Sell before the holidays. Stock prices tend to rise on the last trading day before major holidays.

Invest in vanity. Buy stocks in high-profile companies whose products are designed to make you feel good and look good.

When a corporation goes into the marketplace to buy back its own stock, it means management thinks the stock is undervalued. This is a smart time to buy.

If you're uncomfortable with your financial advisor, it's probably with good reason.

Bulls make money and bears make money, but pigs seldom do. When a stock or mutual fund is up 30%, sell one-quarter of your position.

Bet on black. Buy low-debt or no-debt companies. When the economy is in trouble, these companies usually have enough cash on hand to stay out of trouble. And they seldom need to borrow when interest rates are high.

Invest less at the end of the month. Brokers tend to push stocks at the end of the month in an effort to match or surpass their previous month's sales.