http://moneycentral.msn.comInvesting & Personal Finance Articles by MSN ExpertsCopyright 2009 Microsoften-ushttp://sc.msn.com/global/c/lgpos/MSFT_pos.gifhttp://moneycentral.msn.comCommentaryIn the greatest trade ever, a New York hedge fund manager scored big betting on the housing collapse. Even average investors can learn from his tactics.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:25:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/PowerTools/8-lessons-from-a-20-billion-dollar-trade.aspxInvesting/PowerTools/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/PowerTools/8-lessons-from-a-20-billion-dollar-trade.aspxGregory Zuckerman, The Wall Street JournalAs the precious metal continues to soar, naysayers abound. But a few things need to happen before the yellow fever cools off.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:25:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/ContrarianChronicles/how-much-longer-can-gold-rise.aspxInvesting/ContrarianChronicles/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/ContrarianChronicles/how-much-longer-can-gold-rise.aspxBill FleckensteinThe automaker objects to being left off a list of the safest vehicles, saying the exclusion is 'extreme and misleading.' The tester defends its methods.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourCar/toyota-safety-group-squabble-over-ratings.aspxInsurance/InsureYourCar/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourCar/toyota-safety-group-squabble-over-ratings.aspxInsure.comInstead of burying a loved one with lots of smaller, not-so-special gifts, why not pool your resources with other folks to buy a truly memorable present? Start with these 9 ideas.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:49:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/FindDealsOnline/weston-give-one-good-gift-this-year.aspxSmartSpending/FindDealsOnline/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/FindDealsOnline/weston-give-one-good-gift-this-year.aspxLiz Pulliam WestonAn empire built on airs, the company has begun shunning its own image for hipper garb. But its big new style is decidedly down-market.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:45:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/whats-to-hate-about-starbucks.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/whats-to-hate-about-starbucks.aspxScott Reeves, MinyanvilleGift cards, a timeless and easy way to spread your love, are even better when you can nab them for half price -- or less. And the recipients will never know.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:27:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/13-ways-to-buy-gift-cards-for-less.aspxSavingandDebt/SaveMoney/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/13-ways-to-buy-gift-cards-for-less.aspxCreditCards.comMany investors are deeply suspicious of the 60% run-up in stocks this year and are itching to sell. But then what? Here's how to take some gains now while setting up a profitable 2010.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:16:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/3-step-strategy-for-a-twitchy-market.aspxInvesting/JubaksJournal/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/3-step-strategy-for-a-twitchy-market.aspxJim JubakEven if you never stop at one, the coffee lover in you benefits from the ubiquitous fuel stops -- because Starbucks created the demand that made your local coffee shop possible.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:09:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/whats-to-love-about-starbucks.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/whats-to-love-about-starbucks.aspxJustin Rohrlich, MinyanvilleCompared with a year ago, when panicked retailers slashed prices all over, deep discounts will be tougher to find this season. Here's how and where to spot bargains. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/FindDealsOnline/black-friday-deals-you-will-need-to-dig.aspxSmartSpending/FindDealsOnline/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/FindDealsOnline/black-friday-deals-you-will-need-to-dig.aspxMelinda FulmerAt the current rate, the system could be operating in the red in just a few years and exhaust its trust fund by 2037. Meanwhile, reform seems more difficult than ever.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:12:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/CreateaPlan/how-long-can-social-security-last.aspxRetirementandWills/CreateaPlan/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/CreateaPlan/how-long-can-social-security-last.aspxU.S. News & World ReportIf you find yourself behind on your mortgage, either route may seem like the wrong direction. But your choice will have a big impact. Here's how to make the right one.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:58:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/YourCreditRating/weston-foreclosure-or-bankruptcy-what-to-do.aspxBanking/YourCreditRating/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/YourCreditRating/weston-foreclosure-or-bankruptcy-what-to-do.aspxLiz Pulliam WestonThe era will be remembered for 2 burst financial bubbles and a rogue's gallery of scoundrels who rewarded themselves well and delivered very little.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:37:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/CompanyFocus/farewell-to-wall-streets-decade-of-hubris.aspxInvesting/CompanyFocus/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/CompanyFocus/farewell-to-wall-streets-decade-of-hubris.aspxMichael BrushAs the United States loses ground to the emerging markets of China, India and Brazil, the opportunities that beckon will spur more Americans to seek their fortunes there.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:15:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/markman-go-east-and-south-young-man.aspxInvesting/SuperModels/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/markman-go-east-and-south-young-man.aspxJon MarkmanThe midsized crossover was reviled as one of the worst cars of all time. But it represents the kind of risk-taking GM needs as it emerges from bankruptcy.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:25:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/will-the-aztek-lead-GM-into-the-future.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/will-the-aztek-lead-GM-into-the-future.aspxThe Big MoneySure, gold costs a lot more and gets most of the attention, but its white-metal sister could be the better buy today.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:32:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/will-silver-outshine-gold.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/will-silver-outshine-gold.aspxMarketWatch A new survey says the recession has led Americans to reassess their values, and many may find new joy in the holidays without frenetic bouts of shopping.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:08:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/dunleavey-say-no-to-the-holiday-mall-madness.aspxSavingandDebt/SaveMoney/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/dunleavey-say-no-to-the-holiday-mall-madness.aspxMP DunleaveyAre you more concerned about safety than supercharged returns? Here are 9 low-worry stock and bond funds, plus 3 of the market's steadiest stocks.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/MutualFunds/investments-that-let-you-sleep-tight.aspxInvesting/MutualFunds/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/MutualFunds/investments-that-let-you-sleep-tight.aspxKiplinger's Personal Finance MagazineEven gift cards can make creative gifts. And in these tighter times, nothing might say 'happy holidays' like help with groceries or health care bills.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:26:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/11-golden-rules-of-gift-card-giving.aspxSavingandDebt/SaveMoney/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/11-golden-rules-of-gift-card-giving.aspxCreditCards.comAt the height of the meltdown, the wealthy hid their cash and stopped spending. But luxury is back in style, and these 15 stocks will help you play that trend.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:27:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/FindHotStocks/the-rich-are-back-and-you-can-profit.aspxInvesting/FindHotStocks/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/FindHotStocks/the-rich-are-back-and-you-can-profit.aspxJames B. Stewart, SmartMoneyForget the recommended 4% annual drawdown of your nest egg. This strategy creates both guaranteed income and growth potential.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:18:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/InvestForRetirement/the-new-money-for-life-retirement-plan.aspxRetirementandWills/InvestForRetirement/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/InvestForRetirement/the-new-money-for-life-retirement-plan.aspxKiplinger's Personal Finance MagazineWhen China relaxes the peg that ties its currency to the US dollar, a lot of pent-up appreciation will be unleashed. If you're an investor, it'd be wise to make a move soon.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:36:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/let-china-put-money-in-your-pocket.aspxInvesting/JubaksJournal/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/let-china-put-money-in-your-pocket.aspxJim JubakThe Age of Retirement is over, and a new social revolution is afoot: A majority of boomers expect to earn a paycheck in retirement, and that's a good thing.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:58:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/CreateaPlan/the-case-against-retirement.aspxRetirementandWills/CreateaPlan/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/RetirementandWills/CreateaPlan/the-case-against-retirement.aspxBusinessWeek