America is emerging from an unprecedented period of economic turbulence. Life as we knew it -- and became accustomed to in the roaring nineties -- changed in 2001. We witnessed the devaluation of Internet companies, the collapse of the stock market, massive layoffs, recession, and an international war on terrorism, fear and insecurity at home and in the marketplace.

From the Wall Street investment banker to the single working mom, from the Silicon Valley venture capitalist to the Main Street small business owner, from the baby boomer fast approaching retirement to the unemployed twentysomething software engineer, everyone wants to know the same thing: what should I do with my money now?

In their trademark amusing style, David and Tom Gardner answer this critical question and recommend a dozen quick steps readers can take to survive economic uncertainty, secure their personal finances, and sandbag their portfolios. The Gardners offer a snapshot view of the business and money world in early 2002. They take us through the rise and fall of the American markets and economy, offer lessons to act upon now, and provide a look ahead to the future with some timely and perhaps more timeless thoughts on the right perspective to take as an investor and businessperson. Along the way, they address such important issues as:

• What should be done about debt in the short term?
• Is this the time to snatch up stock market bargains?
• Bonds, T-bills, CDs, savings accounts -- does it make sense to be conservative?
• Are any mutual funds sure bets?
• Why you should believe in America more than ever

No matter what life stage you are in or your level of investing expertise...