Despite a steady six-month rally, lots of investors still haven't jumped back into equities. While plenty of official economic reports say things are getting better, these investors are following other signs -- often closer to home -- that say beware.

Two years after the markets hit bottom on March 9, 2009, stock prices have rebounded significantly. But will the bull market keep rolling, or is a bear around the corner? Truth is, there's just as much uncertainty now as there was then.

Skyrocketing prices don't have to bring only pain. Investors can also find some relief with investments that can benefit from oil's recent -- and likely future -- increases. Here are some ETFs and mutual funds worth considering, based on performance, risk and cost.

Finally, a couple of forces are joining to brighten the sector's outlook. Particularly, a lack of new building is tightening supply and improving economic conditions are creating reasons for existing properties to rise in value.

The IRS has eased its tax lien policy, giving taxpayers and businesses more opportunities to pay unpaid taxes before being hit with a lien. But while the changes should provide some welcome relief to newly struggling taxpayers, they're unlikely to help those who are already the subject of a lien.

A temporary change in the tax code is creating a sweet opportunity. Through 2012, the amount you can give in tax-free gifts jumps from $1 million to $5 million. In this video, Kevin Sanderford, principal of Colorado West Investments, explains how you can take advantage of this "two-year window."

Among the questions investors now face: How much rally is left in cotton since skyrocketing 171% already in a year? Among the variables to consider are weather, demand and how much more land gets devoted to cotton. Analysts point to better and worse ways to play this commodity.

In today's shaky real estate market, more and more homeowners are becoming landlords, often as an unexpected necessity. Whether you're renting out your old house, an investment property or even a single room, being the landlord means tax breaks -- and you should take every one you can.

If you wish you could become a saver and investor, but you don't know where to begin, the Alliance for Investor Education wants to help: As part of its America Saves Week, the AIE has released its list of the top 10 online resources to help consumers build up their savings.

A recent survey suggests many would-be retirees feel they'll have to work at least four years longer than they originally planned due to the recent economic downturn. And this is for folks with $500,000 to $5 million in assets. People with no nest egg will toil even longer.