Chris Farrell

Taken altogether, housing market indicators suggest the collapse is over.

I returned to graduate school and accrued about $45,000 in federal student loans. The interest rate on these 10-year loans is 6 percent, with repayment beginning in 2013. I also have a 401(k) worth about $100,000 (roughly $60,000 of my contributions and $40,000 of employer contributions). I realize that an early 401(k) withdrawal would result in a 10 percent early-withdrawal penalty and that any withdrawal would be considered taxable income. This would effectively reduce the amount the 401(k) would need to earn in order to be the better investment. Still, it can't be much less than 6 percent, can it? Is there anything about my assumptions that are wrong, or is there anything I am overlooking? Derek, Chicago, IL

My 11-year-old son won some money in a math contest at school. He doesn't have anything that he is interested in spending his money on immediately, and I suggested that instead of spending it just for the sake of spending it, he might consider buying stocks and building a little portfolio. He seemed interested in this idea, but I wasn't sure where he should start. He has around $150. Can you help us decide where to start? Thanks! Michelle, South Jordan, UT

I am very lost and uncertain of our financial road to retirement. Our company doesn't offer defined payment retirement; it is all up to individual and 401(k). The company does match 3 percent. I am married and we have been working for 14 years now and have combined liquid assets (401(k), outside investment account, savings) of about $400,000, plus home equity of $100,000 on a good day. What shape are we in on our road to retirement? Thanks much. Martin, Chicago, IL

My wife and I have taught in Alabama public schools for the past 2 years and have made (forced) contributions to the state retirement system in that time frame. Together, we've got around $8,000 invested in the state retirement system. Realizing the limited income prospects for career teachers, we both applied and were accepted to a top 25 law school on full-tuition scholarship. My question to you is this: For my retirement account, I have the option of either a) taking a lump-sum payment of the $8,000, minus 20 percent in federal income tax, or b) rolling it over into a 401(k), IRA, or similar long-term savings plan. Should I take the money and run, or should I start building a retirement nest egg while I'm financing the rest of my life with borrowed money? Alex, Montgomery, AL

An underappreciated factor behind the recent gains in the housing market is higher rents.

My husband and I gave our daughter $40,000 for a down payment on a condo. She defaulted on the loan and went into foreclosure. Consequently, our credit score has tanked. How can we get our old great credit back? Nobody cares that we were not the ones who defaulted. Please help. Cathy, Redmond, OR

I'm an individual self-taught investor who has just lost a LARGE sum of money investing in a company whose stock (of course) went immediately downhill after I bought it. Rather than becoming afraid of stocks, I am sure there is a lesson to be learned here. I'm just not sure what it is. What tips could you give for people who lose large amounts of money but want to keep investing? Brian, Miami, FL

How do you recommend investing funds in an emergency savings account? Peter, Cherry Hill, NJ

For the first time, the total bill for the typical family of four with an employer-sponsored health-care plan (a preferred provider plan with co-pays and deductibles) breached $20,000 in 2012.