Jennifer's Compass

Protecting your retirement in your 40s and 50s

A rough economy is tough on everyone, but it can be particularily difficult if you're in your 40s and 50s. These are "peak" years for many; peak earning but also peak spending and peak stress years.

Getting on track and staying there can be tough, so we offered some tips in the segment below from my new book "The Everything Personal Finance in your 40s and 50s Book"

Click below to go to the segment (NECN will run an ad before the segment runs)

How to discuss finances with family

The holidays are one of the few times a year that the whole family is together. So why not use that time to get the conversation started with parents and kids about money and finances.

Here are some tips to help break the ice.

Smart money gifts

We're all getting a lesson on economics in these tough times. With the holiday season here - there are ways to give the gift of financial intelligence.

On this segment of In-Focus, we talked about some unique holiday gift ideas including giving a savings bond coupled with a bank tour, a Money Savvy piggy bank that helps teach kids how to save and some great ideas for grown-ups including a gift certificate for financial planning.

Keeping the market from ruining your holidays

On today's segment of In-Focus, the roller coaster ride on Wall Street continues. If all you want for Christmas is a stable 401(k), you might be out of luck.

Don't despair; click below for some suggestions for keeping the next month or two in financial perspective.