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The article discusses how investments, including bonds, fared in 2008, and offers a list of stocks, mutual funds, and exchange traded funds to invest in for 2009. The list includes the stock funds the Merger Fund and Permanent Portfolio, the stocks Berkshire Hathaway and Novartis AG, and the bond funds FPA New Income and TCW Total Return Bond. INSET: The Most Depressing Financial Quiz You Will Ever Take.

The article focuses on the company Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. The company has come to dominate the growing niche market for single-serving coffee, thanks to its Keurig coffee brewer which is widely used as a coffee machine at institutions such as offices, schools, and hospitals. Chief Executive Officer Larry Blanford notes that while U.S. consumers are not drinking more coffee, they are switching to the more expensive specialty coffees such as those sold by his firm. INSET: Five Secrets of Success.

The article discusses the popularity of snowboarding in the U.S. The focus of the article is the sporting goods company Burton Snowboards. Burton is a privately held company that manufactures snowboards, snowboarding apparel, and accessories. Topics include an overview of the company, its philosophy, and a brief history of its founding. INSET: 5 Secrets to Burton's Success.

The article discusses the effect of the 2008 U.S. economic downturn on the job market, noting ways to improve job security and tips for seeking a new job. The chief executive officer of the consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, John Challenger, notes ways to keep current jobs. Improving skills at nontraditional jobs during a layoff is recommended. Personal networking is encouraged over searching for jobs on job websites.

The article discusses weekend musicians who play gigs for fun and a little profit. Members of rock bands such as the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith who are in their 50s and 60s have inspired the U.S. baby boom generation to create garage bands and book gigs. Comments from Sean Lee, a member of The Wicker Lee Band, and Susan Retter, a member of Take5, are presented.

The article discusses alternative-energy stocks and why there are many choices to choose from. The author explains that a good way to invest in alternative energy is to put your money in a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) where they invest in renewable-energy. The article also explains that the best way to invest in alternative energy is through ETF's because they trade based on exchanges.

This article profiles the success of Zipcar, Inc. within the rental car market, with its largest market among college students, a market other car rental companies have avoided. High gasoline prices and the convenience that Zipcar offers are among the reasons cited for its success. Zipcar aims to capture customers who they know will remain loyal and repeat customers. INSETS: Zipcar Keys: Make It Look Simple, and Be Different;A Two-Wheeled Version of the Sharing Model.

The article reports that Imax, the Ontario, Canada based company that makes three dimensional (3-D) documentaries, now screens concerts, does 3-D animation, and motion picture blockbusters such as the "Harry Potter" films. Imax's stunning images and sound quality have set it apart from others, and now Imax is changing its technology from film to a digital format. This change will allow expansion into new markets, and the share price is expected to rise.

The article explores the significance of consistency in selecting and managing a mutual fund. It explains the significance of consistency to mutual fund managers and offers a guide for measuring a fund's consistency. It also offers a look at some funds that have consistently beaten their own benchmarks on a calendar-year basis from December 31, 1989 through December 1, 2007, which covers a wide range of market conditions such as the bear markets of 1990 and 2000-02 and the speculative frenzy of the late 1990s. INSETS: Index beaters;Index beaters 2;10% or bust;In the black

The article profiles seven new mutual funds that are run by skilled managers at reputable fund companies. It explains the benefits to investors of investing in newly launched funds. It offers a look at the performance of some new mutual funds in the U.S., including WHG Large Cap Value, Harbor Large Cap Value, Marsico Flexible Capital and Artisan Opportunistic Value. It also advises investors to look for new funds that invest in small-company stocks and which have seasoned managers with good track records. INSET: Dividends from abroad.

The article presents five strategies for identifying stocks that will keep one out of trouble during stormy markets. For statistics geeks, the intersection of safety and good performance means a stock has a high alpha and a low beta. Alpha measures the amount by which an investment's return exceeds the yield of risk-free Treasury bills. Beta compares a stock's movements with that of a benchmark for domestic stocks, typically Standard & Poor's 500-stock index. INSET: DISCOUNT hunters.

The article discusses ways to measure the performance of stock funds in the U.S. market, based on Morningstar data. Morningstar analyst Paul Herbert suggests that investors should combine consistency with other factors, such as low expenses, experienced management and a reasonable strategy. But funds that deliver consistently good results deserve a bit of extra consideration. Selected funds that have beaten their benchmarks in at least 85% of calendar years since 1990 include Driehaus Emerging Markets, Oakmark Global and Templeton World.

The article talks about tripling investment gains in the U.S. To triple money in five years, an investor must earn an annualized 24.6 percent return, such as investing in T. Rowe Price Media & Telecom. To compound money by 14.7 percent annualized, invest with a talented fund manager who looks for small and middle-size companies capable of generating growth of that magnitude. By investing in Selected American Shares, investors can triple their money in ten years. INSETS: TRIPLE PLAYS;How LEVERAGE hits home;A bet on COLLEGE costs.

The article focuses on investments on newly launched mutual funds. Managers of fresh funds can invest in their picks without having to contend with the baggage of existing holdings. Moreover, new funds are usually small, and smaller funds are more nimble and flexible, which allows them to enter and exit positions without tipping off the market. Richard Evans, a finance professor at Boston College and his colleagues found that large funds have twice the impact when they buy and sell.

The article discusses the 20 biggest no-load stock funds. Fidelity Contrafund, the biggest actively managed no-load fund at $69 billion, is rated as a hold. Dodge & Cox stock, which has performed excellently in the past, is rated as a buy. Vanguard Windsor II, Vanguard's largest actively managed fund, is rated as a hold.

The article offers information on the top 10 best commission-charging stock funds in 2006. Since its 1993 launch, Keeley Smell Cap Value has delivered big gains by investing in an unusual niche: businesses undergoing a metamorphosis. At heart, Keeley is a bargain hunter. Legg Mason Partners Aggressive Growth has returned an annualized 14% over the past 23 years. In Victory Diversified Stock's 17-year history, it lost money only one year, 2002, when it fell 23%. INSET: NO-LOAD clones of load funds.

The article focuses on seven companies that are considered by this publication to possess low-risk stock funds. These companies are all run by veteran managers who cut risk in business by investing in stocks they perceive to be safe. The companies include Auxier Focus, Homestead Value, Jensen Portfolio, Mairs & Power Growth, Merger Fund, T. Rowe Price Equity Income and Weitz Value. INSET: Banking on the urge to MERGE.

The article focuses on several successful investors. Brett Platt is a computer engineer whose investing focus is on undervalued small-company stocks. To avoid overload, he limits his portfolio to nine to 11 stocks. He realized annualized gains of 30% plus since 1999. Deirdre Brazil, an employee at Prudential Financial, has started investing in 2003. She chose Vanguard 500 Index fund which tracks Standard & Poor's 500 stock index.

The article looks at horse racing investing in the U.S. Many race operators scour auctions for thoroughbreds with untapped value, then sell shares of those horses to investors. The share of a horse costs a few thousand dollars and it is usually managed by a small partnership. Larger operations set up as limited-liability companies can result in tax benefits. INSET: HORSE SENSE for horse investors.

A chart is presented that shows the performance of U.S. stock funds which includes funds like ABN AMRO Growth, William Blair Growth, and Columbia Marsico Focused Equities.

Provides information on making a successful investment for 401(k) plan or individual retirement accounts in the U.S. Discussion on retirement planning; Overview of compounding earnings of 401(k) plans; Ways of increasing 401(k) contributions.

Presents a list of the top U.S. international and global stock funds for the year 2005. Trimark Small Cos.; Allegiant Small Cap Value; Balanced Wealth Strat. INSET: TAILOR this data to your needs.

Examines the feasibility of several stocks and other income opportunities by discussing their risks and yields amidst current and future market conditions in the U.S. Type of real estate investment trusts to avoid; Recommendation on how to invest in emerging-markets bonds; Attributes of master limited partnerships and royalty trusts. INSET: Where you can find fat TAX-FREE yields.

Recommends ways to manage inheritance, bonus, insurance settlements, severance package or lottery jackpot. Plans of railroad employee Geoffrey Reeder for the estates he inherited from his mother and grandmother; Investments made by sales executive Krysten Gillette Franks after selling interests in her grandfather's dairy farm; Percentage of portfolio placed by a recipient of an insurance payout in cash, bonds and stocks.

Talks about the advantages of having a vacation aboard a sailing vessel. Comparison of the cost of sailing cruise and traditional cruises; Amenities and activities included in a sailing cruise; Example of courses that can be charted by sailing cruises; Information on the top sailing-cruise lines found in the Cruise Compete's site. INSET: SAFEGUARD your sailing trip.

Discusses the state of the housing market in the U.S. as of January 2005. Increase in the prices of homes from 2003 to 2004; Factors attributed to the demand in housing market; States which experienced increased appreciation in 2004.

Focuses on the five companies in the U.S. that generates strong cash flow. Result of the efforts of Marvel Enterprises Inc. in licensing the rights of its stable superheroes to Hollywood studios and toymakers; Information on Northbrook, Illinois-based Idex Corp.; Facts about the capital-investment requirements of Greenwood Village, Colorado-based First Data Corp.; Actions taken by Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based MTS Systems to achieve cash buildup.

Addresses the financial problems faced by the children of parents staying at nursing homes in the U.S. Requirements for nursing-home residents to qualify for Medicaid; Comparison of the services provided to private-pay patients and Medicaid patients of nursing homes; Recommendations of elder-care lawyers and social workers for the nursing needs of aged parents. INSET: Where to turn for HELP.

Interviews David Winters, chief executive officer chief investment officer of Mutual Series, about the Mutual Series funds. Favorite stock of Winters; Mistake committed by Winters as chief investment officer; Description of the Mutual Recovery fund.

Focuses on managing retirement accounts. Suggestion given by Philip Cooley,a professor at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, for retirees willing to accept a little uncertainty; Concern of most retirees; Information on buying an immediate annuity. INSET: Help to keep you ON TRACK.

Recommends better deal to take advantage of rising rates of yields. Information on Fidelity Floating Rate High Income; Stock yields of Canadian Oil Sands Trust; Benefits of a real estate investment trusts to investors.

Presents a chart of several U.S. stock funds categorized by investment profile as of August 2004, including ABN Amro's Growth N. INSET: TAILOR this data to your needs.

Presents several stock companies that appear to have a lot of potential for investment even though they are trading in a near low point as of April 2004. Factors that should boost demand for products of Tyson Foods; Challenges facing Johnson & Johnson; Cash reserves of Mattel.

Features the 25 best stock funds in the U.S. business sector as of May 1, 2004. Oakmark Fund; T. Rowe Price Growth Stock; TCW Galileo Select Equity; Aegis Value. INSETS: When your goal is LONG TERM;For a MEDIUM TERM goal;When you've already RETIRED;Our funds WHIP the market

Focuses on ways by which people in the U.S. can minimize their tax payments. Budget of the government for the tax refunds; Strategy of the couple Elizabeth and Michael Kanna to reduce their tax payments; Information on child tax credit. INSETS: Mixing up $250 billion in REFUNDS;Schedule D -- as in DANGEROUS.

Focuses on the performance of the shares of several companies in 2003, and its possible performance for the year 2004. Adolph Coors; Toys "R" Us; Computer Associates International; Dillard's; Monster Worldwide.

Offers forecasts for bonds and stocks in the U.S. for 2004. Performance of the stock market in 2002; Comments from Stacey Bartlett, a market researcher and caterer in San Francisco, California; Prices of the stocks.

Considers investing in the business of rental real estate. Strategy used by Jeff Gaw in buying houses to have them rented; Challenges of being a landlord; Details of interest rates in real estate. INSETS: Making the NUMBERS work;What could go WRONG.

Presents an article on travel using a recreational vehicle. Features of the vehicle; Profile of recreational vehicle owners; Lessons learned from the experience. INSETS: THE RUNDOWN ON MOTOR HOMES;DON'T FORGET INSURANCE;THE HOW-TOS OF FINANCING.

Presents advice for investors on when to sell stocks. Difficulties in selling stocks; Factors to consider in gauging the value of stocks; Benefits of studying past stocks' price-earnings ratio; Impact of accounting scandals on the value of stocks.

Interviews Edward Owens, manager of the Vanguard Health Care fund in the U.S. Views on the difficulties faced by health companies in generating profit growth; Reasons behind the growth of the fund managed by Owens; Investments strategies used by the company.

Discusses the benefits of traveling during the 'shoulder' season, during April through mid June or September through November, when most tourists stay home and popular destinations offer rates that are 15% to 50% lower. Fewer crowds at museums and beaches; High air-fares during the summer; Seasonal attractions in Europe; Activities in Colorado during early spring; Temperatures in Aruba during the summer; Alaskan vacations; Fall trips to Europe.

Discusses why people are seeking second opinions from financial advisors. Morphed image of financial planners from bully to sympathetic friend; Reasons people are seeking the guidance of financial advisors; Skills and traits to look for in an advisor before choosing one. INSET: HOW TO FIND GUIDANCE YOU CAN TRUST.

Presents an interview with mutual fund manager Chris Davis. Description of Davis as one of the most compelling mutual fund managers of his generation; Davis' background and his family history of investment banking; Davis' approach to evaluating and analyzing companies; How Davis decides upon investments.

Offers ideas about makeovers that can bring new-house features into a well-loved home. Tips and strategies for replacing floors and installing 21st-century light fixtures; How to place appliances wherever they are needed.

The article looks at homesteading, in which people grow and hunt their own food and embrace self-sustaining practices. Economic, environmental, and health advantages of the practice are reviewed. The author discusses people who raise chickens and grow crops in urban areas. Homesteaders comment on how their way of life preserves the cultural heritage of their relatives.

The article presents a profile of U.S. commercial investor Warren Buffett in relation to his influence on the economic conditions of the nation in 2009 and its future policy trajectory. A brief overview of Buffett's successful career in market investment is given, highlighting his self-earned wealth and influential business philosophies.

The article discusses some stock investments that could perform well during the administration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama. Infrastructure, alternative energy, and healthcare stocks could all do well during Obama's term in office. Obama plans to spend $150 billion on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

An interview with financial expert Jim Ross is presented. When asked if exchange-traded funds (ETF) could eliminate the market for mutual funds, he says the will compete, but neither one will eliminate the other. When asked how ETFs are often misunderstood, he says people trade them too much instead of holding them for the long term. He adds that ETFs will probably begin expanding into fixed-income financial portfolios.

The article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of exchange-traded funds (ETF). ETFs are similar to mutual funds, but they are publicly traded. They allow individual investors to buy diversified stock indexes through a single investment. This saves money on management and record-keeping fees, and also allows investors to control when they pay taxes on their gains. The biggest drawback to ETFs is that they make people less likely to buy and hold their investments for long periods.