Author: Peter Dunn, Special to USA TODAY

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.

I’m worried about what will happen to my retirement income when my husband dies. I personally don’t have many assets. What should I do?

I’m 58 years old and for the first time ever, retirement seems real to me. The problem is I don’t have any money. Now what?

A financial adviser assures soon-to-be retiree that $180,000 is enough of a nest egg to last until 100. Pete the Planner tells her if that’s right.