November 2009 Issue

Cover Story

How to Be a Better Investor

Overcome your worst instincts, and earn a higher return, by slashing costs and sticking with user-friendly funds.

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine

The most trustworthy source of information available today on savings and investments, taxes, money management, home ownership and many other personal finance topics.

Save 75%
off the cover price.

12 issues only $12
Order Now!

Table of Contents

Ahead

From The Editor

The next financial crisis, by Janet Bodnar

Black Friday Bargains Beckon

Retailers are pulling out all the stops to lure reluctant shoppers.

Blue Chips to Lead the Market

A top fund manager likes companies that make toothpaste and Post-its.

Money & Ethics

Must I disclose the murder in my house?

This Pitch Is Legit

Reverse loans let seniors convert equity to cash, but at a price.

High-Tech Tricks to Sell Your Home

Online decorators fill empty rooms with virtual furniture.

On the Job and Feeling Guilty

Survivors are also vulnerable to the pink-slip blues.

Opening Shot

Why a car fund took off, by James K. Glassman

Discovering Value

Housing's shaky upturn, by Whitney Tilson and John Heins

Investing

How to Be a Better Investor

Overcome your worst instincts, and earn a higher return, by slashing costs and sticking with user-friendly funds.

Slash Your Investing Costs in 3 Easy Steps

Markets are fickle, but costs are something you can control.

Keep It Simple

When it comes to investing, gimmickry rarely beats out common sense.

Tame Your Funds’ Worst Instincts

Funds are the most appropriate vehicle for most investors, but they have flaws that work against their clients' best interests.

Boost Your IQ With a Good Book

Five good reads to help you be a better investor.

Learn From the World's Great Investors

Six luminaries share their outlooks and investment strategies.

Racing Toward Disaster

Bob Rodriguez is so worried about future inflation that he's prepared to move money out of the country.

Stocks + Bonds Make for a Smoother Ride

Balanced funds could calm your market anxiety.

Mutual Funds

Why your results stink, by Russel Kinnel

Cash In Hand

Where's my windfall? by Jeffrey R. Kosnett

Promised Land

I'm winning. Now what? by Andrew Feinberg

Invest Like Ivy Leaguers

You can't copy their portfolios precisely, but you can use exchange-traded funds and notes to come close.

3 Quirky ETFs Beat the Market

Funds that target insider buying, spinoffs and share buybacks look appealing.

Marquee Managers Get Their Mojo Back

Their funds have rebounded big-time, but that doesn't mean you should trust them with your money.

A Banner Year for the Kip 25

After a rough start, most of our picks are beating their benchmarks.

Junk Bonds Are Due for a Breather

The managers of a top-performing high-yield bond fund have turned cautious.

Money

Earn 4% on Your Savings

Money-market funds are paying a pittance. To make more on your stash of cash, look to local banks, laddered CDs and short-term bond funds.

There's No Place Like Home

Assistive services let elders enjoy the comforts of home.

Increase Your Retirement Income

A radical new plan to minimize risk guarantees you a secure and steady stream of payments.

Make the Most of Your Benefits

Employers are raising the bar on dependent coverage. A separate policy for your family may be cheaper.

Ask Kim

Kimberly Lankford explains how to take advantage of economic-stimulus tax breaks before time runs out.

Be Wary of Private Student Loans

High interest rates and tough payback rules could leave your student out on a limb.

Overcoming Overdrafts

If you've ever bounced a check, read this.

The Downside of Debit Cards

Debit cards pose a unique set of risks.

Living

Home Renovations for $1,000 or Less: Perk Up Your Kitchen

Appliances and cabinetry hog the spotlight in the kitchen, but in a busy household the flooring has to hold up under heavy use and look good, too.

Home Renovations for $1,000 or Less: Update the Bathroom

A cheaper alternative to demolishing your tub is to have it refinished.

Home Renovations for $1,000 or Less: Get Your Closet Under Control

Save money and space with a bedroom-closet overhaul.

Keep Pet Costs on a Tight Leash

Look for a vet-visit discount, trim food costs, pay less for pet meds, and consider a pet health policy.

Should You Upgrade to Windows 7?

FAQs on the new Microsoft operating system.

Drive Time

More for your money, by Jessica Anderson

The Lowdown

What you need to know about smart phones 2.0, by Thomas M. Anderson

My Story

He won a 63-year fight for justice.

Today's Video More Videos >>

Turning Allowances Into Savings

E-mail Alerts: Select the Kiplinger columns and topics to be delivered to your inbox:

Advertisement