Book excerpt: "Bear-Proof Investing"002864204X For years, it was hard not to make money in the stock market-then suddenly, investors began asking "Now what do I do?" With high-tech stocks fizzling and utilities and blue chips falling to embarrassing lows, investors watched retirement dreams change as accounts reversed double-digit growth rates. In "Bear-Proof Investing," you'll learn: economic and market indicators you should watch, how to handle short-term financial goals, age-appropriate strategies for retirement planning, safe vehicles for short-term cash reserves, how to decide what to hold and what to fold, how to fatten your portfolio in a bear market, and signs of an upturn and how to grab the bull by the horns.