With 2008 starting out badly, many are taking a longer view. Portfolio managers may be dizzy after the recent gymnastics in a market that's had an unhappy new year.

If you can't stick to that New Year's resolution, try putting your money where your mouth is. Over the years, I've had a lot of trouble keeping off weight. I'd go on a serious diet and lose dozens of pounds fairly quickly, but usually most of it would come back on within a year.

Fear of losing money has dominated investors' emotions in the new year, which has translated into wrecked stock markets worldwide.

Major stock indexes are down more than 10% from their '07 highs. Some say the scene is set for a bigger drop. The stock market's gloomy start to the new year worsened Tuesday as share prices plunged on more worries about the financial system and the economy.

There was no new-year honeymoon for stock investors Wednesday as oil spiked to $100 a barrel and a weak manufacturing report fanned fresh concerns about a possible recession.

Dozens of states, counties and cities across the nation will enter the new year facing deep and unexpected budget holes as the widening mortgage crisis cuts sharply into tax revenue.

Want to take up tap dancing? Watch less TV? Train for a marathon? Now's your chance. If you still haven't made a New Year's resolution, steal an idea from our readers.

Tax revenue is down considerably across the nation, creating budget shortfalls and forcing hard choices on what to cut. Dozens of states, counties and cities across the nation will enter the new year facing deep and unexpected budget holes as the widening mortgage crisis cuts sharply into tax revenue.

I nvestors typically face a new year with a mix of hope and apprehension.

This week's data on investment bank earnings, the housing downturn and inflation will help investors decide how the economy and corporate America are faring as they head into the new year.