The Star-Ledger: Get With The Plan

Karin Price Mueller

The Star-Ledger: Get With The Plan

Get With The Plan is a weekly money makeover feature. Readers contact Karin with their money problems, and Karin sets them up with Certified Financial Planners who help devise a plan for the family.

Before we get to the archive, here's the legalese:

Get With the Plan involves readers anonymously divulging their personal financial information in exchange for free advice from a professional. The feature is designed to illuminate personal-finance concepts and isn't a substitute for actual financial planning or dedicated professional advice.

2012

Current needs trump long-term ambitions - Jan. 29, 2012

Going out on a limb key to longevity risk - Jan. 22, 2012

Couple set sights on snowbird future - Jan. 15, 2012

Couple works to get most out of savings - Jan. 8, 2012

If parents save today, they'll be okay tomorrow - Jan. 1, 2012

2011

New baby, new costs for cash-strapped pair - Dec. 25, 2011

Consolidate to simplify retirement planning - Dec. 18, 2011

Growing family started with strong foundation - Dec. 11, 2011

Couples future looks secure, so they should focus on now - Dec. 4, 2011

After a bit of tweaking, they'll be set to retire - Nov. 27, 2011

Couple need to add up their retirement costs - Nov. 20, 2011

Retirement requires mixed income stream - Nov. 13, 2011

Pair's greener pastures seeded by sound goals - Nov. 6, 2011

Savings offer chance to retire, grow funds - Oct. 30, 2011

Retiring with umbrella over couple's heads - Oct. 23, 2011

Small changes pay off - Oct. 16, 2011

Couple's conundrum: two homes or retirement? - Oct. 9, 2011

Couple on right track for early retirement - Oct. 2, 2011
Ready to retire, but will their money last? Sept. 25, 2011

Couple on right track to enjoy retirement - Sept. 18, 2011

Pensions offer safety for early retirement - Sept. 11, 2011

An early retirement within reach for couple - Sept. 4, 2011

Couple need to keep their giving in balance - Aug. 28, 2011

Retirement requires a little less market risk - Aug. 21, 2011

Retirees need change to make money last - Aug. 14, 2011

Maintaining expenses preserves their goal - Aug. 7, 2011

Couple in their 70s want to aid grandkids - July 31, 2011

Morris County couple on track to retire at 65 - July 24, 2011

Low debt, wise saving can fund family goals - July 17, 2011

College debt delaying couple's retirement - July 10, 2011

Couple want budget to last until age 100 - July 3, 2011

With a few tweaks, they can reach goal - June 26, 2011

Following big setback, couple play catch-up - June 19, 2011

Reaching a milestone in financial planning: the 400th anniversary of Get With The Plan - June 12, 2011

Couple need a stable budget to retire early - June 5, 2011

Young investor's happy dilemma: Extra cash - May 29, 2011

Keep inflation in mind in retirement budget - May 22, 2011

If she whittles her risk, she can reach her goals - May 15, 2011

Trim spending now, retire in paradise later - May 8, 2011

Recent job loss forces pair to reassess their retirement - May 1, 2011

Big plans, no income require some changes - April 24, 2011

Would home get in way of her desire to travel? - April 17, 2011

Reconsidering priorities in a time of uncertainty - April 10, 2011

For couple to retire, big changes needed - April 3, 2011

Retirement looks good, but there is one big risk - March 27 , 2011

Watch nest egg grow by delaying retirement - March 20, 2011

Couple hope to spend retirement in two states - March 13, 2011

Too much cash affects ability to realize goals - March 6, 2011

Couple close to getting retirement they desire - Feb.27, 2011

Careful spending key to couple's retirement - Feb. 20, 2011

Stabilize your portfolio before retirement - Feb. 13, 2011

Protecting portfolio must be top priority - Feb. 7, 2011

Planning your future amid fading pensions - Jan. 30, 2011

Recovering from debt after maternity leave Jan. 23, 2011

For couple, age gap may hinder retirement Jan. 16, 2011

Couple in good shape for an early retirement Jan. 9, 2011

Figuring out the future as a newly single man Jan. 2, 2011

2010

Couple hope to find a home for extra cash Dec. 26, 2010

Use savings to survive layoff, not retire early Dec. 19, 2010

A boost in insurance will help pair's security Dec. 12, 2010

Early retirement will be tougher than it seems - Dec. 5, 2010

The bucket approach may help pair retire well - Nov. 28, 2010

On the correct path for early retirement - Nov. 21, 2010

College, early retirement top list of couple's goals - Nov. 14, 2010

These savers on track for early retirement - Nov. 7, 2010

Savings and pension put couple on track to retire - Oct. 31, 2010

Couple taking steps to retire at age 65 - Oct. 24, 2010

Gifting and investment shifts clear road to cozier retirement - Oct. 17, 2010

An enhanced cash flow key to retirement success - Oct. 10, 2010

With great responsibility comes great(er) assets - Oct. 3, 2010

Annuity is a big missing piece in securing retirement cushion - Sept. 26, 2010

Couple's cozy retirement hinges on reigning in costs - Sept. 19, 2010

Retirees hope to travel, contribute to college funds - Sept 12, 2010

Couple seek to balance college and other goals - Sept. 5, 2010

When money's in hand, why put off retirement? - Aug. 29, 2010

Ditch one home and reap benefits in retirement - Aug. 22, 2010

Major setback after layoff doesn't have to ruin future - Aug. 15, 2010

Well-paid couple need savings cushion if they fall - Aug. 8, 2010

Saving for retirement is about to pay off - Aug. 1, 2010

Selling home best way to get free of big debt - July 25, 2010

Couple must take steps to recovery from job loss - July 18, 2010

College for three will take preparation - July 11, 2010

Selling added homes critical to retirement - July 4, 2010

Couple can retire with impressive cash flow - June 27, 2010

Strong pension helps, but don't retire yet - June 20, 2010

Ways to control cash during golden years - June 13, 2010

Financial puzzle omits 27K in annual budget - June 6, 2010

Couple started late in saving for college - May 30, 2010

Debt-free living eases saving for retirement - May 23, 2010

Pair could save more with a few key moves - May 16, 2010

Pair must pick options before their big move - May 9, 2010

Key to couple's savings could be consolidation - May 2, 2010

Smart moves will help pair weather financial storm - April 26, 2010

Woman's frugality will pay off in the long run - April 18, 2010

Advice to young couple: Don't bank on one stock - April 11, 2010

Couple need to focus on future college costs - April 4, 2010

Juggling college funds and future retirement - March 28, 2010

Couple in good shape, but could save more - March 21, 2010

Cut back on spending now and live well later - March 14, 2010

Life insurance mitigates risk if pension runs out in the long term - March 7, 2010

Retirees safe, but must be mindful of expenses - Feb. 28, 2010

Couple need to keep an eye on inflation in retirement - Feb. 21, 2010

Pair must focus on savings, not purchasing a new home - Feb. 14, 2010

Financially fit couple need to consider pension plans - Feb. 7, 2010

Pair's financial shape better than they think - Jan. 31, 2010

Reducing expenses key to retirement dreams - Jan. 24, 2010

Amid changes, couple keep eye on the future - Jan. 17, 2010

Reallocating nest egg will make money last - Jan. 10, 2010

2009

Early retirement could throw couple a curve ball later - Dec. 20, 2009

Single mom's finances need some reworking - Dec. 13, 2009

The 100% solution to pair's retirement - Dec. 6, 2009

Woman's unusual situation requires extra attention - Nov. 29, 2009

Pension benefits seem to be the centerpiece of the bigger picture - Nov. 22, 2009

Planning for early retirement? Consider long-term expenses - Nov. 15, 2009

Couple on way to smooth retirement, but first diversity - Nov. 8, 2009

Couple living within means can afford to take more risks - Nov. 1, 2009

Delaying retirement better for budget - Oct. 25, 2009

Retirees' cash flow clears way for southern comfort - Oct. 18, 2009

Couple need to monitor expenses - Oct. 11, 2009

Pair have 'solid foundation' - Oct. 4, 2009

Pair's emergency fund pays off, but there are still goals to accomplish - Sept. 27, 2009

Mother of two must focus on own retirement needs - Sept. 20, 2009

Conservative investors must be more aggressive - Sept. 13, 2009

Pair can take steps to make money last - Sept. 6, 2009

Diversifying the key to a comfortable nest egg - Aug. 30, 2009

Conservative investor needs to take more risks - Aug. 23, 2009

Woman's dilemma: Pay off mortgage or hike savings? - Aug. 16, 2009

Saving more should be couple's top priority - Aug. 9, 2009

Couple would reap more from a delayed retirement - Aug. 2, 2009

Couple's lifestyle promises good things in retirement - July 26, 2009

Tax savings main concern for pair of recent retirees - July 19, 2009

Young couple taking the time to confront IRA issues now - July 12, 2009

Couple financially fit for next stages of life - July 5, 2009

For our 300th case, experts offer advice anyone can follow - June 28, 2009

Boomer must do the math to see when she can retire - June 21, 2009

Goals for retirement don't fit pair's budget - June 14, 2009

Proper funding is critical for couple's hefty goals - June 7, 2009

Couple's savings practices will serve them well later - May 31, 2009

Divorced mom must find more ways to save money - May 17, 2009

Some budget tweaks could help couple be fit for future - May 10, 2009

Couple must shed debt to get much needed relief - May 3, 2009

Couple braces for the worst: Thinking ahead's a good start - April 26, 2009

Retired couple could benefit from a higher risk tolerance - April 19, 2009

Couple are on right track to meeting long-term goals - April 12, 2009

Tweaking their finances could boost pair's savings - April 5, 2009

Couple face tough choices after taking on college debt - March 29, 2009

Couple's finances look good as retirement approaches - March 22, 2009

Newlyweds off to good start with savings and insurance - March 15, 2009

Pair of 'very good savers' should stash more cash - March 8, 2009

Same-sex couple require extra financial planning - March 1, 2009

Saving for life's emergencies a big step toward other goals - Feb. 15, 2009

Before early retirement, gain an understanding of cash flow - Feb. 8, 2009

Retirement needs to wait after pair's assets take a hit - Feb. 1, 2009

Pair's money dilemma: What to do with pension? - Jan. 25, 2009

Couple well on their way to meeting next big goal - Jan. 18, 2009

Planning can help couple maximize extensive savings - Jan. 11, 2009

Couple need to reposition savings to meet their goals - Jan. 4, 2009

2008

Couple can feel the pressure of college costs, retirement - Dec. 28, 2008

Some things for man to do before living his dream - Dec. 21, 2008

Soon-to-be retirees face several difficult choices - Dec. 14, 2008

Don't short retirement plan in favor of college for kids - Dec. 7, 2008

Couple can easily realize their retirement dreams - Nov. 30, 2008

Reining in needless purchases can boost debt reduction plan - Nov. 23, 2008

Dealing with large debt now makes way to save for future - Nov. 16, 2008

"Miscellaneous" spending dooms long-term savings - Nov. 9, 2008

Couple's grand dreams have time on their side - Oct. 26, 2008
Big choice: College aid or vacation home? - Oct. 12, 2008
Couple's retirement plan in need of a good tune-up - Oct. 5, 2008
Couple can benefit from more tax savings - Sept. 28, 2008
She'll have to work - and saving needs tweak - Sept. 21, 2008
Inflation and longevity threaten couple's goals - Sept. 14, 2008
Couple's focus shifts from college to retiring - Sept. 7, 2008
A full financial plate: 2 mortgages and 4 kids - Aug. 31, 2008
Sell the second home to open college doors - Aug. 24, 2008
College costs disrupting pair's retirement goals - Aug. 17, 2008

Couple can afford to retire while keeping eye on assets - Aug. 10, 2008

Couple's portfolio needs a less conservative tack - Aug. 3, 2008

How this saver can polish a bright retirement plan - July 27, 2008

Step up job search to sidestep a foreclosure - July 20, 2008
First build the nest egg, then purchase the nest - July 13, 2008
Travelers hope to retire with funds for trekking - July 6, 2008
Bachelor has enough to retire in high style - June 29, 2008
Some big 'ifs' looming in couple's fiscal path - June 22, 2008
Couple wants the same lifestyle on one income - June 15, 2008
Some advice for Violet, so her finances can bloom - June 8, 2008

Pair need to sharpen retirement vision - June 1, 2008
After career changes, couple face reality - May 25, 2008
Single woman's need: A vacation account - May 18, 2008
Steps couple must take for a carefree retirement - May 11, 2008

Family's twofold joy brings double the worry - May 4, 2008
To be a freelance writer, a cushion of cash helps - April 20, 2008

Change in her pension spurs a new appraisal - April 13, 2008

Couple have the green, they just need insurance - April 6, 2008

A short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain - March 30, 2008

A couple contemplate retirement, renovation - March 23, 2008

Couple's only soft spot is their term insurance - March 16, 2008

How to retire, travel and throw a wedding - March 9, 2008

This couple's big plans call for some savings - March 2, 2008

Couple's big challenge: a negative cash flow - Feb. 17, 2008

Even with college costs, couple in fine shape - Feb. 10, 2008

College costs far apart, but not too much for pair - Feb. 3, 2008

College costs challenge even this affluent pair - Jan. 27, 2008

Nest egg is plump, just a bit out of balance - Jan. 20, 2008

Couple need extra steps to protect assets - Jan. 6, 2008

2007

Home and debt both need downsizing - Dec. 30, 2007

Divorced dad needs disciplined approach - Dec. 23, 2007

Prudent pair prepared to retire without worry - Dec. 16, 2007

These go-getters need to focus on growth - Dec. 9, 2007

Trading coporate life for life at the beach - Dec. 2, 2007

Pair starts on right path, with tweaks along the way - Nov. 25, 2007

How retiree can live well and leave a gift for kids - Nov. 18, 2007

Couple going to the max for early retirement - Nov. 11, 2007

They're in good shape, but watch for expenses - Nov. 4, 2007

Young couple tackle future's finance demons - Oct. 28, 2007

Education, retirement top couple's agenda - Oct. 21, 2007

Couple's portfolio needs a bit more risk - Oct. 14, 2007

Couple must watch out for the tax time bomb - Oct. 7, 2007

Pair's in excellent shape, but condo must wait - Sept. 30, 2007

She's single and looking for a retirement strategy - Sept. 23, 2007

The 8.5 percent solution will keep couple liquid - Sept. 16, 2007

A college education is attainable for kids - Sept. 9, 2007

Two good earners must diversify better - Sept. 2, 2007

Wife's worries are eased as spouse starts saving - Aug. 26, 2007

Message to mother: Grown sons must pay up - Aug. 19, 2007

Couple need to work on retirement strategy - Aug. 12, 2007

Couple must get a grip on credit card debt - Aug. 5, 2007

Minnie must maximize her retirement savings - July 29, 2007

Single-income family needs to diversify funds - July 22, 2007

Divorced mom needs to juggle two big goals - July, 15, 2007

Single woman is sure to retire in style - July 8, 2007

First order for couple: Pay off the credit cards - July 1, 2007

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