One key step is to work with a financial planner to determine your projected retirement income needs.

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Work with your tax advisor to determine ways to reduce your adjusted gross income in 2013.

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Determine how much income your partner needs to maintain his or her standard of living if you die tomorrow.

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Web sites like MSN Money, CNN Money, Bankrate.com, and a host of others have budget calculators you can plug into to help you determine how much of your income you spend on housing, transportation, child care, food, and other necessities.

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The IRS looks at your income and assets to determine reasonable collection potential.

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Then, determine if you have enough income to afford your mortgage at today's rates.

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You first calculate your overall AGI minus the threshold amount and then determine the amount of net investment income above this that will be subject to tax using some straightforward calculations.

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