Life is hard enough without having to decipher everything. Each week, Sound Money will bring you a word or a phrase that has bubbled to the top of the news. For instance: ERISA. You hear it, you see it, but do you really know it?

Factoid: Find out the history of private pension plans

When you hear the words "estate planning," you probably think it has something to do with wealth. But, you don't need to be rich to plan your estate: and it's something you should think about long before your time has come. In particular, those of us in the baby boomer generation-whose parents are aging and senior citizens - should listen to this recent trip that our reporter, Lisa Napoli, took.

Chris Farrell answers more of your burning money questions… this week, he gives advice on investing in employee retirement accounts, saving the right percentage of personal income, and preparing to work overseas.