Financial journalist, author and speaker Kimberly Palmer joins the show to discuss her new book "Smart Mom, Rich Mom" (order it here!). Kimberly says that the biggest problem families face is not preparing for the financial impact of kids. That’s amazing considering that raising a child costs $250,000-- not including college! How will you pay for it?

• Download the podcast on iTunes
• Download the podcast on feedburner
• Download this week's show (MP3)

Kimberly is the Features Editor of AARP and throughout her career, she has been covering the issues that confront women of her own generation. Our conversation highlighted many of the themes of her new book, including how women are navigating the financially challenging career/parenting years.

"Smart Mom, Rich Mom" is filled with relevant stories, checklists, action steps and planning tools to help moms (and dads!) prepare financially for parenthood, like balancing college saving and retirement saving, despite increased expenses; planning for unexpected events, like a layoff or illness; and adopting healthy habits--and making hard decisions--that pay off in abundance.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio

Ready to grab hold of your financial life and take control? Level Money's co-founder Jake Fuentes joins the show to tell you! Jake launched the award-winning personal finance app in order to help people spend with confidence, save more and achieve financial balance. The app is a simple tool to automatically analyze your financial picture.

• Download the podcast on iTunes
• Download the podcast on feedburner
• Download this week's show (MP3)

Rich and his wife are getting ready to retire and will have a little more than $1 million. A fiduciary advisor is recommending a fixed annuity, but we're not so sure.

David asked about tapping home equity to purchase another rental property; Jeff had questions about SS, Medicare and retirement planning; and Sarah asked about funneling money into a 529 plan versus a general investment account. Here is an education cost calculator to determine how much to save today in order to cover future tuition bills.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

• Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

• Send an email: askjill@jillonmoney.com 

• Tweet us: @jillonmoney and @MTalercio