Author: Peter Dunn, Special to USA TODAY

When jobs are sparse, it’s very difficult for young people to launch their careers. It’s especially difficult when student loans are part of it.

What should parents do when a child loses their job and is unable to pay their rent or other living expenses?

Healthcare costs, Social Security and lifestyle choices should be considered before you act on an early retirement offer.

Group life and disability benefits are fantastic. They are cheap and easily attainable. But they should not replace policies you can buy outside work.

Sometimes children don’t always have financial problems, they have discipline problems. Giving them money won’t solve the discipline problems.

You’re likely earning significantly less interest on your savings deposits than you are paying in interest on your HELOC.

But the decisions you make in the next couple of years will certainly determine whether you will have the sort of retirement you’ve always wanted.

I had planned on retiring this October. But with all this stock market crash and recession stuff, I’m not sure I can or should.

My husband and I want to buy our first home. We are 58. Are we too old. Should we buy or continue to lease? We have saved $35,000.

Pete the Planner: I owe $15,000 in credit card debt at age 69 and haven’t told my husband. What should I do?