For most of us, work provides not just money, but a sense of identity. A regular paycheck can provide continued evidence of our value and meaning. Yet retirement also provides the opportunity to rethink your job. Almost infinite choices exist, so do something you love.

Financial planning and savings are the keys to maintaining financial independence as you reach toward 100. If your later years are to carry the brightness and promise you anticipate, you must have plenty of both health and wealth.

Seems obvious, doesn't it? And yet so many people, at all income levels, get messed up by failing to follow it. Having a financial plan for the future, even if it's imperfect, will make you happier and better off.

For some odd reason, most humans, especially women, have a reflex reaction to tragedies like divorce: They go shopping. While therapeutic outlets are recommended, this doesn't mean local clothing outlets. Every year, thousands of men and women are left in dire financial straits as the result of a divorce. Before you go buy that new breadmaker or flat-screen television, take a look at these tips to help prevent you from ending up financially injured:

Know Your Partnership's Value