AHEAD

The Other Benefits Mess
A new regulation forces government retirement plans to reveal the cost of their health-benefit promises for the first time.

Why Interest Rates Are Headed Up
Recent yields on ten-year Treasury notes haven't been higher since the spring of 2002. But don't lock in yet.

Mortgage Bank of Mom and Dad
Stricter lenders are sending kids back to the roost -- for a handout.

High-End Cards With Snob Appeal
Credit-card issuers sweeten rewards with access to bigwigs.

Relocating on the Boss's Dime
Employers help you sell your house to get you to move.

Should I Replace Stolen Music Free?
Money and Ethics, by Knight Kiplinger

What You Need to Know About Paying Bills Online
The Lowdown, by Mark K. Solheim

Getting off on the Right Foot
Portfolio Doctor, by Jeffrey R. Kosnett

The Place to Be Is Energy
Opening Shot, by James K. Glassman

INVESTING

Winning Over and Over and Over
We feature 35 funds that take the trophy for consistent results over the long haul. Some even made money for investors during the lean years of the recent market bust.

Making Money Anywhere
These fund managers defy pigeonholing in their search for good buys.

Best Online Brokers for Fund Investors
Siebert and Fidelity stand out for low fees, selection of no-load funds and investor-friendly Web sites.

Fund Investing Made Easy
Four sure-fire ways to get started in the markets without a lot of cash.

And the Winners Are ...
Our six-page foldout lists the best U.S. and international stock funds in ten categories for one, three, five, ten and 20 years.

COMMENTARY
A Trio of Funds for All Seasons Mutual Funds, by Russel Kinnel

YOUR MONEY

Ready, Set, Retire
As you start your countdown to retirement, cover your bases. Retirement seminars at work may help you plan a strategy that ensures your savings won't run out. And if it looks as if you might fall short, relax. it's not too late to boost your next egg.

The Best Way to Save for College
State-sponsored 529 plans are still the way to go -- but be prepared when the time comes to match withdrawals to student expenses. Plus: Five great plans.

Money-Smart Kids
Tough love for college frosh, by Janet Bodnar.

Ask Kim
This month Kimberly Lankford answers your questions about cell-phone billing, avoiding "value trap" stocks, paying capital gains on home-sale profits and taking a deduction for a 529 college-savings account.

REWARDS

Best Midsize Sedans
As 2008 models roll into showrooms, you still can get a great deal on a 2007. We rate seven new or recently redesigned cars on price, power, safety, comfort, fuel economy and resale value.

Adventures in Medical Travel
Americans head overseas for five-star medical care at Motel 6 prices.

MY STORY
Investing With Nickels and Dimes Earl Crawley amassed a stock portfolio worth more than $500,000 -- on just a $20,000 annual income.

ONLINE EXTRAS

Mutual Fund Rankings
See the top 25 performers over one, three and five years and sort them by key criteria.

College Planning
Find the best values, then get essential information on how to pay the bill.

Build Your Budget
Our guide helps you evaluate your spending, create a plan and squeeze out extra cash.

On the Job
Career coach and best-selling author Marty Nemko tells you how to get ahead in the workplace.

What $500,000 Buys You Now
Falling home prices make luxury more affordable. See our slide show.

Cheap Ways to Go Green
You don't have to be rich to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle.