Michele Cagan

Pets make our lives richer and more fun. They also impact our budgets. Your pet will need food and other supplies, as well as pet insurance and regular visits to the vet. Build all that into your household expenses.

As you enter retirement, your finances become dependent on savings, Social Security, and other income streams. Start planning early and create a budget plan that will support the retirement lifestyle you want.

Good credit makes it easier to keep your finances on track. When you get your credit report, be sure to check it carefully, since up to 20 percent of reports contain errors.