Everybody’s dream is to retire well but if you want that dream to come true, you need to get involved in the process – and now! In this episode, Pam shows three hard-working MoneyTrack viewers how to take control of their financial futures. First, meet Sheral Shortz, who runs a successful working ranch, but it’s tough work that doesn’t offer traditional employee benefits. As owner and CEO, Sheral must invent her own, so Pam helps her tackle business and personal financial priorities. Pam also advises Sam London how to take full advantage of his generous Air Force benefits, especially help to get and stay out of debt. Office manager Mykah Montgomery gets no 401(k) or medical benefits through her job but Pam explains how she can take full advantage of benefits she can get through her husband’s employment.

What if you’re worried about holding onto your paycheck, or even getting laid off? In Investing 101, syndicated financial columnist Michelle Singletary gives “Plan B” advice when your job is gone or teetering on the edge, and why an emergency savings fund is essential.

What happens when you find out the guys managing your benefits are dipping into your contributions? Barry Stokes, a benefit-plan administrator for more than 35,000 people working at 800 companies, stole $19 million of their money to fund his own good life. But when two clients left Stokes’ firm, federal authorities shut down his illegal Ponzi empire and Stokes pled guilty to 76 counts of embezzlement.