Gail MarksJarvis: How to build a rich life, even if you aren't a financial genius

You don't have to be a genius, a math brain or know anything about the stock market to invest your money well and retire comfortably.

Most people don't think of themselves as investors. But just about anyone with a fourth-grade education can get key money decisions right - like feeding a 401(k) or IRA regularly - and retire with a stash that's large enough to last until you're in your 90s. But you have to be deliberate.

So today, as I write the final installment of this advice column before moving to another writing venture, I want to leave you with some crucial basics. Get these right, and a lot of money matters fall into place.

STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COLLEGE

We've all heard about recent graduates so buried in student loans they don't feel like they can have children, buy homes, or leave a good-paying job for the