Get set now to thrive in better times

Monday, June 29, 2009

5 cheapest Dow stocks: Dogs or darlings?
Is inflation our next big worry?
How to get a $2,500 tuition rebate
Has Apple won the smart-phone wars?

Perhaps it's that the gloom has been with us for way too long, but I'm going to encourage you to take a look at a bit of optimism from Jon Markman this week and read "Cheer up -- and start thinking 2010."

Admitting that he's giving voice to at least a little "crazy, lopsided optimism," Jon finds evidence of those economic "green shoots" people keep talking about in the fact that some companies that made it through hard times are seeing great business opportunities and acting on them.

And he finds hope in some of the latest economic numbers -- including the possibility that businesses will start hiring before long.

But most critically, he points out that smart investors are even now setting up for the future rather than simply holding on: "The next six months might loom for you like a rickety rope ladder strung across a windblown canyon. Yet to the folks who will end up as big winners next year, it looks like the opportunity of a lifetime."

If you want to join them, the time to act is now. Or rather, after a quick look at Jon's column.

As I always, I welcome your input on this or any other aspect of MSN Money. Send me an e-mail anytime.

Richard Jenkins, editor-in-chief

Also new on MSN Money

IS IT SAFE? Of course, optimism was easy while the market was rallying on. Now things seem to be stalling out or perhaps pulling back. SmartMoney looks at the key signs that pros watch to decide when it's buying time; read "Is it safe to buy stocks again?"

WHAT TO BUY? That's, of course, always the rub. Something goes up in the market every day, but finding it isn't always easy. Tim Middleton makes the argument that you need to "Go global to grow your portfolio."

DOLLAR BIN: Optimism doesn't mean you shouldn't have a contingency plan. Donna Freedman suggests stocking the cabinets with rations purchased pretty much with spare change, so you can eat when lean times or late-night hunger strike. Read "The dollar food pantry."

This newsletter provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what's going on at MSN Money. We alert you to new features on the site and articles on high-value topics, often before they're published. Subscribers also have a unique opportunity to share their thoughts with us and to influence the work that we do. Click here to sign up for a free e-mail subscription.