Bankrate's hallmark Financial Literacy Series breaks down personal finances into manageable pieces for the consumer. This year we will explore four topics of importance to our readers during this period of economic turmoil: Focus on Careers, Families and Finance, How to Prosper and Retirement Income Planning. We label these "Growth opportunities," because all challenges present opportunities for growth.

Check out our latest series on Retirement Income Planning to get a handle on how to manage your investments during retirement. Or click around in our new Families and Finance section if you have children or elderly parents that you care for. The Career series offers lots of great ideas for landing a good job in these recessionary times. In the sections called "Essentials" and "Action," learn more about budgeting, estate planning, credit cards, identity theft, investing, smart borrowing and much more. Each link leads to a table of contents where you can choose to read the stories that interest you.

Come back from time to time because we keep adding to this font of personal finance knowledge. We strive to make finances clear, manageable and, most of all, fun!