As the market's woes drag on into 2009, investors are looking for something -- anything -- to serve as an alternative to stocks. In this special report, SmartMoney examines three of those alternatives -- bond funds, cash accounts and gold -- to see where the opportunities and the pitfalls lie.
While many of Wall Street's biggest firms struggle, regional brokerages smell opportunity and are wooing brokers and clients alike. But who are these smaller fries, and what can you expect from them?
As life spans increase, Americans are more likely than ever to marry a second spouse. And that means more fights between kids and stepparents over the family estate.
Plus: Second Spouses: Passing It On
If you think your taxes were complicated last year, just wait till you try to sort out the trials and tribulations of 2008. Here's what you need to know.
Stocks that may score big if the dollar slumps again.
Brazil, India and China may rebound faster than anyone, but should investors jump in?
The CEO of a major coal-power-plant operator talks global warming.
Bear-market ETFs' tax bite.
Master limited partnerships: a way into energy?
New funds signal an era of fear-based investing.
Which airline stocks are ready for takeoff, and which aren't.
Private pools. Roped-off beaches. VIP restaurants. More resorts are adding separate mini-hotels onto existing properties—and these days they're offering some of the best deals for vacationers.
Apple claims that its new MacBook uses one-quarter the energy of a 60-watt lightbulb. We put it and some other self-proclaimed energy-saving devices to the test.
Toyota's new Venza is like automotive comfort food: filling, but not flashy. Will boomers bite?
Homebuying without a bank. Plus: New iTunes pricing, and a rundown of tax breaks for tumultuous times.