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Give yourself a holiday present: Act before Jan. 1 to minimize what you'll pay Uncle Sam in April.

The markets' wild swings are a challenge to even the most seasoned investor. The only constant is change, but well-planned moves can still pay off.

I'm closing my short position in a long bond ETF, as the recent Fed move has propped up Treasurys. Meanwhile, I'm waiting for the approaching bear market rally.

Investors should watch for certain clues that a market turnaround is near. When those appear, my screen can uncover companies that seem poised for big gains.

You may have felt a chill as banks cut back on credit, and those lower limits can hurt you in more ways than one. Here's how to recover your borrowing ability.

Wall Street titans that have taken taxpayer cash are squandering money on spa retreats, golden parachutes and more. Weren't the huge bailouts supposed to be spent on saving the economy?

As credit card companies move to limit their risks, business owners face unpleasant surprises from their credit card providers.

OPEC's output cuts do nothing for oil prices. Investors shrug off Morgan Stanley's big loss; Citigroup falls on more worries about its health. As interest rates slip, the dollar drops against the yen and euro. Obama will name Mary Schapiro to lead the SEC.

The cost of gold has doubled in the past three years because of rising uncertainty in the financial markets. Like many jewelers, John Christian has had to raise prices, putting a dent in demand. The company, which is based in Austin, saw its sales of gold and platinum rings and pendants drop 13% in 2007 to $5.2 million.

Last spring, Gregory Nemitz asked Fortune Small Business to help him boost revenues for his online beef jerky business ("Space Jerky?" March 2008). Nemitz, 51, was frustrated with his sales, which totaled about $150,000 in 2007. There were plenty of unique visitors to his Web site, beefjerky.com, but about 99% of them weren't buying anything. How could he get them to spend their money?

Apple is refusing to confirm rumors it will sell its smart phone through the retail giant -- a move that would trade the cachet of the iPhone for mass-market exposure.

Several beaten-down telecoms and financials hold great potential for investors, but I'm still staying bearish on most corporate stocks. A safer bet: Corporate bonds and preferred shares.

Ideally, shopping with your children teaches them they can't always get what they want when they want it. Here's how to make that lesson less painful -- for them and for you.

Many stores have loosened their return policies this year, but you still need to pay attention to the fine print. Make it easier on yourself with these pointers.