Inside the December Issue...

INVESTING | YOUR MONEY | REWARDS

Cash in Your Free Air Miles
US Airways flies to 182 destinations around the world. Pick one (or more) for a trip before the carrier runs out of money. MORE...

Face of the Future
This physicist-turned-entrepreneur uses biometric technology to prove you're unique. MORE...

Energy Prices Heat up
Higher natural-gas prices this winter mean higher home heating bills -- and a whole lot more. MORE...

Get Your Car Ready for a Fast Giveaway
Donate a vehicle to a worthy cause before the end of the year to maximize your charitable deduction for 2004. MORE...

High School ABCs: AP, SAT, ATM
Students who forget their lunch money can get quick cash from the bank machine on their way to the cafeteria. MORE...

Fashion for a Song
Stylish European stores offer Americans bargain prices on everything from groceries to haute-couture knockoffs. MORE...

Mad Money
A look back at the quirky financial news of 2004. MORE...

PERFECT YOUR PORTFOLIO
When a Lot of Cash Makes Sense
If you own a business, limit your other risks. MORE...

Commentary
Dow 36,000 -- Unrepentant: Opening Shot, by James K. Glassman MORE...

21st-Century Landlords
The strong housing market makes renting out property look attractive. Before you plunge in, read this, so you do it right. MORE...

Where Cash is King
Five companies whose cash-generating power makes them great investments. See all the ways they can reward you. MORE...

If It Smells Like...
Real estate partnerships are in vogue again. Watch out! MORE...

Commentary
When Not to Ditch a Fund: Fund Insights, by Ken Gregory and Steve Savage MORE...
The Slam Dunk That Wasn't: Going Long, by Jeremy J. Siegel MORE...

More on investing your money
Portfolio: sin stocks ... Ad agency Interpublic tries to turn a corner ... Do Merck's problems make it a bargain? ... Fidelity simplifies bond trading.

Last Chance to Trim Your Taxes
The right moves before December 31 can save you plenty come next year. Plus: Learn which endangered tax cuts dodged a bullet thanks to legislation that just became law. MORE...

Bonus Babies
A look at how dollar-wise professional athletes manage the windfalls that arrive as signing bonuses and rich contracts. What they know could help you when your turn for a lucky break comes up. MORE...

Commentary
Mission Nearly Accomplished: Money-Smart Kids, by Janet Bodnar MORE...

Ask Kim:
This month Kimberly Lankford answers your questions about investing in shares of beleaguered Fannie Mae, deducting uninsured losses from hurricane damage, retracting an IRA contribution when your income shoots up, handling unsolicited stuff that arrives in the mail, tapping your 401(k) to buy a house and insuring against weapons of mass destruction. MORE...

More on managing your money
Making the most of a raise or bonus ... Tax break for no-tax states ... Charitable donations go online ... Selling your life-insurance policy.

BUYER'S GUIDE: Wheel and deal
This year, nearly 50 new or redesigned cars compete with hundreds of others for your attention. We rate the best of the bunch, based on performance, value and real-world driving impressions. And we reveal how to get the best deal when you buy. MORE...

BUYER'S GUIDE: All The Facts
Dealer cost versus actual sales prices, service and insurance costs, resale values, fuel-efficiency ratings and other key facts, so you can decide which car, SUV, station wagon or minivan matches your dreams and your pocketbook. MORE...

Yule Haul
This holiday season, look here for cool gift-giving ideas, from megazoom digital cameras to great-grip golf gloves to chocolates that taste as good as they look. MORE...

My Story
My business was wiped out by an act of God. MORE...