NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - How does credit counseling affect your credit? -- Jill

Seeking the help of a credit counselor today doesn't directly affect your credit score. But there will be footnotes in your credit report that indicate you may have settled accounts through a credit counseling service, and that can hurt your chances of getting a mortgage from a conventional lender.

Here's another caution flag when it comes to credit counseling. Not only could you be hit with exorbitant fees, but you may be taken for a ride. Not all counselors are legitimate.

The IRS is currently cracking down on some of these credit counseling agencies, revoking their tax-exempt status. Your best bet should be to try and negotiate a payment schedule or a lower interest rate with your credit card company. They may be more flexible than you think.

My 20 year old son would like to start investing. But we aren't sure what to look for, how to start, etc. Can you help us? -- Annette

Putting aside money early will pay off big time. A twenty year old who invests $1,000 in a mutual fund that pays 10 percent annually will have about $73,000 dollars saved by retirement.

Compare that to the 35 year old who invests the same amount with the same kind of return. This person will only wind up with about $17,000 at retirement, according to Morningstar.

A good way to put your money to work without too much effort is to invest in broad market index funds. This way you can really take advantage of the long term saving horizon. Target and lifestyle funds also let you set your investments on autopilot.

Many people start with Fidelity or Vanguard to find low-cost funds.

Is there a form that I can get or follow in preparing a living will? To whom should I give a copy ? Will it have to be notarized? Also, is a lawyer required? -- Brenda

There are a few places where you can get forms for a living will. Check out Agingwithdignity.com, or call 888-594-7437. You can also download a free copy of a will at www.caringinfo.org or call 800-989-WILL. And you can usually get a form from your doctor.

The process of filling out a living will is simple. Just designate a health agent (someone who will be your voice). You'll need two witnesses to see you sign your name to the document. Keep in mind, witnesses cannot be members of your family.

Once it's completed, make copies for yourself, your family, your doctor and your health care agent. Only four states require notarization -- Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia.

Once your form is complete, store it in an easy accessible spot. You do not need a lawyer.

The military uses meals ready to eat or MRE, where do I get them for my family for hurricane season? -- Rick

Military MREs are reserved for servicemen and women. But you can get commercial MREs to stock up for hurricane season.

The difference between military MREs and commercial MREs, according to Darren Verkamp of MRE Foods, is calorie content.

Military MREs have about 2,000 calories per meal while commercial MREs range from 400 to 1,300 calories. You can order MREs on the Web: mrefoods.com, majorsurplusnsurvival.com and theepicenter.com.

A case of 12 meals will run you about $65-$95. Make sure you ask about the date coding -- or the date when the MRE was produced. Most commercial MREs last about 5 or 6 years.

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Gerri Willis is a personal finance editor for CNN Business News and the host for Open House. Send your questions, your comments and your own ideas to us at 5tips@cnn.com.