TIPS: For nearly risk-free assets, try inflation-protected Treasuries

MIDWEEK NOTES and quotes about your money:

"For the long-term investor, Treasury inflation-protected securities [TIPS] are the closest thing to a risk-free asset." (William Lloyd, research director, Barclays Capital.)

"It's worthwhile to remember that mutual funds and fund managers are best judged over many years, not months." (Money, August)

"Don't worry; tax refunds are just around the corner. Nothing makes me feel more confident than $300 in my pocket. With that kinda money, a fella could live for a week. Why worry? Keep spending." (Mark Rostenko, The Sovereign Strategist)

"Volatile markets or no, 63 percent of 401(k) participants told pollsters they would maintain current contributions, another 27 percent said they'd hike theirs." (Kiplinger's Personal Finance)

"I see a bull market that could last nine to 12 months. As long as the economy avoids a recession, there will still be a profit in stocks." (The Maverick Investor)

"The stock market fluctuates around a `mean' established by fundamental values. On that score we're going to see something a lot more ugly and traumatic than just a bear market." (International Speculator)

"Analysts' estimates for the first half of 2002 are far too bullish. Despite the conventional wisdom that the market has bottomed, we're not out of the woods yet." (Zack's Advisor)