5 families, 5 financial fixes

All survived the stock market's trial by fire, yet fears of getting burned again linger. By taking a few smart steps, they can reach their goals with ease.

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Scared to look at the portfolio
Scared to look at the portfolio
Kris and Steve Blake, with their daughter Kelly.
In 2006, Kris and Steve Blake were struggling under the weight of the $65,000 in debt. Then, inspired by anti-debt guru Dave Ramsey, they repaid that debt in three years.

Despite their cleaned-up balance sheet, the Blakes are at a loss when it comes to the logical next step: investing for the future.

Their dream is to leave work by 62 and build a home on 10 acres they own in northern Florida. They have a quarter of a million saved, but Kris is afraid to touch the portfolio for fear of messing it up.

What should they do to meet their goals?



NEXT: Planning a legacy for heirs
Last updated January 02 2011: 8:47 PM ET
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