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Getting a new place can be an exciting process. It can also require some savvy thinking and careful planning.

It’s important for renters to take steps to protect their own interests and financial reputations. This is especially true when dealing with landlords and leases. The truth is that what’s written in the fine print really can turn your living situation into a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re getting into.

Nobody wants to pay good money for an apartment that doesn’t allow them to enjoy their environment, feel safe, or host friends. So, how can you make sure your new apartment or rental home is a good fit and also protect your rights as a renter?

Here are eight key questions to ask the landlord before ever touching your pen to a lease.

Car repairs always seem to come at the wrong time. What’s more, one single problem with a vehicle could cost you thousands of dollars straight from your pocket.

When you first purchase a car, it can seem like the clock is ticking down to that manufacturer’s warranty expiration date with lightning speed. That timer starts as soon as you drive away from the lot. And, really, that warranty doesn’t cover your car for very long. So maybe you’re wondering if an extended car warranty really pays off in the long run.

An extended warranty certainly does look like an attractive option. This is especially true for people who don’t want to be surprised by high repair costs when a major component of their vehicle breaks down.

Here’s an email about marriage and money that I recently received from a reader:

I have a question about marrying someone who will go through bankruptcy BEFORE marriage. Other than having difficulty with getting a loan, what other effects should I expect in the future?

The bankruptcy had to do with a prior divorce, and ownership of more properties than one should own at any one time, so I’m not worried about his spending habits. What do you think?

This is a great question, and needs to be addressed from two different angles.

Potential Credit Affects

There’s one major myth about a spouse’s bad credit history: that it affects your score.

Life was good at the end of 2007 for Bill and Mary.

Bill, at age 60, had enjoyed a successful career with Walgreen’s, one of the largest retail companies in America. His career, begun 28 years previously, enabled Mary to be a stay-at-home mom and paid for their two kids’ college education. It also enabled the couple to build a $1 million position in a Fidelity New Millenium Fund through consistent investments over the years.