SMI's "Bear Alert" indicator recently triggered, meaning that a bear market appears likely (the indicator has been accurate 11 out of the 12 times it has sounded in the past 50 years). How should you respond to a possible market reversal? Do you need to respond at all? The answer depends on several factors. This month, we discuss these factors — and help you work through an objective process for making a "sound mind" decision about your investing strategy.

Consistently spending time with the Lord each morning leads to experiencing His presence throughout the day in fresh and life-giving ways. God will open the eyes of your heart, so that you may see — and delight in — His love and faithfulness.

SMI's Upgrading strategy does a great job positioning investors for the dominant trend of the market, whether bullish or bearish. But when the market trend reverses, it takes time for Upgrading to adjust. That process appears to be underway right now.

Giving your broker ahead-of-time orders can help you buy at better prices and protect your profits. But watch out — sometimes automated orders can work against you.

Short-term bond funds pay higher yields than money-market funds and accounts — but they can suffer temporary losses when interest rates fluctuate. Still, it's rare for a short-term bond fund to lose money over a two-year period. That's what makes these funds good vehicles for longer-term savings.

Because of the emphasis placed on credit scores by lenders, landlords, and employers, knowing your score — or at least one version of it — is a smart move. We explain the options for finding out how you rate.

You and your spouse may have never discussed that someday one of you is likely to be a widow or a widower. Talking now about the financial transition that will occur when that happens can make matters much easier for the surviving spouse.