Smart moves in a mean economy

Your plan

What you really want from your money

A growing number of advisers say that until you think hard about that question, you can't have a successful lifelong financial plan. They're right. (more)

• 3 questions to find your goals

Keep your cool in a dangerous market

With every dip in the Dow, that inner voice urging you to sell gets louder. Here are four reasons you shouldn't listen. (more)

• 5 ways to stay calm in a down market

Ben Stein: What, him worry?

Not about a recession anyway. But he is plenty concerned about the fallout from the impending retirement of his 'undisciplined' generation. (more)

Your home

Why it's not too late to refinance

Rates have crept up from recent lows, but even now, a refi can be a smart move. (more)

Time to hunt for a vacation home

Second-home markets are hurting, making this a good opportunity to look (leisurely) for a deal. (more)

Build your dream house now

It's the best time in years to take your blueprint off the drawing board and construct it for real. (more)

Your Portfolio

Junked stocks that could fly again

The mortgage crisis has relegated the stocks of once high-flying industries to Wall Street's scrap yard. But some of them may be ready to take off again. (more)

Steer clear of the new gold rush

The story of how the yellow metal offers investors the ultimate safe haven is spun from pretty thin straw. (more)

Why Warren Buffett is buying railroads

Improved technology and fuel efficiency have made the rails a perfect industry for the 21st century. (more)