Sounds like you've got all you can handle. Paying off those student loans is a priority, because it's such a big chunk of your income (even though the interest rate is probably pretty low). Live lean and hang in there — and keep funding that life-after-work 401k and ESPP. When the loans are paid off you'll be able to…

You are in a great position — being able to max out your 401(k). If you are in the top tax bracket now, will you be when you retire? I guessing probably not. So paying the tax now will add a bunch to your tax liability today. If you're going to be in a lower bracket at retirement, you probably should keep your…

Love the movie reference there, Steve. How about a game of chess? Ok, anyway back to business. Without knowing everything about your situation I would just say that paying off the mortgage is a nice luxury to consider, but you would forego the interest deduction — and I think I would rather pour those extra funds into…

Good question. Universal life is not evil, that's for sure and it is permanent life insurance, which term is not, so there is some comfort there. The thing is, the "investment" component is comparatively weak. I wouldn't count on it alone as your retirement vehicle. If you still like the policy, you might want to keep…

chimera388, I think you made the right choice. Predicting what the government will do in the future is a fool's game. You might want to get another opinion from a fee-only CFP.

Hey soouundaandviisiioon, our time is up — but I won't leave you hanging@ You can find a bunch of resources concerning student loans here: http://www.nerdwallet.com/nerdscholar/pa…

Hi GulDolak. A pension plan!! That's great. Hang on to that job if you can, or you'll lose most, if not all of the benefits — and pensions are rare these days. You can bump up your Roth IRA contributions as your budget allows ($5,500 is the maximum this year). And have your emergency fund stocked for those unforeseen…

Hi usmcram. Don't worry about the past, nothing you can do about that! After grad school, you're likely to be able to get a good job. In the meantime, work with your creditors to make regular payments and lower any interest rates if possible. Pay off the highest interest rate debt first. Stay frugal. You'll be ok!

kammergeek, sounds like a good plan. While I can't make specific investment recommendations to you, generally a person as young as you are could have 60-70% invested in the U.S. stock market, say in an S&P500 index fund, 10-20% in international stocks and the rest in cash and bonds. By the way, try to resist all of…

Hi Drew, first off: don't worry you won't lose control. A CFP is paid to offer advice and implement what you agree to. It doesn't have to be an "all-in" deal. You can meet with a fee-only CFP, paying by the hour, and get an investment plan in place and implement it on your own if you like. Then, go in for an "annual…

Tom134, the rental property must be cash flowing pretty well, right? If so, that's an excellent addition to a traditional investment portfolio. You can also move the real estate into a self-directed IRA later.

Aikage, a lot to consider here, but personally I believe that paying off debt is a good first step. You'll enhance your credit score, and likely get a better rate on your mortgage when you buy a home. Then you can continue saving for your down payment.

Hi NoooideawhatImdoing. It's not a problem holding those investments over in your old 401(k). Advisors are always stressing IRA rollovers, but the fact is, the mutual funds in your old 401(k) may be cheaper than what you can buy in an IRA. Of course, the thing is, if you rollover your 401(k) into a Roth, you'll never…

Bigee, that's a good start — especially with the 1k additions each month. That's excellent! You are right about not keeping up with inflation, but build up that cash balance as an emergency fund. When you've got 6 months living expenses set aside, start diverting that $1000 into index funds or ETFs. See a fee-only CFP…

Robert, excellent question! Virtual or not, here's the question to ask of any advisor you are considering: "Are you a fiduciary?" That means they are legally required to put your interests first. You might be surprised how many advisors will stammer through a reply to this question, never really answering it. If they…

Hi, Christopher. Make sure you have plenty of cash socked away for unexpected expenses later on — 6 months of living expenses in an emergency fund is a good start, but don't touch it for travel or other fun stuff. Keep it set aside for serious matters. Then jump into an IRA, and of course a 401(k) when you get that…

Right you are Max Power! Thanks for the response. I'm typing as fast as I can!!!

Timehacker: you are so right! It's hard to get that money out of sight and into savings. It's got to happen without making it a hassle. That's why 401(k)s are so powerful, they take the money off the top and invest it before you can get your hands on it! If your employer has one, sign up. If not, try initiating…

Hey there, BAMafyde, you are correct: you want to be careful with net unrealized appreciation of company stock when rolling over to an IRA. What you say makes sense, but you may also want to consider what further upside potential the stock may have, and what other investments you may have. Best to meet with a trusted…

Hi nopunin10did. You guys are killing me with these names! Yeah, I like retirement calculators — all sorts of planning apps. You can run numbers and scenarios for pure entertainment value, right? The main thing is just take action. As a financial planner, I think it's important to have a strategy in place, but…