good for your financial health, but did you know that paying with cash can make you physically healthier too?

"How do I stop collection calls to my work phone?" is a commonly asked question to our Ask the Experts advice column.

Consumers are definitely shifting toward using debit cards, perhaps as a tool to control spending, or because they have limited or no access to credit. Regardless of the reason, it will definitely be a nice gift to begin 2011 with no holiday debt.

A November online poll hosted revealed that more than 90 percent of respondents will either spend less or nothing at all on holiday purchases in 2010.