I've been working with a personal finance coach as part of a magazine assignment. As a hand-to-mouth freelance writer (with two kids), my finances are pretty basic. I earn it, I pay my bills, I buy the groceries, put gas in my car...and hold my breath until the next paycheck.

But personal finance coaches, by definition, think big. And after telling me there's no reason I can't fund my "retirement," pay for my kids' college and/or buy a house if I invest wisely, she recommended I get my FICO score.

I didn't tell her that my "retirement" plans involve moving to a cheaper state when the kids are grown and putting my name on the list for low-income senior housing.