(MONEY Magazine) – Q. I'd like to know more details about certain preferred stocks. Is there someplace I can look on the Web for information such as call dates, dividends and ratings? GEORGE STRAUB READING, PA.

A. Until recently, detailed data about these complicated creatures--which are called stocks but receive fixed dividends like bonds--have been rather tough to come by. Some preferreds are listed on the exchanges, while most are sold over the counter.

Now there are two good sources for in-depth information: The Income Securities Newsletter, published monthly by the Bond Investors Association, costs $45 for a three-month trial; $165 for a one-year subscription (www.biainc.com; 800-472-2680). Starting Nov. 1, investment advisory firm Richard C. Young & Co. will post free information on three or more new issues of preferreds each month at www.younginvestment.com.

Q. Can I leave my frequent-flier miles from the airlines and my credit-card reward programs to my heirs? PERRY BECKERMAN STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.

A. Frequent-flier miles are hot commodities, and ownership in cases of divorce or inheritance has been contested in court. A few airlines (including Delta, US Airways and TWA) let you transfer the miles but may require your heir to produce a death certificate and proof that he or she is indeed the beneficiary. Sadly, other companies (such as American Airlines, Qantas and American Express) stipulate that miles or points belong to the company and thus cannot be transferred, period. Although United Airlines agrees with this approach, the company will make individual exceptions--for a $75 fee!

To protect miles that you may want to pass on to an heir, establish joint accounts for frequent-flier or reward programs and name that beneficiary in your will. If there is no one that you fancy for the gift, suggests Randy Peterson of InsideFlyer.com, "consider leaving your miles to charity."

Q. In 1991 my eye was injured. After finally settling with the insurance company, my annuity payments are scheduled to start on Nov. 1. Will I have to pay state taxes on my award? JESSE MAGANA DEMING, N.M.

A. Personal-injury awards for physical damages are free from federal taxes, whether you receive installment payments or a lump sum. And most states, including New Mexico, follow the federal example.

However, since the passage of the 1996 tax act, damages for nonphysical injuries, such as sexual discrimination, are taxable. Punitive damages, imposed to punish the business or individual held responsible for causing the injury, are also taxable. Check to see whether any portion of your award was for punitive damages.

Q. Can an Education IRA be rolled into a Roth IRA, and if not, how long can the money stay in the account? SCOTT PARKS RIVERSIDE, CALIF.

A. Absolutely not. An Education IRA is solely intended to save for college--not for retirement. Therefore, 30 days after the account holder's 30th birthday, the law requires a taxable distribution of any money left in the account. If the money isn't spent on qualified educational expenses within a year, the earnings on the account will also trigger an onerous 10% penalty. But here's the good news: The account can be transferred to an eligible relative if he or she is under 30 years of age.

REPORTER ASSOCIATE: Judy Feldman