Q: My spouse and I believe we need to start to plan for retirement. We’re still “young” from a retirement standpoint (early 50s), but we want to make sure we’re planning ahead. Can you please offer us some thoughts to help us get started?

Q: My husband and I have two adopted children who are entering sixth grade this year. We’ve already begun saving for college for them, but would also like to teach them more about saving and preparing for college. Are they too young to have this conversation? 

Q: One of my friends told me they’re not planning to save for retirement because they think their Social Security benefits will be enough to support them. Do you think that’s realistic in most cases?

Q: When my parents passed, they had set up a trust, which pays me a small amount of income each year. My uncle manages the trust for me, but other than that, I don’t know too much about it. Is there anything I should be asking him?

Q: I’ve been investing for a few years now and I find it challenging to really understand how my investments have actually performed. And the statements I get from my advisor are a bit confusing. How can I calculate my actual investment returns?

Q: My partner and I are in our 30s and looking to buy our first home together. We think we have good credit, but are just starting to explore our financing options, which is a bit overwhelming. Can you please help?

Q: I’m in my mid-60s and recently retired. I’ve saved well over the years and now need to start living off the assets I have accumulated. I’m not sure which accounts I should draw from first, and how that decision might impact my taxes. Can you please help?

Q: My partner and I just got married and created new wills and other estate documents. We’re not sure who we listed as beneficiaries on our old life insurance and retirement plans. Does having new wills automatically update those old policies/plans?

Q: My partner and I have seen the balances on our investment statements go up and down quite a bit these past few months, which makes us a bit uncomfortable. We are wondering if we’re invested too aggressively.

Q: My partner and I are now married and trying to decide when to file for our Social Security benefits. I read there were recent changes to the rules for spouses. How will this potentially affect our filing options as a couple?

A: You are correct that the recent budget bill that was signed into law Nov. 2 did end two popular filing strategies available to married couples. While some people will be grandfathered into the old rules based on age, many will no longer have access to these spousal techniques. Here’s what you need to know.