Sound Financial Advice by David McPherson, founder of Four Ponds Financial Planning LLC, Falmouth and Mansfield, Mass.

Worried investor? Start with bonds

Today for ABCNews.com, I suggest that investors who remain frightened by the stock market consider investing in bonds to start. The idea is to build up their investing confidence and then move slowly into stocks.

A savings balancing act: Retirement and college

Today on ABCNews.com, I advise readers it's best to focus on saving for retirement first and college second. This principle is widely accepted within the financial-planning world, yet many parents find it hard to accept.

The bottom line is you can't afford to wait on saving for retirement.

Current stock market: Approach with caution

This week for ABCNews.com, I take a look at the six-month rally in stock prices and whether that means it's "safe" to invest in the market now.

My bottom line advice ? Approach with caution.

Obama launches retirement savings effort

President Obama over the Labor Day weekend announced a series of initiatives aimed at boosting retirement savings. The effort amounts to a series of rule changes adopted by the IRS such as allowing automatic enrollment in SIMPLE IRA plans offered by small businesses.

I applaud the president's focus on the retirement issue, but in my column for ABCNews.com this week I explain why the announcement left me underwhelmed.

Let's hope there's more to come on this issue.

Student Loans vs. Retirement Savings - ABC News

This week for ABCNews.com, I field a reader's question about whether retirement savings should be used to pay off a student loan. The short answer: No. Read why.

In the same column, I also answer a question about contributing to a 401(k) plan after age 70.