You and Your Money: A No-Stress Guide to Becoming Financially Fit

8Becoming a Savvy Consumer

This is not our parents’ (or grandparents’) financial marketplace. Only a few decades ago, we were faced with far fewer financial decisions than today. Savings were still invested in passbook accounts and U.S. Savings Bonds, mortgage rates were fixed, most goods and services were purchased with cash or checks, a college education was affordable, Social Security and Medicare were taken for granted, and employers provided health benefits and retirement funds in return for years of loyal employment. All of these combined required little financial decision making from most of us.

Today, there are many available options, and the trend is toward more personal involvement and responsibility for payment. We must take charge ...