If you're self-employed, then you know you've socked away many a dollar into your self-employment tax (SE) over the years. This money is intended to pay for your social security and Medicare upon retirement; but you might have wondered whether this money is enough, or if it will be available when you need it most. Have you planned for retirement? Do you know your options?

The bad news is that most self-employed individuals don't take time to learn about their retirement options, even though they may know exactly how they want their businesses to grow. The good news is that you can set up and - in most instances - control your own tax-advantaged retirement program and put aside more each year

Unfair as it may be, the reality is that women are often at a disadvantage when it comes to finances. Though the gap has closed considerably in the past fifty years, women still only make about 77 cents on the dollar compared to men. Also factor in that women are often out of the workforce for an average of seven years due to maternity leave and time spent raising and caring for children. This latter activity reduces contributions to pensions and social security. But the situation isn't hopeless. There are many things women can do to help secure their financial future. Here are a few tips to help you gain control and confidence when dealing with your finances.

Whether you are making a large purchase, starting a business or going to school, you will want to lock in on the lowest rate possible for a loan. Luckily, interest rates are generally considered to be reasonable right now. However, that can fluctuate dramatically on an individual basis if you aren't careful. Taking out a loan is a delicate process, one that shouldn't be rushed if you are determined to sign an agreement without losing your shirt during repayment. Never assume that you won't qualify for a low-interest loan because of your past credit history, either. With some careful planning and a little patience, you should be able to get the best rate on a loan, every time.

If you are taking out a personal loan, you should decide if you want

Do you constantly borrow books, pens, and small amounts of money from friends and relatives, then forget to return or repay those small items? Do you often forget the amount of money you owe on your credit cards or loans? Do you bounce checks, constantly pay late fees, and have debt collectors knocking at your door? The signs that indicate an addiction to borrowing might be subtle at first, but these small indicators can lead to big problems. When your debt causes problems with your relationships and affects your health, it might be time to step back and take stock of your situation.

An addiction is a psychological and physiological dependence on any substance or activity, and the signs of addictio