The family is gathered around the table and there is mostly - joy and happiness. But there are things missing. Communications that would be better to have when everyone is near. Money discussions.

A recent study found that many of us are not talking about money, and our families are bearing the brunt of our silence. It's certainly a delicate and private discussion, but it's really important. Work your way into some of these suggested topics. And remember - you really, really love each other.

I love studies. Studies reveal the numbers, the data, behind behavior. And people are fascinating. 

Here are the results of a recent Fidelity study, Gen X/Y Millionaires Not Sitting Idle, that compared millionaires in two generations, Generation X/Y (average age 37, hereafter termed Gen Xers) and Baby Boomers (average age 65, hereafter termed Boomers), contrasting what each group does with their wealth and how they feel about money. 

I recently had a chat with the daughter of a friend who just got a raise. Her problem? She can't figure out why she is seems to have no money even though she is making twice what she made two years ago. Where did her 'extra' go? 

This common dilemma has happened to many of us. No more confusion, kids. We are going to take control.

Typical bedtime stories for children involve great adventures and the battle between good and evil. They pit heroes and heroines against a variety of foes and seemingly insurmountable setbacks. 

But author Laura Overlock thinks a little math before bed would also be awesome. She and her husband began using imaginative math stories - some might call them problems - and making them into stories for her children at bedtime. Her kids are not teens, but the Overlocks have written the stories for littles and for bigger kidlets. After all, reasons Overlock, since a kid will do almost anything to have another few minutes to stay awake, if you make math fun and tell a story, maybe they will even listen to it.

It's time to get this party started, kids. Yes indeedy, it's back to school shopping time. I wait until August to write about back to school anything so we have some time to enjoy summer, but many of you may have already begun your back to school planning.

Looking for practical ways to teach little people about money? Back to school shopping provides a perfect opportunity. According to money studies, many of us are doing a good job in this particular financial budgeting, but let's look at some great ideas to help tweak your plan.

Many of us, if we even think to, hesitate when it comes to teaching our kids much about money. For one thing, there are some of us who do not feel well-versed enough about the topic. 

Then there's the pesky problem of where the heck to start the conversation. All we know is we are always arguing with someone about why they can't have this or that, why they can't go to this cool vacation spot or why on earth we won't let them eat out more.

Marriage is a delight. And the month of June has been for centuries the most popular month for weddings. 

So if you're getting married, what do you need to know about tying the financial knot? Here are a few things to consider as you two become one.

So you or your baby has completed college. Congratulations to you both! But now what? Where is the smart money path? Here are a few tips.

A financial plan covers your entire financial picture: your assets and liabilities, your risk management, your financial goals and whether or not they are realistic. Financial advisors offer plans, and because they are so extensive, there is a cost to have one developed for you. Here are some of the parts that comprise a good financial plan.

You've got a young and growing family and wonder about saving for your precious one's college education. I mean, she can be whatever she wants to be, so long as she's happy, right? If that means a post-secondary education, are you thinking of helping with the costs? How do you save, and what vehicle might be good for your family?