First, most of us assume we'll be healthy enough, and live long enough, to accumulate the money we need/want to reach our financial goals. We'd rather not think of death or disability, especially if our families, business associates, or others would be unprepared to cope with the loss.

Second, too many individuals and families are over-leveraged, busily squandering their income and wealth potential, while being measured for a nasty surprise at retirement. No matter how savvy today's financial service consumers may seem, most could use some serious help managing their money.