You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrases 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth, TSP, and 457 plans. Do you know what they mean? Are these the latest Levi blue jeans? Are these the new and approved Mazda, Honda, Lexus series? If you’re having a difficult time sorting out the “alphabet soup” of retirement plans, don’t feel ashamed. While many people have heard of the different types of retirement plans, very few understand the difference between these plans. If you ever sat in on one of those 401(k) meetings at work or met with a financial adviser, you’ll understand why. Most financial professionals use a language that’s suited for another financial geek, not the everyday layperson.

(NNPA)—At what age should a child be given “the facts of life”—not the birds-and-bees facts, but the bottom line about what it will be like for him or her to make a living and a life?

I don’t think six or seven is too soon to start. In fact, if we don’t teach standards and ethics to children early on and help them establish habits of “response-ability,” it’s terribly hard to rein them in later on. Because as sure as the sun rises, outside influences will intrude soon enough, influences bent on sidetracking our kids and running them off into a ditch. Unless we’ve already inculcated the basics of responsibility and consequences, a child’s future can be dire later on.

(NNPA)—With more than 2.5 million foreclosed homes nationwide and millions more to come, many families are tightening their household budgets, delaying major purchases and paying down debt as best they can. Unemployed or under-employed heads of household hope and pray for a new job, while those who are still working feel fortunate but also nervous that the ax could fall on them next.

Historically, severe economic downturns draw many people to turn to their faith, praying for the strength to hold on just a little bit longer. But now, where people pray or worship is also being affected by foreclosures. From California to Tennessee, Georgia and other states, houses of worship are struggling to avoid foreclosure, especially in areas where residential foreclosures are particularly high.

MOUNT GILEAD BAPTIST CHURCH IN ATLANTA, GA.

Fox Rothschild LLP has added Pittsburgh native James A. Baldwin as a partner in its Downtown Pittsburgh office.

On the heels of a seven percent gross revenue increase and 15 percent net profit growth the past year, Fox Rothschild LLP recruited Baldwin, a merger and acquisition lawyer, to its Pittsburgh office as a partner. He joins a firm long renowned in western Pennsylvania for its representation of corporate clients.

JAMES A. BALDWIN

Among Baldwin’s clients has been an energy company in executing an acquisition strategy; private equity and venture capital funds including small business investment companies; and fund sponsors in purchases of a modular building manufacturer and the electronics division of a publicly traded company. He also has represented clients in Europe, Africa and Asia in cross-border investments, acquisitions and privatizations.