The debate over whether we're in a recession, high gas prices, rising food prices, and talk about layoffs have many Americans rethinking their budgets. Families at all economic levels are taking a wait-and-see approach to major spending and are cutting back on luxury or unnecessary items, news reports indicate.

With college tuition costs rising at most public and private universities across the country, more and more students are relying on student loans to help fund their education. While educational loans can make it possible for many students to afford college, an epidemic of out-of-control debt is sweeping the nation's college students, affecting their financial health for years to come.

While it is difficult to separate the psychological issues from the financial matters, an individual in the middle of a divorce can benefit by thinking about both their short term and long-term financial health and goals when negotiating the settlement.

The past dilemma of “Can we afford to be green?” is giving way to “Can we afford not to be green?” LEED is becoming the standard for building professionals.