Ready to grab hold of your financial life and take control? Level Money's co-founder Jake Fuentes joins the show to tell you! Jake launched the award-winning personal finance app in order to help people spend with confidence, save more and achieve financial balance. The app is a simple tool to automatically analyze your financial picture.

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Rich and his wife are getting ready to retire and will have a little more than $1 million. A fiduciary advisor is recommending a fixed annuity, but we're not so sure.

David asked about tapping home equity to purchase another rental property; Jeff had questions about SS, Medicare and retirement planning; and Sarah asked about funneling money into a 529 plan versus a general investment account. Here is an education cost calculator to determine how much to save today in order to cover future tuition bills.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

We're cramming in a summer class on bonds, led by Bond Yoda, Marilyn Cohen. Marilyn founded Envision Capital Management 20 years ago after stints at William O’Neil & Company and Cantor Fitzgerald. Besides her impressive credentials, our favorite fact on her bio is: "In her spare time Marilyn raises service dogs for the disabled and regularly conducts pet therapy sessions at the VA Hospital."

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Marilyn covers the differences between bond funds and individual bonds; the costs involved in buying bonds directly and how you can learn more about the mark up and recent trading of bonds at http://www.investinginbonds.com/.

How should you invest your bond portfolio? Marilyn advises that investors keep it US-centric (though not treasuries) and make sure to focus on 3 to 10 year maturities. She also weighs in on whether or not you should consider so-called "bond alternatives", like REITs, dividend stocks, preferred stock.

You can check out Marilyn's e-book about bonds for free at Smashwords.com or for $0.99 at Amazon.com.

I also mentioned a CBS This Morning segment on saving, which you can find here and the New York Times 1% More Calculator.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

This Father's Day weekend, we have financial advice for dads, moms and kids. Many of you know that my father, "Big Al" or "Albie", had a big influence on me and I miss him terribly. For those who never heard the show where Dad came on as a guest, you can check out this post. I also wrote about him here.

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In this week's show, we spoke to Frank and Camille about annuities, as well as Mike about his asset allocation. Jill wanted advice or ideas about how she could contribute to her household income, perhaps through a small business and Pam asked about the about the Windfall Elimination Provision  of Social Security.

Finally, Vinnie wants to retire early…really early -- no later than 57 and as early as 52 if he can make it work...can he?

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

For years, small investors have complained that the big firms don’t want their business and when they do, it’s often expensive. Not anymore…There’s been a revolution in the financial advice business, which could help. It’s not a WHO, but a WHAT… automated systems are replacing humans! They’re called ROBO-ADVISORS and we have one of the industry's stars--Betterment co-founder and COO Eli Broverman to explore this amazing trend.

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Eli explains how Betterment works and why he has embraced the pejorative ROBO ADVISOR. If you are wondering if robo is for you, check out my post here.

As stocks stage another run at records, Mike is concerned about a downturn, which would give back a lot of the fantastic returns he has seen over the past six years. What should he do?

Nancy is a widow in her late fifties and still working. Should she re-fi her 30 yr mortgage? We also answered Mary's estate question about rolling over a spouse's retirement account and Mike's titling issue around his deceased in-law's.

Mary's husband will retire by the end of the year and has to make a pension election-what is the best choice for them?

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

This weekend marks the 71st anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy (D-Day). In the sports world, the weekend could mean the  end of thoroughbred racing's 37-year Triple Crown drought. As American Pharoah tries to reign at the Belmont Stakes, we’re tackling your financial questions. The "Jill on Money" Triple Crown means that the show aims to be fun, informative and free!

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We started with Mitch from MN, a 26-year-old engineer, who just got engaged. He and his soon-to-be wife are juggling savings, paying down student loans and retirement planning. What’s the best game plan to attack the debt? Should they refinance their mortgage to pay it off early? So many questions and we have the answers!

Jan from Alaska is 62.5 years old and wants to know if she should avoid filing for Social Security retirement benefits before her Full Retirement Age -- YES! Steve wants to minimize losses before a stock market correction occurs and Stanley from CT is wondering about rolling over his 401 (k) into an IRA.

It was a delight to have guest Eleanor Blayney, the CFP Board of Standards’ Consumer Advocate join the show to discuss inheritance disputes. As Eleanor says, fights over estates “are not just a problem for the rich and famous, or for blended families.” Find out who has a right to contest a will and the ways that families can take proactive steps to avoid these messy post-mortem dustups. You can read Eleanor’s great post about the topic here.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

When you call and write, asking about various financial issues, you'll hear me ask a bunch of nosey questions. I am the first to admit that I am a financial voyeur, but the real reason that I need that information is to determine the best financial advice for you! So often, it really does depend on your specific situation, which is why we avoid dispensing cookie-cutter advice.

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We started the show with a follow up response to last week's question: would you quit your job to take off a year from the grind? Allison did just that, but says, "Looking back I should never of done it."

Greg and Laura are considering the purchase of  a vacation rental home and wanted to know the pitfalls of doing so.

We helped Steve and an anonymous e-mailer with allocation/share type questions; Chrissy with a query about her variable annuity;  helped Maurie guide her 19 year old daughter, who needs financial guidance; and provided Anil with the upside and downside of  carrying a "big, long mortgage."

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

The roots of Memorial Day go back to the aftermath of the Civil War. It has since been expanded to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It’s also an opportunity to consider those veterans who are trying to transition into a civilian life. While working on a story, I stumbled upon a great resource for military personnel who are entering the broader job market: GIJobs.com, so pass it on to someone who might need a break!

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The theme of this week's show is "How to Buy Bonds", because both Chris and Jay have big portfolios, allocated almost exclusively to stocks. Each voiced the same concern: Although they want to buy bonds, they find it hard to do so, just as interest rates are poised to rise. We provide both of them with some ideas to accomplish a more balanced portfolio.

Paul has a fixed annuity that will mature in November, but if he cashes it in, he will be on the hook for a big tax liability. He wonders what options are available to mitigate the tax hit.

Should Gary use the proceeds of his primary home sale to pay off the mortgage on his second home? While it might be great to feel unburdened without a mortgage, he might regret not having access to the money.

The existential question of the week comes from Jessica, who asks, "Is it financial suicide to consider taking 6 to 12 months off of work for both working parents mid-career?" Feel free to weigh on this conversation!

Mark and Caroline are busy juggling priorities. What should they do with an extra $1,000 per month? Pay down debt, save for a house or open a 529 college savings plan?

John asks whether all of the staff at the registered advisory firm with which he works, must be registered individually...the answer: Maybe, but maybe not!

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

Spring has finally sprung and we are celebrating by giving you an overview of the 2015 housing market. Our two guests, Ilyce Glink and Billy Wright, have advice for buyers and sellers and tips about how to navigate the process without losing your mind!

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Ilyce is an award-winning, nationally syndicated columnist, television guest and radio talk show host - you can check out her great information on her website, ThinkGlink.

After providing an  overview of the current market, Ilyce also reminded us that the government's HARP and HAMP plans to help struggling homeowners were both extended. Ilyce has great tips for buyers and sellers in these three books:

• 100 Questions Every Home Seller Should Ask
• 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask
• Buy, Close, Move In!

Billy Wright of Par East Mortgage Company in East Hampton, NY says that with interest rates still at low levels, the mortgage market is heating up. Even those with once-shaky credit are able to borrow again, though it still remains tough for small business owners.

Howard asked about whether he should use reverse mortgage and Ron needed clarification about emergency reserve funds.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

Happy Mother's Day! Your mom would probably want you to take control of your financial life, so listen up. We started the show with Katrina, who needs help with her financial priorities. Should she contribute to retirement, save more in her emergency reserve fund or pay down her mortgage? The answer is: YES!

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Jim has $200K to invest-what should he do? (We should all have such problems!) Also in the category of "I wish I were him/her": Both Allison and Roseanne have nearly $2 million saved for retirement and need guidance.

Brian asked about whether or not dividends are reinvested in the TSP plan, Erica is trying to decide between a standard 529 plan and a pre-paid tuition program (check out this description from FinAid); and Daniel is not sure whether or not he should participate in his company's SIMPLE-IRA plan.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

Our guest - financial planner, author and speaker Jonathan Pond - worries that millions of Boomer generation parents have indulged their children, at their own expense. Jonathan, a pioneer in bringing low-cost, personalized money guidance to Americans, says that some greedy children have become "rapacious consumers of their parents’ money" OUCH!

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Jonathan also notes that the financial services industry in general, and the insurance business in particular, thrives on obfuscation. He warns that "if it can’t be explained to you in one sentence, don’t buy it…if you can’t get out of the investment without penalty within a few days or a week, be leery of it…stick to simple, understandable products".

And here's a simple product: Jonathan's SmartPlanner financial literacy tool, which costs $40--the equivalent of 5 bourbons at the cheap bars, where Producer Mark drinks!

In honor of the 141st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs (Go Upstart!), our first caller was John from Louisville, who's wife will be retiring shortly and has to make a pension election.

At age 63, Steve wants to know whether his retirement plan is on track and Chris asked about investing $25,000 on behalf of his famous daughter, who won the JIF Peanut Butter "Most Creative Sandwich Contest" in 2012. (Check out her recipe!)

Aaron asked about consolidating retirement accounts; Mark weighed in diversification; Mary asked about the safety of a couple of different financial institutions; Colette is just starting her retirement investing plan; Chris is considering entering the financial services industry; and Al and his wife are not sure whether or not they need a trust.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. (You can check out Mark's story on Manny Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach here.) If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

May 1 is "college decision day," the deadline to formally accept an offer of college admission and send in your deposit. It's also the time when families must make choices about financial aid packages, which is why we spend time outlining some of the strategies necessary to maximize the process.

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Here are some resources that might be helpful in the college funding and planning process:

• Education Department College Navigator
• CFPB Financial Aid Comparison
• FinAid Guide to Financial Aid
• Edvisors Planning and Paying for College
• 529 Plan Info

Great calls from Holly (college funding), Marchello (saving and investing), Ryan (early retirement plan) and Brian (disability insurance). We also field Chris' e-mail about the "good" annuity company (TIAA-CREF) and a property tax issue from E.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

We celebrated the conclusion of National Retirement Planning Week with guest Anthony LoCascio, a fiduciary advisor with more than three decades of experience in retirement and tax planning. Anthony breaks down retirement for Boomers, Gen-Xers and Millennials.

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Speaking of the Millennials (those who are currently 18-34), did you know that they are the biggest generation in US history—even bigger than the Baby Boomers. According to Goldman Sachs, there are 92 million Millennials, compared to 77 million Boomers. And as it turns out, the generation has a firm grip on certain aspects of their financial lives. Check out this segment from CBS Evening News for more on the slackers-turned-savers.

We fielded great questions from Millennials Sam, Tim and Anon!

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

As we head into National Retirement Planning Week, guest James Nichols joins us to reveal the results of the Voya Financial "Retire Ready Index". The results emphasize that retirement savers need combine knowledge, planning and action to help reach their goals.

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Here are some of the online tools that James mentioned:

• OrangeMoney
• Planning by Age
• How Do you Measure Up

And check out this segment from CBS This Morning, where I discussed retirement planning.

Before James joined us, we fielded a retirement question from John (should he convert his 401 (k) into a Roth?); a beneficiary retirement query from Mike and Gary asked about REITs.

If you are toiling away at your taxes this weekend, here are some Last Minute Tax Filing Resources.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

Guest Gary Schatsky, a fee-only financial advisor, Chair Emeritus of NAPFA and Annuity Hater, joins the show to discuss why annuities are rarely advisable (Gary says just 5 percent of the time!) He also weighs in on the concept of fiduciary and explains why he believes that working with a fee-only advisor vastly reduces the potential for conflicts of interest.

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Kenny from NY read my recent post, "Spring Cleaning for your Money" and wanted to know how to reduce the taxable income generated from some of his mutual funds. One easy fix: use index funds in taxable accounts and keep managed funds in retirement accounts.

Meanwhile, Terry from MN is sitting pretty in her early retirement, but is not sure whether she should roll over her old 401 (k) into an IRA; and she also needs allocation tips. Poor Michael was unable to max out his retirement contributions and now is starting a fatter tax bill, while Steve asked about beneficiary IRA accounts and Wayne asked for advice about changing careers - from a pilot to a financial planner.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

The show may be called "Jill on Money", but listeners know that the man without the microphone - Mark - is the center of the action. This weekend, we help the best producer in the world with the asset allocation for his IRA rollover.

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It just so happens that David from Chicago is also seeking allocation advice, especially in light of Vanguard's shift on its target date funds. Here are two sample portfolio allocations to consider:

BALANCED

• 10% Money Market fund
• 30% Bond Index Fund
• 10% International Bond Index
• 30% Total Stock Market Index Fund
• 5% Small Cap Index Fund
• 10% International Stock Index Fund
• 5% Emerging Market Stock Index Fund

GROWTH

• 5% Money Market fund
• 20% Bond Index Fund
• 5% International Bond Index
• 35% Total Stock Market Index Fund
• 10% Small Cap Index Fund
• 15% International Stock Index Fund
• 10% Emerging Market Stock Index Fund

And this is the post about "Why We Are Lousy Investors"

Throughout the show we also discussed some estate questions and some tax issues.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

Another week, another announcement of identity theft. This time, it was Premera Health customers, next time, it could be you. Because of the seemingly endless number of incidents, we decided to re-air our interview with nationally recognized expert on credit reporting, credit scoring and identity theft, John Ulzheimer.

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Retirement investing can be tricky business, but George from MD is actually in great shape. He has a pension that more than covers his needs,  $100K in an annuity, $80K in his deferred compensation plan and now wants to find a home for an extra $90K that he has in cash. After funding Roth IRAs for him and his wife, we discuss how to allocate the remaining money.

Ron from KY has bounced around a few different brokerage firms and has come to a conclusion: maybe he should manage his own money and pay himself the investment management fee! To help, we came up with an easy-to-implement balanced portfolio:

• 10% Money Market fund
• 30% Bond Index Fund
• 10% International Bond Index
• 30% Total Stock Market Index Fund
• 5% Small Cap Index Fund
• 10% International Stock Index Fund
• 5% Emerging Market Stock Index Fund

Samantha asked at what level could one properly diversify a fixed income portion of a portfolio with individual bonds, while Eileen is selling her vacation home and wants to know how to account for the improvements she has made over the years. In general, you add the cost of improvements to your original cost, but here is a link to the IRS site to help out.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

In honor of the recently-celebrated International Women's Day, guest Jennifer Landon, founder and president of Journey Financial Services, says that there are specific - and distinct - issues that women need to consider when planning for retirement. She urges them to consider "hybrid" retirement and to have contingency plans.

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Shan is just getting started on his financial journey and it is the perfect time for him to take control! Poor Joe was the victim of tax identity fraud. Check out this post, if you want more information about "How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft" or go to FTC.gov .

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

Bruce kicked off the show with a discussion about how to manage his "fun money" account in conjunction with his advisor-directed funds. One idea is to let the pro do what he or she does best and then you can use the secondary account to fill in the asset allocation gaps.

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Cheryl asked about whether her fee for investment advice was reasonable; Wayne is trying to manage his retirement assets after recently getting married and both Sandra and Mike are juggling competing financial goals after the birth of their children.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

As we say goodbye (and good riddance!) to February, there were lots of questions about tax preparation, Required Minimum Distributions and whether or not to use target date funds. Thanks so much to Peter, Mike and Lisa, all of who offered extra information for our listeners!

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Here was the CBS This Morning segment, where we celebrated America Saves Week and in case you missed it, President Obama dropped the F-Word last week!

Not that one, but he endorsed a Department of Labor proposal, which would require brokers to act in a customer’s best interest—the so-called FIDUCIARY duty—when working with retirement investors. We talk a lot about fiduciaries on the show, so we'll be keeping you posted on what happens next.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

CFP and CPA Michael Goodman, President of Wealthstream Advisors, wants everyone to strive to pay ZERO taxes in retirement. He says that the ability to do "micro" Roth conversions and to utilize  IRA Charitable Rollovers, which allow taxpayers age 70 ½ or older to make tax-free charitable gifts of up to $100,000 per year directly from their Individual Retirement Accounts to eligible charities, including colleges, universities and independent schools, could help many minimize taxes during retirement.

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Michael's appearance was perfect for this show, because Neil, Don, Claudio, Peter, Richard and Warren all asked about retirement accounts. We also fielded questions about Required Minimum Distributions, so once again, here's the FINRA RMD calculator that I mentioned.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio