On the eve of the 2012 elections, dozens of Americans have been asked about jobs, housing, retirement and other issues. A Chicago couple remain optimistic, despite unemployment.

Taxes that are largely a concern of the very rich will soon affect far more people unless Congress steps in. Family members are creating trusts and making financial gifts.

Economists foresee only tepid growth for the coming year, with unemployment back above 8 percent for the first half of 2013.

A growing number of retirees are looking to pass along more to the next generation than money and possessions, through life histories, ethical wills and video recordings.

Fidelity now suggests that workers save at least eight times their final salary in order to meet basic income needs in retirement.

More companies are now offering a 401(k) match to their employees than were before the 2008 financial crisis, according to new data by Charles Schwab.

Long-term disability insurance is the forgotten insurance.

It's the financial protection that many will need in retirement but few are willing or able to buy. Long-term care insurance scares off most people because of the cost.