Andrew Leckey

Q. A friend suggested that I invest in Marsico Focus Fund. What's your opinion of that fund? J.R., via the Internet A. Its stock-picker is its biggest strength. Tom Marsico...

For several holiday seasons, adoring parents and grandparents have given youngsters well-intentioned investment gifts that turned out to be coal in their stockings. Returns of various college investment vehicles that...

Q. I'm heavily invested in Treasury bonds and concerned about the possibility of rising interest rates. Can you tell me what "par value" means and how it relates to the...

Time's running out. And I don't just mean time for finding the right sweater for Mom, computer game for Junior or collar for Fido. You'll suffer taxpayer remorse next April...

Q. I'm an older investor who owns shares of Putnam Income "A." What's your opinion of the fund and should I be concerned about the problems at its fund company?...

Q. With technology stocks doing well again, can we expect Cisco Systems Inc. to lead the way? -- J.R., via the Internet A. There is genuine cause for optimism at...

Attention, shoppers and investors: In retailing, 2003 is a year to be hip. Urban Outfitters Inc. shares are up 193 percent this year; Chico's FAS Inc., 80 percent; Hot Topic...

Q. I'm concerned about expenses associated with state-sponsored 529 college savings plans. What should I know about them and how do I go about comparing the expenses of different state...

Stunned by a market-timing and late-trading scandal of massive settlements, class-action lawsuits and executive resignations, investors are yanking billions of dollars out of mutual funds. At the same time, the...

Q. I'm in the process of paying off a personal loan for $15,000 at 9.75 percent and a maxed-out credit card with a $4,300 balance of 4 percent. I'm thinking...