STOCKS

Forget P/E. James O'Shaughnessy says price/sales is the best way to find cheap stocks to buy. These now obscure small tech firms have big potential. All they need are some decent earnings. Get all the mileage you can out of that favorable 15% rate on dividends--harvest six quarterly dividends per year. The crafty souls at alpine woods show how. Richard Keiser of Sanford Bernstein's tech brain trust says the next big thing is technologies that fight global warming.

International

If you want to get into far-off markets like India and Poland, don't be passive about it, says David Riedel. His guerrilla squad of analysts picks off stocks one company at a time.

• Video: Making Mine Money

To Oakmark's global fund, Switzerland is in, China is out.

COMMODITIES

Canadian stocks give you an entree to copper, gold and silver mines in Latin America.

BONDS

You want the potential for capital gains but some protection if the stock market falls apart. Convertibles are for you--provided you know there's no free lunch.

IPO

Private equity walks on water. But more of its new issues sink like a stone than you would think. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

Retirement

These days even cocksure baby boomers are looking for retirement advice. How to find the best blueprint for you.

• In Pictures: Best Places For Retirees

Mutual Funds

This year's market volatility is agitating even the most steeled investors. Here are some funds to let you sleep better at night--and still beat the market.

Taxes

You can use tax and financing tricks to make the slide in house values far less depressing.

• In Pictures: How To Respond To Dropping House Values

Real Estate

The residential market is falling. But not all property is cursed. Consider buying an office building instead.

Alternative Investing

Farmland is a great way to play the commodities boom. It helps to have a ten-year horizon and an interest in things like debt-to-pig ratios. Liquor auctions are back in New York City. This presents investors with more than a drinking opportunity.

• In Pictures: The Most Expensive Bottles Of Wines And Spirits

FLINGS

You can turn your favorite sport into a business--but it helps to have a separate source of income.

Video

Making Mine Money
How investors can strike gold on Latin America's hot mining stocks.

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