Weekend Homework: Financial Reboot

Thanksgiving is almost here, and although the holiday typically represents an opportunity to reflect on what you've got, this year, the recession has left many Americans focused on what they've lost -- and how they might get it back.

Of course, thanks to this year’s stock market rally, it’s been easy to make money and recover some losses just by sitting still – and many investors have been doing just that. Out of the three million people who have retirement plans with Vanguard, for example, the company says 89% made no changes at all in their portfolios during the first nine months of this year. But we’re not likely to see another rally this big next year -- or for quite a few years after that -- so the do-nothing approach may have outlived its usefulness.

If you’re looking for the best ways to reorganize your financial life to fit this uncertain economy, SmartMoney has your required weekend reading:

Refresh Your Portfolio
Learn from last year’s crisis and make sure your portfolio includes asset classes that hold up even when the stock market suffers. Here’s how to diversify now.

Refresh Your Retirement Plan
For some, the financial crisis has made retirement seem out of reach. For others, involuntary retirement has come all too quickly. Changes in tax laws could help make savers make the most of their assets.

Refresh Your Financial Advice
Shaken investors may be looking for a new financial advisor whose style matches their current needs and appetite for risk. Here’s what to look for.

Refresh Your Real Estate
Falling prices may make it a buyer’s market, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good time to buy.

Refresh Your Cash Strategy
Even with today’s low interest rates, it’s still important to have cash on hand. Here’s how to organize your cash in the current environment.

Refresh Your Tax Game Plan
New benefits and regulations could have big effects on your tax liability. Here's a look at what's changed.