FINANCIAL PLANNING RESOURCES

• The Garrett Planning Network. An international network of independent financial advisors and planners offering hourly, as-needed financial planning and advice to anyone regardless of income.

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Board of Standards Information about Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) licensees and the financial- planning profession, including what it takes to become a CFP® and tips on how to select a financial advisor.

• National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). Information about NAPFA and FEE-ONLY financial planners, including why choose a FEE-ONLY financial advisor.

COLLEGES & FINANCIAL AID

• College Board Online-The College Board Library. Student and parent information; college planning news, tools and resources.

• SavingforCollege.com. Independent and objective information on different ways to save and pay for college; plenty of interactive tools.

DEBT MANAGEMENT

• NFCC.org. National Foundation for Credit Counseling (also known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service or CCCS) provides consumer debt consulations. Visit their website or Call 800-388-2227. Your call will be routed to the nearest office of this non-profit organization.

• FTC.gov Federal Trade Commission. Settling Credit Card Debt article includes advice to do it yourself or with help while avoiding scams.

• Nolo.com and GetOutofDebt.org. Both offer general information on topics like debt and bankruptcy, overspending, credit repair, strategies for repaying debts, and debt collections.

ESTATE PLANNING

• Nolo Law Center. The Wills and Estate Planning link provides access to plain-English articles on topics like estate-planning basics, living wills, funeral planning, and various other legal documents.

• Aging With Dignity. Learn how to ensure that your wishes will be followed in the event of a serious illness with the help of a Living Will and other documents; how to discuss your wishes with loved ones and your physician, and where to obtain resources for family caregivers; includes link to related sites. Check out its "Five Wishes" brochure.

GOVERNMENT AND OTHER AGENCIES/ORGANIZATIONS

• American Bar Association. Offers an online lawyer referral service plus plenty of helpful consumer information.

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. All things to know about Medicare, Medicaid, and many other federal and state-administered health programs.

• Internal Revenue Service. Tax information, directions, tools, downloadable forms, and more.

• Social Security Administration. News and how-to information on tax withholding, obtaining a replacement card or Statement of Earnings and Benefits, etc.

HOME OWNERSHIP

• BankRate.com. Assorted general information and rates, including current mortgage rates by specific location, calculators to help you figure out how much house you can afford, and a glossary.

INSURANCE

• Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. The nation's largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers; includes an insurance agent database.

• Insure.com. Comprehensive online consumer insurance information service for auto, life, and health insurance.

• InsWeb.com. Insurance marketplace for a variety of insurance products, including automobile, term life, homeowners, renters, and individual health insurance; includes resource center.

• PrimeQuote. Insurance marketplace specializing in life insurance needs; includes glossary of related terms.

RETIREMENT

• Kiplinger Personal Finance. Timely retirement advice, calculators, columns, and more.

• MSN Money. Retirement commentary, advice, and tools to use.