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Look Before You Leap Into Buybacks

Done right, buybacks are a boon. They reduce the number of shares outstanding, spreading the company's future profits over a smaller base -- thus increasing earnings per share. Unfortunately, firms don't always buy stock back when it is cheap, and mistimed buybacks can be deadly.

Small Fund, Big Lessons

The Kresge Foundation's performance shows that smaller funds can outmaneuver the behemoths by taking advantage of some widely available opportunities.

Value Investors Cut Losses

Some big-name mutual-fund managers who thought they bought low are now selling far lower and are posting big losses because of the credit crisis.

Think Before Tapping 401(k)

A reader asks if it is correct that he can pull one amount out of my 401(k) to get me to age 59½ without the penalty.

ROI By BRETT ARENDS
Is a Vacation Home a Good Investment?

The real estate crash raises a question: Does it even make sense for most Americans to own a vacation home anymore?

Gimme Shelter: Plan For Financial Storms

The standard advice is to have a few months' cash on hand. But these are not "standard" times.

ROI By BRETT ARENDS
Reap Rewards From the Credit Crunch

Some banks are hurting so badly for funds that they are offering terrific deals to ordinary depositors.

SMART MONEY
Four Stocks Set to Move

When the economy gest back on track, sectors sensitive to consumer spending and companies in those groups will have strong long-term prospects.

ASK PERSONAL JOURNAL
Educational Games on Finances

If you're looking for educational games to teach kids about money and finances, there's a plethora of downloadable software, books and games designed for children to have fun monitoring their savings.

Life's Lessons on a Shoestring Budget

Even when kids leave home, you never know when they're coming back to live with you. Neal Templin and his wife won't charge their kids rent to live in the house they're buying in New Jersey. Cheapskate

• Podcast: On Moving Back Home

Worker Confidence Sinks to '01 Level

American workers' confidence in the job market is as low as it was during the 2001 recession, according to a new survey.

Bankruptcies Rise for Older Set

While the bankruptcy-filing rate for those under 55 has fallen, it has soared for older Americans, according to an analysis. The older the age group, the worse it got.

SMARTMONEY STOCK SCREEN
Price Momentum

Wall Street reckons Almost Family's earnings per share will surge 35% this year and 19% next year. They've been ratcheted up numerous times and turned up on a screen for stocks that are at or near their 52-week-high prices.

Financial Future

As you mull over who to vote for president this year, you might also consider making some important choices for your own financial future. Here's a list of financial duties to review that will help you and your family. Family Money

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Aug 28, 9:39 am

Common Myths About Commodity Investing

See Full Post | See more in the R.O.I. Blog.

Aug 26, 5:28 am

For Better Banking, Check Out a Credit Union

See Full Post | See more in the R.O.I. Blog.

Aug 25, 5:09 pm

It's Not Too Late For a Labor-Day Getaway

See Full Post | See more in the R.O.I. Blog.

See more in the R.O.I. Blog.

TAX REPORT By TOM HERMAN
The Ranks of the Ultrawealthy Grow

About 47,000 people had a net worth of $20 million or more in 2004, the latest available year, according to new IRS estimates. That's up 62% from 29,000 in 1998. Plus, more findings from IRS data on the nation's upper crust. Tax Report

• Podcast: IRS Data on America's Upper Crust

SMARTMONEY FUND SCREEN
Technology Funds

For many mutual-fund investors, technology is a tantalizing investment. But if the past decade has taught us anything, it's that a tech investment not only holds worlds of promise but also lots of disappointment, too.

PERSONAL FINANCE COLUMNS

Read the latest personal finance columns from the Journal's news and personal finance pages: