Auction-Rate Mess Reminds Buyers to Still Beware: John F. Wasik Some investments need a plain- language warning sticker that you find on a stepladder or a crib.

College Bills Might Be Clearer, Never Cheaper: John F. Wasik Better tools to help you find the best college values are coming, but you will have to supply the mental muscle to make them work.

Climate-Change Investing Is Wrong-Headed Move: John F. Wasik My neighbor was palpably proud of himself when he mentioned at a backyard barbeque he had bought a specialized fund that invested in a solar-energy company.

Greenspan's `Age of Froth' Is Over for Decade: John F. Wasik One of the most humbling challenges we scribes face is to attach a meaningful name to an era.

`Leveraged Bailout' Won't End Mortgage Madness: John F. Wasik Congressional leaders and regulators have to be feeling a little like the superhero Batman, as depicted in the stunning blockbuster ``The Dark Knight.''

Dividend Funds Can't Avoid the Bears: John F. Wasik (Correct) The bear is on the loose. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index has dropped 14 percent this year, inflation is accelerating, home foreclosures and unemployment are rising, and banks are going bust.

This Summer Finance Reading Is Too Hot for Beach: John F. Wasik Unlike a lot of people who indulge in light reading during summer, I tackle subjects that most people would normally avoid during the dog days.

Shakespeare Alfresco Brings Midsummer Magic to Dairy Country You know you've had an enchanting outdoor Shakespeare experience when, after the final blackout, everyone looks up at the stars and collectively sighs.

Discounted Mortgage Notes Can Stop Foreclosures: John F. Wasik Where politicians and bankers see vexing liabilities in defaulted mortgages and foreclosures, Robert Lee sees opportunities as he picks up the pieces of the housing bust.

Tune Out Bad Financial Advice for Summer Tune-Up: John F. Wasik Normally this is the time I recommend a midyear financial tune-up.