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When you leave a job, you have several options for dealing with the funds in your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement account. One option is an indirect rollover. With this method, you receive a distribution check from your employer and then have 60 days to deposit the funds into an IRA or your new employer’s plan.

Given today’s economy, it’s fair to say that we are all more concerned about our financial situation than we have been in the past. Even if we are among the lucky few who have not been directly impacted by the downturn, our awareness of the need to save and plan ahead has been heightened, and everyone, it seems, is looking for ways to economize.

For many people, checking off items on a long list of to-dos brings a great sense of satisfaction. To help you keep moving toward your goals, we’ve created a month-by-month checklist of some key financial tasks to consider all year long. You might even find that you’ve completed some of these items already!

After a long, hard winter across the U.S., many people are looking forward to warmer weather—and summer travel. According to an Orbitz.com survey, 88 percent of Americans plan to take a vacation this summer, up 11 percent from last year, with the average traveler planning to spend $2,000 or more. Unsurprisingly, airfare and hotel prices are also up, as much as 6 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

When a large sum of money is thrust into their hands, otherwise smart people can make serious financial mistakes. In fact, as many as 70 percent of Americans who receive a windfall lose it all within a few years, according to the National Endowment for Financial Education. If you find yourself on the receiving end of a windfall—whether it’s millions of dollars or a few thousand—following the advice outlined here will help you make the most of your good fortune.

Creating a budget can help you get control of your finances and achieve important financial goals, including buying a car, saving for college, purchasing a home, and providing for a family. It can also be beneficial in meeting unexpected financial challenges, such as losing a job.

These days, 65 is hardly considered old age. But it’s crucial to sit down with your parents and have an honest discussion about issues that may arise—before they need your help. What are their expectations for the future, and what kind of assistance will they need from you? Will they have sufficient resources to cover their care as they age?