Kiplinger

• Mounting U.S. Debt Raising Concerns
  Rating agencies say a downgrade from the top rating is unlikely but is no longer out of the question.
  
• A Contrarian Manager's Top 4 Picks
  Russell Croft's value approach leads to energy stocks and a few surprises.
  
• A Tax Write-off for Storm Damage
  Victims of Tropical Storm Fay might be able to deduct losses that aren't reimbursed by insurance.
  
• The Last Word on Kids and Cash
  What your children need to know about money and how to teach them.
  
• Parents of Young Children: Test Your Reflexes
  From allowances to gifts to spending, take our QUIZ to see if you know how to handle these real-life experiences, and start raising your own money-smart kid.
  
• Parents of Preteens & Teens: Test Your Reflexes
  From credit cards and cars to allowances and part-time jobs, take our quiz to see if you're prepared for these common kid-and-money experiences. You just might learn something that'll help you teach your kids the skills they need to succeed.
  
• How Kids Trick Their Parents
  They know how to get what they want. Here's how you can keep control for both your children's and your sake.
  
• Look Out for Brake on Growth
  The recent collapse of trade talks could mean slower growth worldwide. The best hope is for the U.S. to pursue bilateral deals.
  
• Fewer and Fewer Getting Health Insurance from Employers
  The government's new report on the uninsured is good news -- until you start to look behind the numbers.
  
• Time to Buy Homebuilder Stocks?
  The battered shares of two companies look promising for the long term.
  
• Back-To-School Shopping Lessons
  Take this golden opportunity to give kids hands-on experience in managing money.
  
• Funds That Keep It Simple
  The ultimate in convenience: a single fund that exposes you to a spectrum of stocks and bonds.
  
• 7 Secrets to Picking Great Funds
  These methods will help you choose wisely and give your portfolio a boost. Some may surprise you.
  
• New Ways to Tap Savings
  Retirement-income funds let you convert your kitty into steady income.
  
• Jensen Portfolio Keeps It Simple
  Leave the market frenzy behind. This fund looks for durable businesses, holds them for the long haul and delivers decent returns.