Recent headlines have been in an uproar over the state of the dollar. The issue hit a crescendo in November when Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan warned that America must address issues related to the dollar's decline, such as the nation's trade and budget deficits.

Even if you rarely travel abroad or exchange dollars for foreign currencies, don't be lured into thinking the strength of the dollar doesn't affect you. Stock and bond investors will want to pay close attention as Wall Street makes the dollar its latest obsession.

Social Security is the principal source of retirement income for about two-thirds of older Americans. Its importance to so many people may explain why deciding when to start collecting Social Security benefits can be difficult. Starting benefits at age 62, full ("normal") retirement age, or age 70 has different income consequences that will last throughout retirement.

Now or Later? - Workers who have earned enough credits can begin collecting monthly Social Security benefits at age 62 - but they receive a reduced amount, currently about 75.8 percent of full benefits; eventually, this percentage will drop to 70 percent.

As winter approaches, the possibility of a customer slipping and falling on a business's property increases. With the average jury award exceeding $200,000 for individuals injured at a retail store, it's a good idea for owners to review their business-owner policy (BOP), particularly their liability coverage, to ensure that the policy has grown with the business.

Generally, a BOP combines coverage in key business areas - property, liability, and business interruption. Property insurance covers damage or loss of items such as fixtures, equipment and machinery, office furniture, computers and accessories, and inventory and supplies.

There are an estimated 190 million individual life insurance policies in force in the United States, according to the most recent figures.

Interestingly, sales of the two most common types of life insurance policies are almost dead even. In 2002, cash-value policies accounted for 51 percent of sales, and term policies accounted for 49 percent.

By the end of 2004, sales of equity-indexed annuities (EIAs) are expected to reach about $17 billion, up from $14 billion in 2003.

Experts say the rise in EIA sales corresponds to the rise in the stock market. As stock prices improve, investors may want to participate in wealth-creation opportunities. EIAs may be just the type of risk- managed financial vehicle that many investors can use to round out their retirement plans.

Financial planning provides direction and meaning to your financial decisions. It allows you to understand how each financial decision you make affects other areas of your finances. For example, buying a particular investment product might help you pay off your mortgage faster or it might delay your retirement significantly. By viewing each financial decision as part of a whole, you can consider its short and long-term effects on your life goals. You can also adapt more easily to life changes and feel more secure that your goals are on track.