Some questions about finances: 1. If you don't fully understand what your financial adviser is saying to you, make them slow down and explain it to you in another form until you do understand. You are not stupid! This may be foreign information to you. Doesn't matter why or how you got here. It's now your responsibility to make good decisions going forward. Remember who's money it is. (You probably have more money than the adviser, so don't feel bad). If they can't explain it to you, go get another adviser. Find a female adviser with at least 10 years experience. That means they can self sufficient and has enough experience that they won't quit on you. 2. Understand what "diversification" means. Money is spread across different asset categories: a) cash, b) bonds, c) mutual funds in Growth, Growth & Income d) International stocks, e) other categories like "special minerals", health care, transportation, and funds that include multiple asset categories in one fund. These asset categories work differently throughout the year. This reduces volatility. 3. Do you know what the fees are in your mutual fund or stock purchase. Which class you decide on is usually determined on how long you are going to hold the fund. They can vary and do mount up. 4. Do you have an "EXIT STRATEGY" on each of your holdings? If you don't, you should. When was the last time you looked at what each fund and how it was doing. Is it doing now what it was supposed to do when you purchased it? 5. If someone proposes an "annuity" to you for guaranteed income, please understand the disadvantages along with the advantages. (It's like looking at a medical policy. To find out what they cover, go to the last page and see all the exclusions-that's an eye opener).