Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become increasingly popular since they were introduced in the mid-1990s. Their tax efficiencies and relatively low investing costs have attracted investors who like the idea of combining the diversification of mutual funds with the trading flexibility of stocks. ETFs can fill a unique role in your portfolio, but you need to understand just how they work and the differences among the dizzying variety of ETFs now available.

Deciding when to begin receiving Social Security benefits is a major financial issue for anyone approaching retirement because the age at which you apply for benefits will affect the amount you'll receive. If you're married, deciding when to retire can be especially complicated because you and your spouse will need to plan together. Fortunately, there are a couple of strategies that are available to married couples that you can use to boost both your Social Security retirement income and income for your surviving spouse.

This is a tough question, because it is very individualized.  Our general belief at 
RetirementTimeline.com is that, overall, people benefit from using a financial 
advisor.  However, that’s not to say that you will not achieve your goals without 
one or that any advisor can help you.