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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 how the U.S. financial crisis has affected Americans as homeowners, consumers, investors, and small-business owners. It is reported that a reduction in the supply of mortgage credit is putting pressure on the housing market. Consumers are noticing higher interest rates and less access to credit. The effect on retirement investments is discussed. Small business owners have reported that they found loans harder to come by.

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 introduces eight suggestions on how to be smart about using money in 2008. Included are articles about varying topics concerning managing money. The articles detail how to save money while traveling abroad, advice on renting a home rather than buying one, purchasing dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for computers and investing in a four cylinder vehicle.