In just a few months I’ll be an official senior citizen, at least according to AARP. That’s right, I’ll be eligible for the most famous senior citizen’s association this November. How did that happen?

My husband has been eligible for the past two years but hasn’t joined yet. I think I’ll sign up both of us, though. After doing some research into life insurance quotes, I’ve decided that I should just join AARP and find out what they offer those of us who have crested that proverbial hill.

This could work out well for travel purposes, too. I wonder if my husband joins now, if I’m also covered. Or must I wait for that half century mark?

I’ve been trying to keep up with all the news on the economy lately and I’m a bit upset about the country’s financial situation. So many people are having trouble paying their bills and risk losing their homes, even though unemployment is supposedly at a reasonable rate. What’s going on?

I spoke with a friend who works in finance and has access to a number of mortgage lenders. My friend says that most people who are losing their homes have adjustable rate mortgages instead of fixed rate. I remember that the adjustable rates were lower - and very tempting - but we opted for a fixed rate instead. I just didn’t like the idea of the monthly payment changing at some point.

I’m really glad we made the choices that we did.

When you’ve been online for over a decade, you’ve seen just about all the spam out there at one time or another. And you get into the habit of just deleting it without even thinking about it.

So imagine my surprise when I found myself actually paying attention to some spam. Or maybe it wasn’t spam. It was an email offering affordable life insurance for people over 50. Interesting. My husband is now over 50 so I took a look. And honestly? I’m checking it out.

I never realized it until I had a child in college that when a kid graduates, he starts out with a huge debt. It’s hard enough to save money for a down payment on that first car and eventually, a first home. To be strapped with school loans before you’ve even been hired at your first job can be a real challenge. It’s true that you really need a college education to get ahead today. And that education costs money. Student loans make the dream of a college degree a reality.

My son is paying back student loans now. He’s doing well at his job in Hawaii and he has no other debts. However, I’ve let him know that if he needs it, there are student loan consolidation companies that can help with managing student loan debt and getting it paid back. I hate to say it but if Jesse ever comes back here to this valley, he may need something like that. Of course, why would anyone leave Hawaii to come back to West Virginia?

One of the saddest things about our current economy and the loss of the American Dream is that no job is secure. At any time, your job can be eliminated. At any moment, you could be without an income.

Even those who did it all right, got a good education and pursued success in a career can find themselves unemployed. A college degree used to be a ticket to a good salary. Now, there are no guarantees.

So many people are learning this first hand that personal bankruptcy numbers have skyrocketed. This hAS led to stricter rules regarding bankruptcy but it hasn’t fixed the problem of our economy. Some people have turned to refinancing their homes. The question, of course, is whether this is the best solution.

Before making such a huge decision that will surely affect your financial stability for years to come, I suggest taking a look at the free online consumer portal Bills.com. From top financial news to refinancing tools and even an online Bill Pay, Bills.com is a one stop shop for a financial tune-up.

Their free 17-page step-by-step guide to financial freedom is worth the visit all by itself. While you’re there downloading it, check out their Savings Center and Debt Boot Camp. It’s never too late to get into financial shape!