In this episode, you're going to learn how to check the balance of your 401k account.

We receive this question regularly and are surprised that so many people don't know where to go or who to ask to discover what their 401k account is actually worth.

Is its market value up…or down? And by how much?

Also, what securities are actually being held within your 401k account...mutual funds, stocks, bonds, cash?

Talk Back
As always, be sure to send us your questions so that we may answer them in upcoming videos. You can learn more about the various ways to submit your inquiries to us by clicking the "Learn About SHINE TV" link at the top of the page.

It's with great pleasure that we announce our newest online venture...SHINE TV.

You've kept it a secret until now...but we know all about your love affair with online video, and we also know how frustrated you feel with the lack of access to professional financial advice. Our goal is to provide a dedicated channel for you to ask those nagging questions and to get specific answers relating to saving, investing, major life events, and all of your other financial goals.

In fact, we strongly encourage you subscribe to SHINE TV so you'll get first dibs on each episode. Be sure to also send us your questions so that we may answer them in upcoming videos. You can learn more about the various ways to submit your inquiries to us by clicking the "Learn About SHINE TV" link above.

Oh, and while you're here, we have a special message. Take a look...

Our nation's current economic situation was very clearly written on the wall for years. In fact, many leading indicators have been trending into the direction of a catastrophic economic event for a while now.

A Predictable Predicament
In a blog post in early 2007 we examined several factors that were most likely going to impact our economy in a negative way. Here's a quick refresher...

Even though the U.S. stock market rose to record levels not long ago, these metrics are not the end-all-be-all measures of our nation's financial status. Let's not forget the other (currently less favorable) economic indicators and their effects on our economy:

• Consumers are saddled with enormous levels of revolving debt
  
• Real wage growth is stagnant
• Personal savings rates are at 70-year lows
• Home-foreclosure rates are accelerating
  
• Oil prices are at record highs
• Our nation is bogged down in a costly, unpopular war
• Health care and college tuition costs are easily out pacing inflation

Your Action Items
In times such as these, prudent savers and investors alike must remain so. Do not panic. Continue to think clearly and rationally about your financial situations. Now, more than ever, you should consider seeking the counsel and advice of a qualified financial professional.