(MONEY Magazine) – 6 Planning for a Lifetime by Kevin McKean Here's how to get started now on a financial program to achieve your life goals.

STARTING OUT 8 Mr. Egan Goes to Washington by Elizabeth Fenner A recent college graduate working in an exciting job on Capitol Hill finds that he needs to brush up on his finances to avoid learning money lessons the hard way.

14 Wanted: First Home, Fewer Debts by Marguerite T. Smith Lured by sweet housing prices and the lowest mortgage rates in years, two young doctors search for the perfect home -- and relief from their huge student loans.

20 Mastering the Financial Basics by Elizabeth Fenner Tips for ages 25 through 34: a house you can afford; top funds for aggressive growth

BALANCING ACTS 22 Make Room for Baby by John Manners A first child brings priceless pleasure, but also a 28% income cut and new bills.

32 Two Careers and Too Long a Commute by John Manners A pair of health-care professionals scramble for time to meet their commitments following an expensive move that put them closer to her job -- but farther from his.

40 The Cost of Doing What You Really Want by Suzanne Seixas After taking a one-third pay cut to pursue a more fulfilling career building homes for the poor, this up-and-coming architect needs to work on his own financial future.

62 Juggling Family, Finances and Career by Elizabeth Fenner Tips for ages 35 through 44: saving for college; best growth and income funds

MID-COURSE CORRECTIONS 64 She's Going It Alone by Beth Kobliner . In 23 years as a housewife before her divorce, she barely balanced a checkbook. Now she's learning to manage her money -- and new business -- like a pro.

72 Bouncing Back from Disaster by Gary Belsky Last fall's devastating Oakland fire left nothing of their home but a smoke- blackened chimney and a big mortgage. Here's how they're rebuilding their lives.

82 Getting Set for the Long Haul by Ezra Bowen This couple worked hard to pull themselves up from humble roots. Their next hurdle: to survive the triple threat of bills for college, aging parents and their own retirement.

88 Redefining Your Goals by Elizabeth Fenner Tips for ages 45 through 54: smart retirement planning; choice bond funds

SOFT LANDINGS 90 Can They Afford to Retire? by John Sims Two educators in their fifties need to get serious about their savings.

98 How to Retire in Style by Suzanne Seixas After 45 years of marriage, this couple have reached a comfortable retirement with zero debt. Here are ways they can conserve their nest egg while enjoying it too.

104 Living Well in Later Years by Elizabeth Fenner Tips for ages 55 through 64 and 65-plus: funds to help make your money last

Cover photographs (clockwise from top left): Walter P. Calahan, Andy Freeberg, Red Morgan, Rich Frishman