Though people are feeling more positive about their financial prospects overall, many Americans are running just to stay in place. They prefer to keep current on today's bills or dig out of debt, which comes at the expense of saving for the future, a recent survey of financial priorities from Bankrate shows...

We’re closing in on the end of the year, and with that comes a multitude of retirement related deadlines to keep in mind. Here’s a round-up of the most pertinent for those still working and those that are retired.

401(k) contribution deadline

401(k) contributions, which can be worth as much as $18,000 in 2015, are typically due by the end of the calendar year....

The announcement in early October of no Cost of Living Adjustment for Social Security carried the double whammy of hitting some 30% of Medicare Part B participants with an astronomical 52% increase in their premium. This raised the hackles of many seniors, and pushed Congress to include a fix in their recent Budget agreement.

In summary, a part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 helped to reduce the increase from 52% to “only” 18% for 2016....

Just thought I’d pass on this spot-on list posted in the most recent Planning Perspectives from NAPFA. It may be targeted towards young professionals, but really applies to people of all ages.

1. Think long term. Where do you want your finances to be in five, 10, or 40 years? If you constantly focus on what you want right now, then your financial future is in grave danger....