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MAGAZINE:  CONTENTS  WEB LINKS   PAST ISSUES   TRY A FREE ISSUE   SUBSCRIBER HELP  
Kiplinger*s Personal Finance, October 2004

Inside the October Issue...

INVESTING | YOUR MONEY | REWARDS

 AHEAD

Signs of a Close Election
No matter who wins, political gridlock in Washington is likely. And financial markets love gridlock. MORE...

For Investors, a Big Year-End Bonus
In December, Microsoft will make the largest dividend payout in history. What next for the technology giant? MORE...

Home Security
Before buying a new house, make sure it qualifies for insurance. MORE...

Steady Income for Your Golden Years
A proposed tax break would give retirees an attractive alternative for their savings. MORE...

The Fail-Proof Luggage Finder
With cutting-edge technology, airlines will have an easier time making sure your baggage doesn't get sidetracked. MORE...

Trial Run for Rx Drug Coverage
Win this lottery, and you'll get to test-drive an early version of medicare Part D. MORE...

PERFECT YOUR PORTFOLIO
Wipe Out Your Income Shortfall
Pay off debt, make ends meet. MORE...


 INVESTING

Simple Is Beautiful
You want to handle your own investments. But your free time is precious and you'd really rather spend it with your family. Relax. We have five set-and-forget plans that will put you on track to reach your goals. One could be just right for you. MORE...

Who's The Best Online Broker?
We rate nine of the biggest players and two small firms on the basis of what matters most to investors. The result: If you have a modest portfolio, a small, low-profile firm scores the highest. But if you have $500,000 or more to invest, we give the nod to one of the brokerage giants. MORE...

Vanguard Wants It All
The second-largest fund company built its reputation on indexing. Now Vanguard wants to sell low-cost financial planning. Should you take it up on the offer? MORE...

Commentary
Questions for Your Adviser: Fund Insights, by Ken Gregory and Steve Savage MORE...
Curses! The Second Derivative: Going Long, by Jeremy J. Siegel MORE...

More on investing your money
Portfolio: values stocks ... J.C. Penney turns a corner ... CoolBrands courts new suitors ... Update: six blue chips bounce back ... Commerce Bancorp hits a speed bump ... Stay in school stocks ... Two TCW funds proceed with caution.

 YOUR MONEY

Could You Downsize?
You may decide one of you would like to stay home with the kids -- or your company may decide for you. In either case, if falling back to one income could be in the cards, lay a firm financial foundation now by figuring out ways to tap all your resources and cut back on expenses. Just make sure you leave some cash for small splurges. MORE...

Keep The Money Flowing
Most gurus have pegged the magic number for annual withdrawals in retirement at a modest 4% of your nest egg. But you may be able to safely spend more. See how an immediate annuity can pump up your monthly income. MORE...

Ask Kim:
This month Kimberly Lankford answers your questions on when Roth IRA money is tax-free, who can cash U.S. savings bonds, where to find an individual 401(k), whether to roll a student loan on to a low-rate credit card, how to manage carry-over capital losses and what to do with Baby Bell stock. MORE...

More on managing your money
In the race to manage your money, it's Quicken by a nose ... What the new check-processing law means to you ... Update: the Hummer writeoff ... Dealing with soaring long-term-care premiums ... How to secure a credit history ... On the line: calls to get out the vote.


 REWARDS

At Home With The New Porsche
Our car editor takes the redesigned 911 Carrera for a spin in its natural habitat. Beginning in the fabled home of the Pied Piper, he steers along narrow, twisting roads -- and, at 150 mph, navigates the German autobahn. MORE...

Wireless Made Easy
Networking your home PCs gives you greater convenience and flexibility. And these new Wi-Fi systems are secure and easy to install. MORE...

Saving Face
There is no fountain of youth. But our expert recommends lotions that can turn back the hands of time. The first commandment: Think sunscreen. MORE...

Travel
How to actually get somewhere with your frequent-flier miles. MORE...

My Story
I was mowed down by the Jeopardy juggernaut. MORE...

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