CR Money Special Publication: Rebuild Your Finances

(p. 4). Forget what you’ve learned, CR has 10 rules for a changed economy including negotiate the price on everything, don’t educate your kids at the expense of your retirement, and diversify your skill portfolio, not just your stock portfolio. CRM-Rebuild Your Finances Cover

PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT: (p. 13). Tips to protect yourself from credit-card tricks plus best low-rate and cash-back cards.

HOW TO SPEND LESS ON EVERYTHING: (p. 16). CR’s expert advice on how to cut costs including haggling tips, Internet shopping tricks, and ways to save at the supermarket.

RECESSION-PROOF YOUR JOB: (p. 20). Tips to battle the pink slip by making sure your employer knows how indispensable you are.

BUYING, SELLING, OR STAYING PUT: (p. 32). CR’s tips on how to protect yourself in today’s rocky real-estate market for sellers, buyers, and those who choose to stay put.

AVOID MARITAL MONEY STRESS: (p. 41). New research warns that money can ruin the love you have. To keep your marriage from becoming another casualty of the economic downturn, CR offers tips for couples including split expenses fairly, have a Plan B, and see a certified financial planner.

MAKE A REALISTIC PLAN TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE: (p. 45). College costs are way up, but you don’t need to jeopardize your retirement to educate your kids. CR provides savings strategies for parents of older and younger children plus a round-up of the best and worst 529 plans.

MAKE A PLAN FOR THE LONG HAUL: (p. 55). Now is the perfect time to reassess your retirement investment strategy based on your age and goals. CR provides a worksheet on how to create a retirement budget as well as tips for young, middle-aged, and older investors.

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