During September, we posted these personal finance tips on Twitter. Now is the time to take a look at your finances for 2014 before the crazy holiday season begins. Consider these personal finance tips as you re-evaluate your finances.

If your state acknowledges common-law marriages, then Social Security will recognize it for spousal and survivor benefits.

Stop stressing about the total amount you need to save for retirement – focus on how much you should save monthly.

When providing care for aging parents, spend their assets first and make sure they are receiving all entitled benefits.

When developing your budget, keep it simple – focus on 10 broad expense categories and only ONE area to reduce spending.

Don’t let fear stop you from addressing your retirement savings shortfall – gradually shift your spending to savings.

Follow us on Twitter for personal finance tips every Tuesday. References for our personal finance tips are listed below – click on the title to go to the link.

REFERENCES:

Common-Law Couples and Social Security

Restart your retirement savings

4 Ways to Cope With the High Cost of Caregiving

How to develop a budget (video)

Big retirement fear: Outliving your savings