More likely than not, you’ll have to consider the financial needs of your spouse and/or children, which means your financial responsibilities and expenses are likely to increase. Don’t be thrown off track by short-term moves in the market and don’t get distracted by the headlines. Stay on course. Remember that a disciplined long-term investment approach is always best. In addition to the general advice above, here are some methods for addressing the challenges and coming out ahead:

• Get rid of it: Eliminate non-deductible debt. Nothing frees up cash for your growing family responsibilities like paying off high-interest loans. If you didn’t take care of credit card debt in your 20s, now is the time to do it. Student loans and car loans come next.
  
• Be a number cruncher: It’s time to sit down and do the math. Figure out how much you need to retire and start saving for the investment plans you’ll want.
• Put yourself first: Don’t save for your kids’ education before saving for retirement. It’s easy to take a loan out for education costs.
• Spread the wealth: Diversify your investments to protect your portfolio. You’ll need to weather both the ups and the downs securely.
• Ask the hard questions: Plan for the “what if’s” by insuring what you have. Homeowners insurance, health insurance, disability insurance and life insurance: they’re all crucial