Windows Live Mail (WLM) runs very well under FireFox (FF).  The JavaScript engine is performant and low in CPU usage.  We were always pretty sure that WLM could run under FF with a minor amount of work, but it was really the efforts of one of our developers who proactively made it happen.  The framework which we use ("Live.com JavaScript framework") has a browser equalization layer that pretty much allows you to target a single browser platform.

The places where we branched browser logic were with attachment upload (in IE, you can click() a form) and textRange support.

Now that IE7 has shipped (and even during its beta), FF support for WLM has allowed us to evaluate both browser "Web 2.0" platforms.  FF is a great browser, and I know that it has raised the bar for IE7 and beyond (I've been in conversations with the IE team).  When running WLM (and Outlook Web Access), you'll want to turn off Anti-Phishing (AP).  AP does a ton of stuff behind the scenes...there's no way getting around it...if you want the increased security features of AP, it will cost you in terms of CPU resources and browser slowdown. 

But the general comparisons are left as an exercise to the reader:  run WLM under IE7 and also under FF. 

• the package deal:  life insurance + portfolio investments.  [rebuttal] I believe it wise to separate out investments from insurance.  Eg, combine the two and you get an extra layer of management fees (1).  Eg, locking into a VUL portfolio means you have to deal with complications and the confines of the VUL.
• investments grow tax free!  [rebuttal] technically yes, but there are too many gotchas, IMHO (2).  Read on...

• VULs have huge up-front commissions for the financial advisor.  1 year's premium as a commission is typical, so I hear.  So there's a huge economic incentive for them to sell VULs.  The conflict of interest is enough incentive for me to stay away.
• Conflict of interest?  Would you believe that my financial advisor recommends investing in VUL ahead of 401K, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA + recharacterization?  That's beyond my comprehension.
• VULs are a cash cow for the investment/insurance firms. 
• You need to maintain your policy premiums if you expect to withdraw money "tax free" (2).
• If your policy lapses, be prepared for a "taxable event" (2).
• Your payments go towards up-front commissions (mine is 5%), investment portfolio account fees (1)...oh yah...and insurance protection.
• Let's not forget that your investments in the portfolio (eg, mutual funds) can have their own management fees.
• Second thoughts and want out?  How about a 50% surrender penalty?  How about waiting 10 years before the penalty goes away?

• Maximize your 401K.  Double it if you are married.
• If your company offers a Roth 401K (R401K), invest in this.  Should you choose R401K over 401K?  Absolutely.  It is strategically advantageous to build up your tax-free income pool ("tax diversification").  R401K is after-tax dollars, so be prepared for the larger income hit.
• Max out your Roth IRA.  And do the point below as well.
• If your income is too high for Roth IRA, invest the maximum $2000/$4000 in regular non-deductible IRA and recharacterize into a Roth IRA right away.  The Dec 31, 2010 deadline to recharacterize is eliminated, but do it right away because recharacterization is a "taxable event".
• Other things to consider (I'm not an expert):  index funds, ETFs, TMMF (tax-managed mutual funds).

• Look at 30-year term-life or whole life policies.
• Invest in 529 plans for your children.
• Invest in whole-life policy for your children.
• Pay off your mortgage?  Other debt?  Invest in real estate?