College savings: beyond the 529

QUESTION: We have some money set aside for our 18-month old son which we would like to invest for him. Other than a 529 plan, what other investments would you suggest? - Lynn, CA

Planning your financial future
Question: I’m a divorced 51-year-old woman who needs advice about how to improve my financial future. The only advice I’ve gotten so far is from an adviser at my bank who has put $45,000 into some sort of annuity. I also have about $25,000 in a money-market account there and $55,000 in a managed portfolio of funds.

Pulling cash from homes: What’s new, what to do
Not long ago, a well-known economist surprised me by suggesting that it’s a good time for homeowners to tap their equity to buy stocks.

Isn’t That Special
Flir Systems was one special-situation stock that has turbo-charged results.

Income Funds: Show me the money!
Tens of millions of baby boomers are approaching retirement, and if you’re among them, you’re likely wondering how you’re going to tap your portfolio for the income you’ll need over decades of life after work.

5 big stores, 25 great gifts
Money Magazine brings you the best gifts at the best prices at five retailers you can’t avoid.

Nervous About Optimism
This strong autumn rally makes me worry investors are ahead of themselves.

The Marchbanks
If the idea of saving away 25 percent of your paycheck makes you think of a severely cramped lifestyle, meet the Marchbanks of Dallas, Texas.

The Claudios: Plan for all seasons
“No one looks after your money like you do,” says Jeff Claudio of Crestview, Fla. And few have been so successful at looking after their money as Jeff and wife Leonora.

Rethinking Your Finances
Experts predicted that money habits would change after 9/11. But did they really?