What’s the best way to keep your money safe in these difficult economic times? Ask the Sun Sentinel’s Your Money Helpline. On Tuesday, a volunteer team of South Florida financial planners will be available in our newsroom to answer your questions between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

They can help you with savings advice, managing your investments, taxes, how to budget, planning for college or retirement.

To talk to a planner at midday Tuesday, call 305-810-5040, 561-454-6940 or 954-356-4940.

And join us online to see the questions and answers posted live at SunSentinel.com/itsyourmoney.

For a sample of what’s ahead, Certified Financial Planner Matt Saneholtz of Tobias Financial Advisors in Plantation:

Is buying an annuity from a fraternal organization safe?
-Marilyn Galli, Delray Beach

Buying an annuity from anybody requires research before entering into the contract. You will want to make sure the organization is licensed with the state to sell annuities, research if the annuity is backed by a highly-rated insurance company and make sure the representative selling you the annuity takes the time to explain all the details of how the product works. If you don’t understand it thoroughly, don’t buy it.

I have $85,000 invested in 10 mutual funds in a Roth IRA. I want to reduce the list to five and retire in 11 years with $250,000.
-- Christopher, Hollywood

Whether you have one, five or 10 mutual funds, the goal is to be diversified. Someone 11 years from retirement might have 65 percent in stocks and 35 percent in bonds and cash, depending upon how much risk you want to take. You need to make sure the funds you pick are also diversified – not all in the same kind of stocks or bonds.

Are there any federal or state taxes on my estate that I leave to my son?
- Mark Glatt

In 2009, the federal estate tax exemption is $3.5 million. For smaller amounts, there would not be any federal or state estate taxes due in your situation. Note that Florida currently does not have an estate tax. In 2010, there is scheduled to be no federal estate tax but Congress may change this in the near future. You should watch this issue closely.