This book is for novice investors and for those who are rethinking their investments in response to market uncertainty. Personal finance columnist Kathy Kristof takes the mystery and anxiety out of investing by keeping the choices manageable and the focus on what matters most: knowing when to buy and sell; protecting your money; and reaching your goals safely and sooner. She walks readers through the entire investment cycle and helps you think about your entire financial life and how different investments might help you reach your goals. This expanded edition has new information about 529 college savings plans, annuities, Roth IRAs, reverse mortgages, and why declining markets can be good for you.  It includes a cautionary look at home mortgages as investments. There’s even a portfolio for the lazy investor. Kristof’s loyal readership and the success of this book’s first edition demonstrate that she understands what’s on the minds of investors as intimately as she knows what’s happening in financial markets.