AHEAD

The Squeeze on Homeowners
Feel backed into a corner by property taxes that are rising even as home prices fall? If you think your assessment is unfair, appeal it.

Maxed Out on Personal Debt
A director finds few happy endings in a film about America's love-hate relationship with easy credit.

On-Call Banker
Banking is now as close as your Internet-enabled cell phone.

The New Rules on Investment Accounts
My broker says I have to close my one-fee-does-it-all account. What's up?

Main Street Stocks
A new index gives amateur stock pickers a benchmark.

Preapproved? Think Again
It turns out that you sometimes really aren't qualified to buy that house.

Should You Honor Mom's Last Wishes?
Money and Ethics, by Knight Kiplinger

What You Need to Know About Buying Music Online
The Lowdown, by Mark Solheim

Angling for an Early Retirement
Portfolio Doctor, by Jeffrey R. Kosnett

Supersize Your Stocks
Opening Shot, by James K. Glassman

INVESTING

7 Under-the-Radar Stocks
These unloved and undervalued companies suffer from a lack of attention from Wall Street -- which could mean a golden opportunity for you to make a killing.

Savvy Ways to Tap Your Retirement Savings
Building your nest egg was half the battle. Now invest the cash to ensure a stream of income.

Own Your Piece of Paradise
Spend lazy days fishing, hiking and swimming (or maybe clearing brush) and watch your land appreciate in value.

COMMENTARY
No Quick Fix for High Prices My Point of View, by Knight Kiplinger
Thrilled and Appalled Promised Land, by Andrew Feinberg
New Life for Broken Funds Mutual Funds, by Russel Kinnel

YOUR MONEY

You Can Get Health Coverage
Forget the horror stories. Even if you don't have group coverage or you have a medical issue, you can find an affordable policy.

Rating the Online Retirement Planners
These tools promise a snapshot of your retirement needs. But we found the images they produce a little out of focus. Plus: What you'll pay and what you get.

Planning for Your Disabled Child
Mapping out a detailed estate plan with a special-needs adviser ensures your peace of mind -- and assures your child a comfortable and worry-free future.

Ask Kim
This month Kimberly Lankford answers your questions about starting a mutual fund, rolling over IRA money to a health savings account and collecting Social Security spousal benefits after a divorce.

REWARDS

What $1,000 Can Do
You could put a new rug in a second-grade classroom or bankroll a baker in Ecuador. Or maybe you'd like to invest in yourself or your children, or take a flier on some cheap stocks. You could even make a mini movie. In all, we've got 35 great ways to put that money to work -- or play.

The Well-Equipped Home Office
We recommend a variety of PCs, printers, scanners and phone plans to suit your work space, work style and budget.

MY STORY
This Man Stole My Identity David Dahlstrom endured 17 years of personal-finance hell while an impersonator bounced bad checks, ran up credit-card bills and worse.

ONLINE EXTRAS

What Would You Do With $1,000?
Enter our contest with your best idea and your wish could become reality.

Open Spaces
Dreaming of buying your own backwoods retreat? Our slide show offers an overview of what's available.

Kiplinger 25
Our new online center provides regular updates on the Kiplinger 25, our favorite no-load mutual funds.

Listen to Podcasts
Get audio files of selected stories, including a behind-the-scenes podcast about out cover story each month.

Money and Marriage 101
Whether you're a newlywed or about to tie the knot, learn how to merge and manage your finances.

Traveling solo
Strike out on your own. Get planning tips and view a slide show of 12 great destinations for solo travelers.

Ask Kim
Kimberly Lankford answers your personal finance questions twice a week.

Mutual Fund Rankings
View the top performers by type and style, and sort them by key criteria.

Online Webcast
Kimberly Lankford debunks health-insurance myths.

SPECIAL REPORT