There are numerous efficient online personal finance software options to track, plan and monitor your income and spending.

A lump sum pension choice gives you more flexibility, but also comes with more risk than receiving monthly retirement checks for life.

Many retirees consider moving to a different state when they retire so their Social Security income is not included in state income taxation. Understanding which states tax this income can be important to older adults.

Index fund investing is one of the safest forms of investment you can make. Like any investment strategy, there are pros and cons to be considered.

Older workers need not fear salary negotiations because they have valuable experience and qualifications to sell to a potential employer. Start planning in advance with 5 questions to ask.

If Congress doesn't act soon, January 2013 will see the estate tax – the death tax – come roaring back to live with huge impact on those with estates valued at just $1 million.

If you overpay a bill online, correct it if you can; otherwise take action to avoid penalties and bounced checks that can affect your credit record.

Seniors will find pros and cons about using alternative financial services companies. It pays to investigate first and invest later; seniors should be very careful about using AFS.

As a mature worker, consider pension options that offer some growth, along with safety, security and tax deferral of your plan.

Take a minute and think about your retirement hopes. If you’re like many, dreams of vacationing, relaxation and time with family and friends dance through your head, as they should.

Paying your bills online is only the first half of the personal finance billing revolution. The long-delayed second half of the technology has now arrived at almost every bank website. It will save you time and energy — and it will save millions of trees. But it will cost more jobs in the postal system. I’m talking about “electronic bill presentation,” or eBills. This goes beyond just viewing and paying your bill at the biller’s website. You can already do that at the sites of insurance companies, utilities and department stores.

Knowing how to run a home business and getting a few pointers can really make a difference in the success of your company.

Seniors should know more than “how do I sign up for social security.” They need to understand the importance of Medigap insurance to cover extra medical costs.

I’m not sure if you know this or not but among elderly Social Security beneficiaries, 22 percent of married couples and about 43 percent of unmarried persons rely on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their income.

The numbers don’t sound so bad — and may even sound like they’re improving. A drop in the unemployment rate from 8.3 percent to 8.1 percent appears to be moving in the right direction.