AHEAD

Recession Talk Is All Wet
The mess in subprime mortgages throws cold water on the housing market but won't throw the economy into a recession.

The Numbers Guy
Emotions are your worst enemy, says this successful fund managers. He inveighs against trying to time the market.

Airlines Pick Pockets
Get ready for new rules on baggage and beverages.

Breaks on the Way for Credit Card Use
Before Congress forces them to, card issuers make nice with their customers.

Target Funds That Don't Double-Dip
These one-stop funds are easy. But do they cost too much?

Nice Work, Grads
The Cloass of '07 wants -- and gets -- meaningful work and top dollar, too.

When Your Spouse Is a Moocher
Money & Ethics, by Knight Kiplinger

What You Need to Know About Summer Rentals
The Lowdown, by Vera Gibbons

Find the Right Spot for Your Extra Cash
Portfolio Doctor, by Jeffrey R. Kosnett

Europe Still Sizzles
Opening Shot, by James K. Glassman

INVESTING

The 25 Best Mutual Funds
We show you how to combine these outstanding funds -- including seven new entrants this year -- into portfolios that match your goals, whether you're saving to pay for college way down the road or for a retirement nearly in sight.

The Truth Behind Penny Stock Spam
Messages promising quick, easy riches are blasting past e-mail filters and overwhelming your in-box. Most investors don't take the bait -- but some people do, and the government is doing little to stem the tide.

COMMENTARY
What Your Home Is, and Isn't My Point of View, by Knight Kiplinger
Conscience? Who Cares? Promised Land, by Andrew Feinberg
New Talent You Should Meet Mutual Funds, by Russel Kinnel

YOUR MONEY

Best Cities for Every Stage of Your Life
These places are special because of their dynamic residents, who create vibrant and stimulating environments in which to live and work. Plus: The Kiplinger/Richard Florida 25 Best Cities.

A Skewed Take on Life
Money-Smart Kids, by Janet Bodnar

Ask Kim
This month Kimberly Lankford answers your questions about dropping PMI, investing in railroad stocks and tapping a 529 when a child gets a scholarship.

REWARDS

The Art of the E-Deal
EBay is still the 800-pound gorilla of the online-auction world. But don't stop there. Other Web sites are more specialized -- and may have just the item you're looking for. Plus: How to be a successful seller and a smarter buyer.

Laptops Under $500
These machines offer basic computing at a price that's easy on your budget.

DRIVE TIME
Best Value in Luxury Cars By Mark K. Solheim

MY STORY
Terror and Tedium for $500 a Day Interview by Robert Frick

ONLINE EXTRAS

More About Best Cities
See slide shows of the most vibrant cities and a webast on how we picked them. Plus, rate your own city.

Mutual Fund Center
Get rankings of the top performers and see our latest mutual fund coverage.

Kiplinger 25 Updates
Sign up to receive e-mail alerts when our favorite funds make news.

On the Job
Career coach and best-selling author Marty Nemko tells you how to get ahead in the workplace.

The 40+ Life
Find our best coverage specifically for baby-boomers, including tips, tools and webcasts.

Starting Out
Get off on the right financial foot when you're in your twenties and thirties.

Online auctions
Tell us your favorite online-auction story -- from discovering a rare treasure to selling Aunt Emma's china for a small fortune.

Look Ahead, Stay Ahead
The new Kiplinger Business Resource Center provides valuable forecasts and advice.

New Hybrids
See a preview of the LS600h L and other hybrids.